1. Expansionist Ideology:** The Nazi regime, under Adolf Hitler, aimed to gain control over new territories, expand Germany's borders, and secure resources to support its economy and military.
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2. Lebensraum (Living Space):** The ideology of Lebensraum ("living space") claimed that Germany needed to acquire additional territory to settle its expanding population and provide resources for its industries and agriculture. The Soviet Union, with its vast landmass and natural resources, was seen as a potential source of Lebensraum.
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3. Anti-Communism:** Hitler's intense hatred of communism led him to view the Soviet Union as a direct threat to Germany and the Nazi ideology. He saw the invasion as an ideological crusade to eliminate communism and establish German hegemony in Europe.
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4. Geopolitical rivalry:** Germany and the Soviet Union had a history of strained relations and competing geopolitical interests in Eastern Europe. Hitler saw the invasion as an opportunity to gain strategic advantage over the Soviet Union and prevent its potential alliance with other European powers.
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5. Economic Objectives:** The Soviet Union possessed valuable resources, such as oil, minerals, and agricultural land. By conquering the Soviet Union, Germany sought to secure access to these resources to support its war efforts and strengthen its economy.
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6. Perceived Military Weakness:** Prior to the invasion, Hitler believed that the Soviet Union was militarily weak and poorly prepared for a conflict. He underestimated the Soviet military strength and the resilience of the Soviet people, which contributed to his decision to initiate the invasion.
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7. Alliance with Japan:*** Germany's alliance with Japan through the Tripartite Pact led to a level of coordination between the two countries. Japan's simultaneous attack on the United States at Pearl Harbor reduced the likelihood of a two-front war for Germany and encouraged Hitler to move against the Soviet Union.
It's important to note that Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union, known as Operation Barbarossa, was a significant turning point in World War II. It led to a brutal and protracted conflict known as the Eastern Front, which resulted in millions of casualties on both sides and ultimately contributed to Germany's defeat.