Hitler's Relations with Other World Leaders

What was Hitler's relationships like with other world leaders?

Hitler was a shrewd politician, who understood the power of having allies around him in the event of a war breaking out. During the 1930s he looked to build friendships with a number of nations.

Who did Hitler want to build alliances with?

Hitler looked to build alliances with a number of countries including:

• ❖ Britain.
• ❖ Spain.
• ❖ Italy.
• ❖ Japan.

What was Hitler's relationship like with Britain?

Hitler respected Britain's culture. He was eager to build a relationship with Britain, and proposed a non-aggression pact between the 2 countries that would last for 25 years.

What was Britain's response to Hitler's aims for an alliance?

Britain did not want to sign up to an official alliance, but did want to coordinate with Hitler to avoid a war - or least to hold this off for long enough to rearm, raise the money for a war, and convince the British public this was the right path to follow.

What was Hitler's relationship like with Spain?

Hitler wanted to support the nationalist fascists in the Spanish Civil War.

What was Spain's response to Hitler's aims for an alliance?

The leader of the nationalist fascists, General Franco, was thrilled to have Hitler's support. By 1939 he had won the war in Spain and became the dictator. This was largely due to the help he received from the Nazis.

What was Hitler's relationship like with Italy?

Hitler saw many similarities between himself and Italian dictator Mussolini, and wanted to build a strong alliance.

What was Italy's response to Hitler's aims for an alliance?

Although Italy had blocked Hitler from invading Austria in 1934, by 1936 Mussolini wanted to create an alliance with Hitler, and they signed the Rome-Berlin Axis.

Why did Italy's response to Hitler's aims for an alliance change?

Italy changed its response to Hitler because its relationship with Britain and France had soured. Mussolini wanted to rebuild a 'new Roman Empire' and needed allies to continue with this.

What was Hitler's relationship like with Japan?

Hitler was keen to build an alliance with Japan due to mutual shared hatred and rivalry against the Communist USSR.

What was Japan's response to Hitler's aims for an alliance?

Japan was happy to align itself with Germany, and signed the Anti-Comintern pact in 1936.