In 1939 the second world war began and lasted until 1945. The Axis and the Allies battled on the European and Pacific theaters. There are many long term and short term causes of this widespread and disastrous war. The rise in totalitarian leaders is the primary cause. Adolf Hitler was the most influential totalitarian leader and used his political genius to completely control his country and people. With the army and Nazi Party behind him, he was able attack any group he found threatening or adverse. Hitler first joined Nazi Party -originally called the German workers’ Party, in 1919- which was quickly gaining popularity at the time. He demonstrated clear leadership ability and rose through the ranks. The Nazi Party consolidated power …show more content…
The retribution they owed and the worldwide depression had left Germany ravaged and devastated. The German people felt they had been wronged and were angered by the retribution they owed. Germany was dishonored. Hitler was able asses blame and offer an explanation for the German’s bitter state; they had been betrayed by corrupt politicians, Bolsheviks and Jewish interests. He created a clear enemy, and removed blame from the Germans (Hamner). Hitler promised to end reparation payments and to give all Germans jobs and food. He became very popular among German citizens as he inspired hope and change (Smith). It was easy for him to take the position of chancellor. The people greatly supported him and followed along with whatever agenda he had. “Without Hitler, a megalomaniacal leader bent on establishing a 1,000-year German empire through military conquest, it becomes extremely difficult to imagine the outbreak of such a lengthy and devastating war” (Hamner). His popularity allowed him take complete control of the country. Without Hitler’s aggressive actions against other nations the war would never had spread so far. He expanded the war beyond Europe by expanding his empire and allying Italy and