why did hitler invade the soviet union

Adolf Hitler invaded the Soviet Union for several key reasons tied to ideology, economics, and strategic goals. The invasion, known as Operation Barbarossa, was driven by Hitler's desire for "Lebensraum" (living space) for the German people, specifically the vast lands and resources of the Soviet Union, including Ukraine's agricultural wealth and the oil fields in the Caucasus. Hitler viewed communism, represented by the Soviet Union, as a deadly ideological enemy and believed the Slavic peoples were racially inferior and ripe for conquest. Additionally, Germany's economy was strained and needed raw materials to sustain its war efforts. Hitler also hoped that defeating the USSR would force Britain to seek peace and prevent the United States from becoming the dominant force in the war. He underestimated Soviet strength, believing the Red Army was weakened by Stalin's purges and recent conflicts, and expected a swift victory that would secure Germany's future dominance in Europe.