How did anti-Semitism affect the outcome of World War 2?

Answer 1

It affected the outcome in several ways. With regards to Germany, it affected their ability to fight (soldiers, especially from the SS) were diverted away from front line combat to run the concentration camps, and resources were spent by companies such as IG Farben on creating new methods of mass extermination. From the Allied point of view, since they were fighting a morally justified war the anti semitic actions of Germany contributed to their basis for war, and often made soldiers more willing to fight. Anti semitism also affected the outcome of the war as the German workforce was adversely affected and thus were not able to work to their full capacity.

Answer 2

It was not a direct cause. It can be argued that antisemitism led to the rise of Hitler and it can be argued that Hitler was the cause of WW2, but this is an over simplified view. World politics did not revolve around one person or one cause.

WW2 was seen as inevitable before anyone had heard of Hitler or before the Nazis existed, war had already started in the East and only became a world war when Europe joined in.

Answer 3

No. Hitler invaded Poland in order to seize territory, not because he wanted Jews for a future Holocaust.