German troops thrust into Poland on September 1, 1939, marking the start of World War II. Adolf Hitler's aggressive expansionist policies led to the annexation of Austria and Czechoslovakia, setting the stage for the conflict.

In the aftermath of World War I, Germany faced political upheaval and economic challenges, leading to the abdication of Kaiser Wilhelm II and the birth of the Weimar Republic. The Treaty of Versailles imposed heavy reparations on Germany, fueling resentment and setting the stage for future conflicts.

Adolf Hitler, born in Austria, rose to power through fiery oratory and political maneuvering, leading the Nazi Party to become a mass movement in Germany. Economic crises and political instability paved the way for Hitler's ascent to absolute power as the Fuhrer of Germany.

The chapter details the rise of dictators like Hitler, Mussolini, and Franco, their aggressive expansionist moves, and the lack of effective response from the League of Nations and Western powers. It covers Hitler's rearmament program, Japan's expansion into Manchuria and China, Mussolini's invasion of Abyssinia, and Franco's victory in the Spanish Civil War.

Hitler's strategic ambitions to conquer eastern territories and Germanize them led to the development of innovative military tactics and the rapid expansion of the German army and air force. Through calculated moves, Hitler annexed Austria and parts of Czechoslovakia, setting the stage for further aggression and ultimately plunging the world into war.