Why Hitler and Stalin Never Met in Person: An Unfathomable Absence

The question of why Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin never met in person during World War II is a fascinating and often overlooked aspect of one of the most devastating conflicts in human history. Unlike many other historical figures who came face to face, these two dictators navigated their grueling and unsavory paths towards global domination without ever sharing a single encounter. Their ideological differences, personal disdain, and strategic posturing jointly contributed to this historical anomaly.

The Underlying Feud: Ideological and Personal Affronts

At the core of the dynamic between Hitler and Stalin lay an unbridgeable ideological chasm and personal disdain. Hitler saw the Russian people as 'untouchables' or vermin, less than human, and needed their oil and a free hand in Europe until he was ready to attack Russia. Stalin, on the other hand, despised the capitalist invaders, and his growing Red Army was a direct response to the perceived threat of German expansionism.

The 1938 Munich Agreement, where Adolf Hitler secured the annexation of Czech territories, put an end to any previous cooperation between Germany and the Soviet Union. Stalin immediately ceased all trade with Germany and threatened unilateral actions following Germany's invasion of Czechoslovakia. The absence of a direct meeting between the two leaders was not due to a lack of opportunities but a mutual decision based on the belief that direct talks would only exacerbate the already tenuous diplomatic relations.

Missed Opportunities for Dialogue

Both Hitler and Stalin recognized the impossibility of any direct dialogue. Christopher’s correspondence highlights that the ideological differences between them were insurmountable. For Stalin, engaging in a direct conversation with Hitler would have likely resulted in an even deteriorated relationship between the two states. Given the sensitivity of their political climates, the potential for diplomatic fallout was too risky for either leader.

The war with Poland in 1939 came very close to a direct confrontation between Germany and the Soviet Union. If not for Poland blocking the Red Army’s passage, a clash between the Wehrmacht and the Wehrwalke would have been imminent. Despite his numerical superiority, the Wehrmacht, which was still not fully mobilized, was at a disadvantage due to the scarcity of troops.

Stalin’s diplomatic stance, particularly in 1939, was characterized by personal insults and a lack of formality with Hitler. This was evidenced in Stalin’s response to Hitler during the annexation of Czech territories. While generally respecting the self-determination of minority groups, Stalin’s response to Hitler was anything but formal. It was, as Wolfgang puts it, a 'not so subtle personal fuck you' note. He tactically distanced himself from Hitler, knowing that any direct diplomacy would lead to a negative outcome.

The Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact: A Bridge Too Far

One of the most notable attempts at direct interaction between Hitler and Stalin came in the form of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, often erroneously called the "Non-Aggression Pact." While this agreement was indeed a significant milestone in their relationship, it was not meant to bridge the chasm between their ideologies. Instead, it was a cynical and pragmatic decision to avoid direct conflict. As mentioned, the word 'pact' is too strong. The Soviets and Germans engaged in a war of wits through an exchange of gifts, including some of the 'fruits of the war.'

Stalin’s decision to distance himself from Hitler was a strategic choice. Despite the pact, Stalin continued to escalate his military preparations, welcoming the expansion of his territories and the influx of German weaponry and technology. However, these gifts, although significant, never bridged the gap in their ideological and personal disdain for each other.

Historical Coexistence: Vienna, 1915–16

Despite the animosity that eventually developed, there were moments when Hitler and Stalin coexisted in close proximity. In 1915–16, both were in Vienna, Austria. Historically, it is documented that they frequented the same restaurants and cafes, and they were part of a larger milieu of political and social activists. In Vienna, Stalin was 'amassing competences' in Austrian Social Democrat circles, studying how democracy worked, while Hitler, for his part, was drawing portraits of people on Vienna's streets. There are unsubstantiated claims that Hitler may have even drawn Stalin’s portrait for a shilling, adding a bizarre irony to their later enmity.

It is clear that while their circumstances brought them together for personal and political reasons, their ideological differences and strategic decisions prevented them from forming any meaningful personal relationship. The lack of direct interaction between Hitler and Stalin during World War II has long puzzled historians and the public alike. This absence speaks not only to the intensity of their ideological conflicts but also to the profound and enduring impact of those conflicts on the course of history.