The First Step: Hitler's Invasions and the Start of WWII

The question Which country did Hitler invade first? opens a window into the complex history leading up to the Second World War. Hitler's actions preceded a large-scale invasion that marked the beginning of what would become the deadliest conflict in history. This article explores several of Hitler's initial military operations and examines the sequence of events that led to the outbreak of World War II.

Hitler's Early Invasions

To answer the question, we must look at the events leading up to the full-scale invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939. Hitler began his aggressive expansion through a series of smaller, but significant invasions and annexations.

The Annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland

One of Hitler's first major acts was the Anschluss, or annexation, of Austria in March 1938. This act marked the beginning of a campaign to unite the German-speaking territories. The seemingly peaceful annexation was, in reality, a brutal act of forced unification, characterized by the suppression of political opposition and the arrest of Austrian politicians.

Later that year, in October 1938, Hitler annexed the Sudetenland, a region in the western part of the Czech Republic. This area was predominantly inhabited by ethnic Germans and presented a pretext for Nazi expansion. The Munich Agreement, a series of negotiations and concessions orchestrated by the Western powers, allowed for the annexation, initially legitimizing Hitler's actions. However, this was more of a political move than a genuine desire for territorial peace, as subsequent events proved.

Occupation of the Czech Republic and Further Demands

Following the annexation of the Sudetenland, Hitler's demands grew bolder. He began to target the rest of the Czech Republic, justifying his actions with the false claim of protecting German-speaking peoples. This led to the complete occupation of the Czech Republic, a series of events that strained the diplomatic relations between Germany and other European countries.

The Inevitable Confrontation: The Invasion of Poland

The invasion of Poland on September 1, 1939, marked the beginning of a full-scale war between Nazi Germany and the Polish army, prompting a swift response from the Western powers. Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, marking the official start of the Second World War in Europe.

The Parallels and Criticisms

It's important to note that Hitler's actions in the 1930s set a dangerous precedent, much like recent actions by other authoritarian regimes. For example, the invasion of the Sudetenland and the subsequent occupation of the rest of the Czech Republic bear a striking resemblance to annexations and invasions carried out more recently, such as the Russian annexation of Crimea in 2014, which many considered a modern-day false-flag operation.

A Call for Evolving Understanding

The events leading to the invasion of Poland highlight the importance of critical thinking and historical context. The often-simplistic characterization of Hitler as a Polish idiot ignores the complex geopolitical landscape. Understanding the motivations and consequences of these actions requires a nuanced analysis of the historical events and their broader implications.

In conclusion, Hitler's initial military campaigns, particularly the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, set the stage for the full-scale invasion of Poland. The inclusion of these early actions in historical discussions underscores the evolving understanding of the events leading to the Second World War, emphasizing the interconnectedness of regional conflicts and the global consequences of aggression.