Warmongering:
1. Invasion of Poland: Hitler initiated World War II by invading Poland on September 1, 1939. Despite the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with the Soviet Union, which divided Poland between the two countries, Hitler desired more territory and resources.
2. Anschlus of Austria: In March 1938, Hitler annexed Austria into Germany without encountering significant opposition from the international community. This act served as a precursor to further expansion and demonstrated his willingness to use force.
3. Sudetenland Crisis: Hitler escalated tensions with Czechoslovakia in 1938 by demanding the Sudetenland region, which had a predominantly German population. The crisis brought Europe to the brink of war but was temporarily resolved through the Munich Agreement.
Opportunism:
1. Rhineland Occupation: In March 1936, Hitler ordered the remilitarization of the Rhineland, a region that was demilitarized under the Treaty of Versailles. Although this violated international agreements, the move was largely tolerated by France, Britain, and Italy due to their apprehension about going to war with Germany.
2. Munich Agreement: In September 1938, Hitler took advantage of the Munich Conference to negotiate the annexation of the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia. The Western Allies, particularly British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, sought to appease Hitler and prevent war, allowing him to gain significant territorial concessions.
3. Nonaggression Pact with the Soviet Union: In August 1939, Hitler and Joseph Stalin signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a nonaggression agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union. This pact paved the way for Germany's invasion of Poland and ultimately contributed to the start of World War II.
In summary, Hitler's foreign policy exhibited elements of both warmongering, as seen in his aggressive military actions, and opportunism, as evidenced by his exploitation of international situations to advance his goals. His actions resulted in the outbreak of World War II and significant geopolitical changes that impacted Europe and the world.