The idea of “Lebensraum” first emerged at the same time as Germany's imperial and colonial ambitions during the Wilhelmine era. It was a central pillar of Nazi ideology and policy. The Nazis' idea of Lebensraum stated that the German Reich needed more space and resources to feed its population and support its industry. In order to create this Lebensraum, the Nazi regime planned to occupy territories in Eastern Europe and enslave, expel or murder the local populations, then settle its own people in some parts and exploit their raw materials. Nazi racism and antisemitism played a major role in this. Their belief that the Germans were superior to other people gave them the right to steal their land and settle it.
Lebensraum / lit. Living space
- Synonyms: Lebensraum
