1. Ideology: The Nazi regime in Germany was ideologically opposed to communism, which was the ruling ideology of the Soviet Union. Hitler and the Nazis viewed communism as a threat to their own ideology of racial superiority and Lebensraum (living space) for the German people.
2. Geopolitical Ambitions: Germany sought to expand its territory and gain access to natural resources, particularly in the resource-rich regions of Ukraine and the Caucasus. The Nazis also believed that conquering the Soviet Union would weaken their main enemy, Great Britain, and ultimately lead to victory in the war.
3. Failure of Diplomacy: Attempts at diplomacy between Germany and the Soviet Union had failed in the years leading up to the invasion. The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact of 1939 had temporarily eased tensions between the two countries but was never intended to be a lasting alliance.
4. Strategic Surprise: Germany hoped to achieve a quick victory over the Soviet Union by taking advantage of the element of surprise. The Germans believed the Soviets would be unprepared and unable to mount an effective defense.
5. Miscalculations: The German high command underestimated the strength and resilience of the Soviet military and overestimated their own capabilities. They also underestimated the patriotism and determination of the Soviet people to resist the invasion.
It's important to note that the invasion of the Soviet Union was a major turning point in World War II and contributed to Germany's eventual defeat in the war.