Did Hitler ever consider attacking Russia first, before turning his attention to the west? If so, what convinced him that success lay in an initial assault to the west?

by questions123esc

I have been trying to find information on this question, but without success. As Hitler's stated intention was living space for the Germans and access to natural resources, wasn't attacking the Soviets first a more logical choice?

  • Was this ever considered?
  • Would the Western democracies possibly have found such a push eastward more palatable, or would this still have resulted in war?

Many thanks for any insights you can share.

iwinagin

Hitler initially assaulted east into Poland. To keep peace with the Soviet Union he divided Poland with Stalin. He only struck east because England and France were building troops to attack Germany because he invaded their ally, Poland. Because Britain and France were already at war with Germany an attack on the Soviet Union instead of France would have resulted in a two front war.

When Germany did attack the Soviet Union Britain sent aid immediately to the Soviet Union and they became allies.

Map of pre WW2 Europe There really isn't a way to attack the Soviet Union without attacking Poland. Attacking Poland brought England and France into the war.

I don't think there is any way the scenario you are imagining could have occurred.