What was the opinion/reaction Europeans on the rise of the Nazi Regime?

Question

Before and during WWII, what did other Europeans, non-Germans or the Allies think of the Nazis? Can any one point me to documents that account what the historic opinion was on Hitler and his ideas? I've found opinions within Germany, but what I could really use are some outside perspectives. If you yourself have relatives that were around during this era, and can offer a few thoughts, I'd greatly appreciate it.

Answer 1

I didn't have any relatives around at that time nor can i point out any documents, but the 2nd world war has always been an interest to me and i have researched alot over the years and i know there was alot of countries and peoples who all too willling sided with the nazis. The Dutch,French,Italian,Spainish,Romanian,Belgian,Finnish and to a lesser extent Denmark and Norway had thousands of volunteers who fought side by side with Weramacht. There was so many ss divisions made up solely of european nationalities, alot of the volunteers had no bad feeling towards the Germans even though their countries were occupied, most felt the danger was from the USSR and felt there was a duty to help defend Europe. Goverments too assisted the nazis in their policies at different levels, but alot of the people and goverments were blind to Hltler and his ideas and like anywhere in the world resistance was formed against occupation. Before the outbreak of the war Britian was doing everything it could to appease Germany, but the British people always had a proud tradition of victory and would never have felt any link with the nazis before,during and after the war

Answer 2

So long as the Nazis were confined to Germany, most of Europe was willing to let them be. The invasion of Poland changed that. They saw Germany as a threat, but were still slow to act. They DIDN'T know what was going on with the Jews. There were rumors, but public knowledge of the death camps didn't get out until well after the war was underway.

Answer 3

The Nazis were considered to be the best defense against the spread of Communism. That's why they were appeased, not because of any pacifism that our Nazi-Cons try to make you believe. Why do you think we appeased the Republican Party?