How did pre-war alliances support German expansionist policies?

Pre-war alliances provided Germany with strategic support and security, enabling it to pursue its expansionist policies.

In the years leading up to World War II, Germany formed several alliances that played a crucial role in supporting its expansionist policies. The most significant of these was the Rome-Berlin Axis, formed in 1936 between Germany and Italy. This alliance provided Germany with a powerful ally in Southern Europe, which helped to deter potential opposition to its expansionist plans. Italy's support was particularly important during the early stages of Germany's expansion, such as the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland.

Another key alliance was the Anti-Comintern Pact, signed in 1936 between Germany and Japan. This pact was aimed at countering the perceived threat of the Communist International, but it also served to strengthen Germany's position in East Asia. Japan's aggression towards China and its subsequent war with the Allies diverted attention and resources away from Europe, allowing Germany to pursue its expansionist policies with less interference.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, signed in 1939 between Germany and the Soviet Union, was another crucial alliance. This non-aggression pact allowed Germany to avoid a two-front war, which was a major concern given the experiences of World War I. The pact also included secret protocols that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence, giving Germany a free hand to invade Poland and start World War II.

These alliances not only provided Germany with strategic support and security, but they also helped to legitimise its expansionist policies. The Rome-Berlin Axis and the Anti-Comintern Pact were both presented as defensive alliances against the perceived threats of communism and Western imperialism. This helped to create a narrative that justified Germany's aggressive actions and made it harder for other countries to oppose them.

In conclusion, pre-war alliances played a crucial role in supporting Germany's expansionist policies. They provided strategic support, security, and legitimacy, enabling Germany to pursue its aggressive plans with less opposition and interference.