Here are some key factors that contributed to Hitler's actions:
1. Ideology: Hitler was deeply influenced by the ideology of Nazism, which encompassed elements of extreme nationalism, anti-Semitism, and expansionist territorial ambitions. He believed in racial purity and the superiority of the Aryan race. This ideology provided the foundation for his discriminatory and genocidal policies.
2. Power and Control: Hitler's desire for power and control was a significant driving factor in his actions. He sought to establish a totalitarian regime with himself at the helm, unchecked by political or institutional constraints. This thirst for power led him to eliminate perceived threats, both real and imagined.
3. Anti-Semitism: Hitler held deeply anti-Semitic beliefs, fueled by a combination of personal prejudices, conspiracy theories, and the broader historical context of anti-Semitism in Europe. He saw Jews as a threat to the German nation, and his hatred for them was central to his plan to exterminate them through the Holocaust.
4. Malleability of Public Opinion: Hitler skillfully manipulated public opinion and used propaganda to build support for his policies and actions. He took advantage of widespread grievances, economic hardships, and a desire for national resurgence to gain the loyalty of the German people and shape their perceptions of the world.
5. Militarism and Conquest: Hitler's desire for expansionist territorial conquests and military glory played a major role in his actions. He believed in the need for Germany to acquire "living space" (Lebensraum) in Eastern Europe and saw this as a key objective for the German nation.
6. Personal Traits and Psychological Factors: Hitler's personality traits, including his narcissism, paranoia, and tendency for grandiosity, may also have contributed to his decisions and actions. These psychological aspects might have influenced his decision-making process and his willingness to employ violence and extreme measures to achieve his goals.
It's important to note that Hitler's actions were not simply a product of individual psychology but were deeply rooted in the historical, political, and ideological contexts of the time.