Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Hitler’s ideas and his role in the shaping of Nazi foreign policy.
Full specification wording
How far was Hitler’s foreign policy responsible for the Second World War?: Hitler’s ideas and his role in the shaping of Nazi foreign policy.
Hitler's ideas, set out in Mein Kampf and his Second Book, drove Nazi foreign policy: racial hierarchy, Lebensraum in eastern Europe and the USSR, destruction of the Treaty of Versailles, and…
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Hitler's ideas, set out in Mein Kampf and his Second Book, drove Nazi foreign policy: racial hierarchy, Lebensraum in eastern Europe and the USSR, destruction of the Treaty of Versailles, and creation of a Greater German Reich. He aimed to unite all German-speaking peoples (Anschluss, Sudetenland) and secure living space. As Führer, he set broad goals and intervened decisively, but policy was also shaped by others: Ribbentrop, Göring, the military and economic pressures.
What earns the marks
- Outlines Hitler's core ideas: racial hierarchy, Lebensraum, destruction of Versailles, and a Greater German Reich.
- Explains how these ideas translated into aims such as Anschluss, Sudetenland and eastward expansion.
- Assesses Hitler's role as Führer in setting goals and intervening in key decisions.
- Considers the influence of other figures and factors, including Ribbentrop, Göring, the military and economic pressures.
- Uses specific events to show Hitler's impact: rearmament (1935), Rhineland (1936), Anschluss and Munich (1938), Nazi–Soviet Pact (1939).
- Evaluates whether Nazi foreign policy was primarily Hitler's creation or the product of wider forces.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Treating Hitler as the sole decision-maker.
Put it right: Also consider the roles of Ribbentrop, Göring, the military and economic factors.
Ignoring the distinction between Hitler's long-term ideological goals and short-term tactical decisions.
Put it right: Separate aims from opportunistic actions.
Assuming Mein Kampf was a precise blueprint.
Put it right: Recognise it as an ideological statement that was adapted to circumstances.
Exam tips
- Use direct references to Hitler's writings and speeches to support your analysis.
- Balance structural factors with Hitler's personal role to reach a nuanced judgement.
- Link each policy example back to Hitler's ideas or his decision-making.
Try the lesson
The start of the How far was Hitler’s foreign policy responsible for the Second World War?: Hitler’s ideas and his role in the shaping of Nazi foreign policy. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
In Mein Kampf, Hitler set out a foreign policy goal of securing living space for the German people. Which term did he use for this concept of territorial expansion, particularly in eastern Europe?
Listen
Hitler's ideas, set out in Mein Kampf and his Second Book, drove Nazi foreign policy: racial hierarchy, Lebensraum in eastern Europe and the USSR, destruction of the Treaty of Versailles, and creation of a Greater German Reich. He aimed to unite all German-speaking peoples (Anschluss, Sudetenland) and secure living space. As Führer, he set broad goals and intervened decisively, but policy was also shaped by others: Ribbentrop, Göring, the military and economic pressures. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Outlines Hitler's core ideas: racial hierarchy, Lebensraum, destruction of Versailles, and a Greater German Reich. Explains how these ideas translated into aims such as Anschluss, Sudetenland and eastward expansion. Assesses Hitler's role as Führer in setting goals and intervening in key decisions. Considers the influence of other figures and factors, including Ribbentrop, Göring, the military and economic pressures. A common slip: Treating Hitler as the sole decision-maker. Instead, also consider the roles of Ribbentrop, Göring, the military and economic factors. Exam tip: Use direct references to Hitler's writings and speeches to support your analysis.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Lebensraum and racial policy
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Hitler's leadership style
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Other influences on foreign policy
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Hitler's ideological aims
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See every definition
- Lebensraum and racial policy
- Living space in eastern Europe and the USSR, alongside a racial hierarchy, formed part of the ideas driving Nazi foreign policy.
- Hitler's leadership style
- As Führer he set broad goals and intervened decisively, while policy was also shaped by others.
- Other influences on foreign policy
- Ribbentrop, Göring, the military and economic pressures also shaped policy, so Hitler was not the sole decision-maker.
- Hitler's ideological aims
- Racial hierarchy, Lebensraum, destruction of the Treaty of Versailles and a Greater German Reich, set out in Mein Kampf and his Second Book.
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