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TERRITORIAL EXPANSION OF THE THIRD REICH: THE SECOND WORLD WAR

AUSCHWITZ MEMORIAL

AUSCHWITZ MEMORIAL

TERRITORIAL EXPANSION OF THE THIRD REICH: THE SECOND WORLD WAR

History means names, dates, places and facts from the past. In order to understand it, one has to find the links between them. To comprehend the changes the Auschwitz camp went through, it is essential to acquire the knowledge about the course of the war, because events that occurred in even the remotest corners of Europe had an impact on what happened in the camp. In this part of the lesson you will learn in the most concise way how the Second World War influenced the course of events in Auschwitz.

Crowd in front of Potsdam train station. People are cheering.

Germany takes over the Saar Basin, 1 March 1935.

Source: Bundesarchiv, Bild 102-04300A.

1 March 1935

Germany began annexing of territories next to its borders in 1935 as the result of a plebiscite in the Saar Basin violating thus the regulations of the Versaille Treaty.


German troops marching on the bridge in columns. They are greeted by a large crowd gathered along the street with the Nazi salute.

German troops entering the Rhineland.

Source: USHMM

7 March 1936

A year later the German Wehrmacht entered the Rhineland. Thus, Hitler ultimately breached the Versailles Treaty resolutions, which he had violated a year earlier, among other things, by declaring a reintroduction of universal military service and the restoration of a military air force.


Four men sitting at a table. One of them is signing a document. Just behind them five men are watching.

25 November 1936, signing of the Anti-Comintern Pact.

Source: Bundesarchiv, Bild 102-17737.

October/November 1936

In October 1936 Germany signed up a treaty with Italy (Berlin-Rome Axis), and subsequently in November with Japan (Anti-Comintern Pact).


Vienna's main street. Nazi flags hanging on the buildings, German soldiers are driving down the street. They are greeted by numerous Viennese citizens. Some of them are performing a Nazi salute.

The Viennese greet entering Wehrmacht troops.

Source: Bundesarchiv, Bild 146-1985-083-10.

March 1938

The next stage in German expansion was the annexation of Austria on 18 March 1938 supported by the Austrian Nazis and with approval of a large part of the Austrian society. The realisation of Hitler’s plans was facilitated by the policy of appeasement conducted by France and Great Britain, which reflected the prevalently pacifistic attitude of their citizens. This was a reaction to the colossal losses the societies of Western Europe had suffered during the First World War. Nonetheless, the anti-war strategy of western governments contributed indirectly to the outbreak of the Second World War.


The conference room of the Reichstag. In the center on the platform Adolf Hitler. The assembled MPs are standing and saluting Hitler with a Nazi gesture.

Ovation of the Members of Reichstag for Hitler after announcement of the peaceful annexation of Austria to Germany.

Źródło: U. S. National Archives

March 1938

The next stage in German expansion was the annexation of Austria on 18 March 1938 supported by the Austrian Nazis and with approval of a large part of the Austrian society. The realisation of Hitler’s plans was facilitated by the policy of appeasement conducted by France and Great Britain, which reflected the prevalently pacifistic attitude of their citizens. This was a reaction to the colossal losses the societies of Western Europe had suffered during the First World War. Nonetheless, the anti-war strategy of western governments contributed indirectly to the outbreak of the Second World War.


Map of Europe after annexation of Austria to Germany, March 1938

Graphic design: Elżbieta Pietruczuk

The moment of breaking the border post and opening the barrier in the Sudetenland.

The Wehrmacht entering Czechoslovakia, occupation of the Sudetenland.

Source: Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-H13024.

September 1938

Pretext for the next annexation was a national conflict provoked by the German minority in north-western Czechoslovakia (Sudetenland). Engaged in a diplomatic solution to the problem were France, Great Britain and Italy. The heads of the corresponding governments met Hitler at a conference in Munich on 29 September 1938. Wishing to avoid the outbreak of war at all costs, the representatives of France and Great Britain gave in to Hitler’s demands and accepted German annexation of the disputed Czechoslovak territories.


The moment the German army entered Prague. In the foreground several people are standing and watching. A monument in the background.

German troops entering Prague.

Source: Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-H27147.

March 1939

In March 1939 the leader of the Slovak separatists, Fr Jozef Tiso, declared the secession of Slovakia, which thus became a satellite state of the Third Reich, while Germany occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia to create the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. In May 1939 Germany strengthened her alliance with Benito Mussolini’s Italy in the ‘Pact of Steel’.


German soldiers standing to attention on the right. On the left Adolf Hitler walking along with several soldiers.

19 March 1939, Adolf Hitler at the Prague Royal Castle.

Source: Bundesarchiv, Bild 183-2004-1202-505.

March 1939

In March 1939 the leader of the Slovak separatists, Fr Jozef Tiso, declared the secession of Slovakia, which thus became a satellite state of the Third Reich, while Germany occupied the rest of Czechoslovakia to create the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia. In May 1939 Germany strengthened her alliance with Benito Mussolini’s Italy in the ‘Pact of Steel’.


Map of Europe, March 1939

Graphic design: Elżbieta Pietruczuk