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Many have commented upon Hitler's inexplicable behavior during World War II - failing to invade England; neglecting his air force; engaging enemies on multiple fronts and more. Viewed in terms of Germany's struggle against the West, these actions made little sense, but the war against Western powers had little to do with Hitler's grand plan: to conquer Russia and lands to the east of Germany, eradicate or enslave their populations, and create a vast Teutonic empire. Hitler's actions were consistent throughout in light of this goal, and the debate about his reasoning relies upon the false assumption that Western powers were his chosen foe. The battle with the West was an afterthought to an apocalyptic four-year struggle to defeat Russia - a struggle that decimated both sides, bleeding the German army to the point of imminent defeat. Only after his attempts failed did Hitler change his objective: weakened, sensing defeat, he knew he was a drowning man - and he was determined to take friend and foe alike down with him. This evaluation of Hitler's objectives in World War II expands upon a theory gaining prominence among historians: Hitler's true motive was a crusade against the East, and he had little interest in waging war with England, much less the United States. It examines the different nature of the war on the Eastern and Western fronts; the disparate treatment afforded the two groups of POWs and civilians; and Hitler's scorched-earth policy, adopted after his primary objective proved beyond his grasp. In poignant, painful detail, it recreates the Russians' devastating four-year struggle against Germany, which went much further towards ensuring its defeat than any of the comparatively belated Western efforts.
