1. Ideological Differences: Nazi Germany under Adolf Hitler held a strong belief in Aryan racial superiority and pursued a policy of expansionism. Hitler viewed the Soviet Union, led by Joseph Stalin, as a communist threat to Europe and an ideological adversary.
2. Lebensraum (Living Space): Germany faced resource limitations and desired to acquire territory for expansion. Hitler sought to secure "Lebensraum" for the German people, particularly in the fertile regions of Ukraine and the oil fields of the Caucasus.
3. Anti-Bolshevism: Hitler was determined to eliminate communism and saw the Soviet Union as the embodiment of this ideology. He viewed an attack on the Soviet Union as a way to eradicate Bolshevism and bring the eastern territories under German control.
4. Preemptive Strike: Hitler believed that a preemptive strike against the Soviet Union was necessary to prevent a potential Soviet invasion of Germany or Eastern Europe. He viewed the Soviet Union's military buildup and its expansionist tendencies as a threat to German security.
5. Miscalculations: Hitler misjudged the strength of the Soviet military, underestimating their resources and resilience. He anticipated a swift victory based on Germany's previous military successes and underestimated the Soviet Union's ability to mobilize and resist on a large scale.
6. Economic Motives: Germany aimed to secure access to vital resources, including oil, food, and raw materials, which were abundant in the Soviet territories. Controlling these resources would boost Germany's economy and strengthen its war efforts.
7. Strategic Considerations: Germany's attack on the Soviet Union aimed to divide the Allies, particularly Britain and France, who were supporting the Soviet Union through the Lend-Lease program. Hitler believed that a successful campaign against the Soviet Union would weaken the Allies' resolve and enhance Germany's overall strategic position.
The decision to invade the Soviet Union proved to be a critical turning point in World War II. The brutal conflict on the Eastern Front resulted in millions of casualties and ultimately contributed to Germany's defeat in the war.