Why Did Hitler Invade the Soviet Union?

The answer (not surprisingly) depends on whom you ask. The ‘mainstream’ historian will tell you that Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union because it wanted to create sufficient Lebensraum (‘living space’) for its citizens (at the expense of the latter).

More specifically, to establish control (although ‘ownership’ would probably be a much better word) over agricultural (fertile land, livestock, etc.), natural (oil, metals, timber, etc.), human and other resources of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. In short, according to ‘mainstream’ historians, invasion of the Soviet Union was pretty much a typical colonial war aimed at making a significant chunk of Soviet territory a colony of the Third Reich.

The ‘revisionist’ historian will say that Hitler invaded the Soviet Union to save his Fatherland (and the whole Europe – if not the whole world) from invasion, occupation and subsequent destruction by the ‘Red Tamerlane’ Joseph Stalin and his Bolshevik hordes. Consequently, the war on the Eastern front was essentially a holy war for Hitler and Nazi Germany.

Who is right? Interestingly enough, both are. With a minor correction – being a national sociopath, Adolf Hitler could not have cared less about the well-being about any nation other than his (literally) beloved Germany. Let alone Europe or the world.

Actually, there is one more, far more interesting question: Did Hitler really have a choice or did he have to invade the Soviet Union? And the only historically correct answer which fits the indisputable facts, rock-solid logic and the good old common sense is No. Regardless of whether Hitler even asked himself this question or not (most likely, he didn’t).

No, Hitler had no other choice but to invade the Soviet Union and thus to launch the de-facto pre-emptive war. In September of 1939, Britain and France had the choice whether to declare war in Germany or not but in June of 1941 Nazi Germany had no choice.

It had to invade the Soviet Union because Stalin was about to attack Germany regardless of what Hitler did – or didn’t – do. In fact, Stalin almost did invade Germany – there is very strong evidence (which I will cover in one of my future posts) that Hitler beat him by 24 hours (or even less).

Hence, the correct answer to this question is: It does not matter.