Goldhagen On The Holocaust

A key debate among historians is whether or not the Holocaust was a long term plan by Hitler to annihilate the Jews. Goldhagen argues that it was a long-term plan, but that circumstances meant the plan had to be adapted at times. Peukert argues similarly but sees Nazi treatment of Jews as part of a widespread desire to target ‘alien’ groups within Germany. However, Berghahn argues that the Holocaust was not part of a long term plan but rather a result of circumstances brought on by World War Two. Kershaw also argues this and moreover that Hitler heavily relied on the actions of those below him. Overall it would seem that Hitler had no pre-determined plan.
Goldhagen believes that Hitler always had a clear plan but it does not appear this way