Hitler's Speech at the Reichstag - December 2, 1938

Background Leading Up to Hitler's Speech at the Reichstag - December 2, 1938

Consolidation of Power: By December 1938, Adolf Hitler had solidified his control over Germany, having been in power for nearly six years. The Nazi regime had transformed the political landscape, suppressing opposition and centralizing authority.

Foreign Policy Successes: Hitler had achieved significant foreign policy successes, most notably the annexation of Austria (Anschluss) in March 1938 and the acquisition of the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia following the Munich Agreement in September 1938. These moves were part of his broader strategy to expand German territory and influence.

Military Buildup: The German military had undergone substantial rearmament and modernization, positioning Germany as a formidable power in Europe. Hitler's aggressive foreign policy and military buildup were aimed at reversing the perceived injustices of the Treaty of Versailles and restoring Germany's preeminence.

Key Points of Hitler's Speech:

Celebration of Achievements: Hitler began by celebrating the recent successes of the Nazi regime, particularly the peaceful annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland. He portrayed these achievements as victories for the German people and as steps toward the restoration of Germany's rightful place in Europe.

Critique of Opponents: Hitler criticized nations that opposed or condemned Germany's actions, particularly Britain and France. He accused these countries of hypocrisy and of trying to encircle and contain Germany. He argued that their opposition was driven by a desire to maintain their own dominance and to prevent Germany's resurgence.

Peaceful Intentions: Despite his aggressive foreign policy, Hitler framed Germany's actions as peaceful and justified. He claimed that Germany sought only to reunite ethnic Germans and to rectify the territorial injustices imposed by the Treaty of Versailles. He emphasized that Germany had no further territorial ambitions in Europe.

Economic Progress: Hitler highlighted the economic progress made under Nazi rule, pointing to improvements in employment, infrastructure, and industrial output. He credited the regime's policies with revitalizing the German economy and improving the standard of living for its citizens.

Call for National Unity: Emphasizing the importance of national unity and solidarity, Hitler called on the German people to continue supporting the Nazi regime. He stressed that the challenges ahead required the full cooperation and dedication of all Germans to achieve the nation's goals.

Analysis:

Legitimization of Expansion: Hitler's speech aimed to legitimize Germany's recent territorial expansions by portraying them as peaceful and justified actions. He sought to counter international criticism and to present Germany as a nation merely seeking to reunite its people and restore historical boundaries.

Critique of Opponents: By criticizing Britain and France, Hitler aimed to undermine their moral and political authority. He portrayed them as antagonistic and hypocritical, attempting to isolate and weaken Germany out of fear of its resurgence.

Economic Achievements: Highlighting economic progress served to bolster domestic support for the Nazi regime. By showcasing improvements in employment and infrastructure, Hitler sought to demonstrate the effectiveness of his policies and to strengthen the public's confidence in his leadership.

Appeal for Unity: The call for national unity was a strategic move to consolidate internal support and to ensure that the German people remained committed to the regime's goals. Hitler emphasized the collective effort required to overcome challenges and to secure Germany's future.

Overall, Hitler's speech at the Reichstag on December 2, 1938, was a carefully crafted address that aimed to celebrate recent successes, justify Germany's aggressive actions, and reinforce domestic support for the Nazi regime. It reflected his broader strategy of combining nationalist rhetoric with claims of peaceful intentions to achieve his expansionist objectives.