The Hossbach Memorandum: November 5, 1937

On November 5, 1937, Adolf Hitler convened a secret meeting with several of his top military and political leaders in the Reich Chancellery in Berlin. This meeting, later documented in what became known as the Hossbach Memorandum, was pivotal in outlining Hitler’s aggressive expansionist policies that would eventually lead to World War II.

Context Leading to the Meeting

By 1937, Adolf Hitler had been in power for four years, during which he had consolidated his control over Germany and begun rearming the nation in violation of the Treaty of Versailles. His foreign policy was increasingly aggressive, aimed at overturning the post-World War I international order and expanding German territory.

Key Figures Present

The meeting was attended by several key figures in the Nazi regime, including:

• Field Marshal Werner von Blomberg: Minister of War and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
• General Werner von Fritsch: Commander-in-Chief of the Army.
• Admiral Erich Raeder: Commander-in-Chief of the Navy.
• Colonel General Hermann Göring: Commander-in-Chief of the Luftwaffe and a leading Nazi official.
• Baron Konstantin von Neurath: Foreign Minister.

The memorandum was named after Colonel Friedrich Hossbach, Hitler’s military adjutant, who took detailed notes during the meeting.

Content of the Hossbach Memorandum

During the meeting, Hitler outlined his vision for Germany’s future, emphasizing the need for “Lebensraum” or “living space” to ensure the nation’s survival and prosperity. Key points included:

• Expansionist Goals: Hitler expressed the necessity of acquiring additional territory in Eastern Europe, particularly targeting Austria and Czechoslovakia as initial objectives.
• Timing and Strategy: He suggested that Germany should be prepared for war by 1943-1945, but also indicated that opportunities might arise sooner.
• Rationale: Hitler argued that Germany’s economic problems could only be solved through territorial expansion, which would provide resources and space for the growing German population.

Consequences and Historical Significance

The Hossbach Memorandum is significant for several reasons:

• Insight into Hitler’s Plans: It provided a clear indication of Hitler’s long-term strategic goals and his willingness to use military force to achieve them.
• Prelude to Aggression: The meeting marked a shift towards a more aggressive foreign policy, setting the stage for the annexation of Austria in 1938 and the Sudetenland crisis.
• Military and Political Reactions: Some military leaders, like Blomberg and Fritsch, were concerned about the risks of such aggressive policies, which eventually led to their removal from power in early 1938.

The Hossbach Memorandum thus serves as a crucial document in understanding the trajectory of Nazi Germany’s expansionist policies and the origins of World War II. It highlights the premeditated nature of Hitler’s plans and the early warning signs that were present before the outbreak of global conflict.