Ribbentrop, Hitler's appointed Foreign Minister from 1938 to 1945, was a key figure in shaping Nazi Germany's aggressive foreign policy. His ambition and close association with Hitler led him to pursue a vision of German expansion and domination, which ultimately contributed to the outbreak of World War II. Ribbentrop played a crucial role in securing alliances and pacts favorable to Germany, such as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with the Soviet Union, while simultaneously spearheading the diplomatic efforts to isolate and intimidate neighboring countries. His actions and diplomatic failures left a lasting impact on international relations, setting the stage for the devastating consequences of the war.
