Nazi Propaganda Policy in Eastern Europe Before World War II

Abstract

Based on the example of the aggressive policy of Nazi Germany, the article reflects aspects of the propaganda policy of «protecting one’s own» and its role in igniting World War II based on articles from the Chernivtsi newspaper Chas. The author examines how Hitler’s «living space» policy, based on the idea of expanding German territories, led to the annexation of Austria (the Anschluss), the Sudetenland and, ultimately, the attack of Poland. The author draws attention to the complexity of resolving territorial claims considering the historical factor.
The article reveals the main points of Hitler’s aggressive policy. First, Hitler used the «living space» policy as the idea of the need to expand living space for the German people as a pretext for an aggressive foreign policy. Secondly, the manipulation of ethnic issues highlights the way the Nazis used ethnic minorities in other countries as a pretext for interfering in the internal affairs of neighboring states. Thirdly, the role of propaganda in Germany was quite significant. Nazi propaganda created the image of Germany as a victim of injustice and justified aggressive actions.
Parallels with present time are drawn between the policies of Nazi Germany and modern Russian aggression, emphasizing the repetition of certain mechanisms and instruments of policy. The author notes that the issues of international conflicts remain relevant today, and globalization emphasizes the interdependence of countries and the need for cooperation to solve common problems. Attention is paid to the threat of authoritarian regimes, because ideas like those promoted by the Nazis appear from time to time in different parts of the world.
In conclusions, the author emphasizes the importance of studying history to prevent the repetition of past mistakes and to be vigilant about manifestations of aggression and manipulation, and to resist any attempts to rewrite history and justify aggression.