What role did ideology play in German foreign policy?

Ideology played a significant role in German foreign policy, particularly in shaping its expansionist and militaristic strategies.

Ideology, particularly the nationalist and racial ideologies of the Nazi party, played a significant role in shaping German foreign policy in the 20th century. The Nazi party, led by Adolf Hitler, came to power in 1933 with a clear ideological agenda that was reflected in their foreign policy. This ideology was based on the belief in the racial superiority of the Aryan race and the need for 'Lebensraum' or living space for the German people. This belief in racial superiority and expansionism was used to justify aggressive foreign policies, including the annexation of Austria and the Sudetenland, and the invasion of Poland, which marked the beginning of World War II.

The ideology of anti-Semitism also played a significant role in German foreign policy. The Nazis blamed the Jews for Germany's economic problems and the loss of World War I. This led to policies aimed at the persecution and eventual extermination of Jews in Europe, known as the Holocaust. These policies were not only implemented within Germany but were also enforced in the territories occupied by Germany during the war.

Furthermore, the ideology of anti-communism influenced German foreign policy towards the Soviet Union. Initially, Hitler signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression pact with the Soviet Union, in 1939. However, this was a strategic move rather than an ideological alignment. In 1941, Hitler broke the pact and invaded the Soviet Union, driven by his ideological belief in the need to destroy communism and his desire for further territorial expansion.

In the post-war period, the ideology of anti-communism continued to shape German foreign policy during the Cold War. West Germany, under the influence of the United States and its Western allies, adopted a policy of containment towards the Soviet Union and its communist allies. This was reflected in its membership of NATO and its support for the rearmament of West Germany.

In conclusion, ideology played a crucial role in shaping German foreign policy, influencing its strategies of expansion, its attitudes towards different racial and ethnic groups, and its relations with other countries.