Europe faced many problems in the years after World War I. Since the war was fought mainly on European soil, much was destroyed. After the war ended, countries immediately set about the tasks of replanting their fields and rebuilding their factories. Still, the process was long and costly.

The situation in Germany was even worse than elsewhere, since the Treaty of Versailles had stripped the country of all means of making money. Without trade, ships or mines, Germany was doomed to debt. Inflation in the country skyrocketed, such that the German mark was worthless! The Weimar Republic, the government the Allies had helped establish, was extremely unpopular with the German people. They blamed their new government for accepting the hated treaty and for their economic problems as well.

When the worldwide depression began in 1929, Germany's misery worsened. The people were desperate for help, which did come with the election of Adolf Hitler in 1933. Representing the new National Socialist Party (or Nazi Party), Hitler promised to strengthen Germany and relieve the people's poverty. This he did by beginning a massive military build-up. The Germans once again had jobs and hope.

Next, Hitler set out to restore Germany's wounded national pride. In 1936 he joined with Italy to form the Axis Powers and began empire building. The League of Nations, a peacekeeping organization formed after the war, tried to stop Hitler's aggression; but without armies the League was truly powerless. Neighboring nations were once again alarmed and began their own military build-ups. Once again a rival alliance, the Allies, formed, and once again tensions rose.

Answer the following questions from the reading above.