1914-1918: World War I leaves Europe in ruins. 1919: Versailles Treaty leaves Germany powerless. Democracy is attempted in Germany under the WEIMAR REPUBLIC. Kaiser Wilhelm flees to Holland. 1920: ADOLPH HITLER forms N.S.D.A.P. or GERMAN WORKER’S PARTY. Its leader forms the political IDEOLOGY of NATIONAL SOCIALISM or NAZISM.  1921-33: Severe economic DEPRESSION grips Europe. HYPERINFLATION devalues German Mark.  1923: Hitler is jailed for treason. He writes MEIN KAMPF (My Struggle) while in Landsberg Prison. 1932: Nazis make a strong showing in Parliamentary elections. They gain a near majority in the German REICHSTAG. Nazis gain popularity among people. 1933: Hitler appointed CHANCELLOR by the aging President VON HINDENBURG. The ENABLING ACT is passed by the Reichstag making him total ruler of Germany (rule by decree). 1934: Rearmament begins against restrictions of the Versailles Treaty.  1936: Hitler reoccupies the RHINELAND without opposition . 1936-1937: BLITZKRIEG it tested in SPANISH CIVIL WAR. GEN. FRANCISCO FRANCO becomes FASCIST dictator of Spain.  1938: AUSTRIA is ANNEXED by Germany. All opposition is silenced, including the assassination of the prime minister. The MUNICH CONFERENCE gives Hitler the SUDETENLAND. CHAMBERLAIN declares We have peace in our time. Czechoslovakia falls to Germany.  1939: Invasion of Poland by Germany & USSR.