Final answer:
Many Germans believed Hitler would revive Germany's economy, defy the Treaty of Versailles, and restore national pride. He established a totalitarian state and pursued aggressive foreign policies that led to World War II. His initial popularity was based on economic recovery promises rather than anti-Semitic propaganda.
Step-by-step explanation:
Many Germans believed that when Adolf Hitler came to power, he would lead the country out of its post-World War I economic struggles and restore its former glory. Gripped by the Great Depression and suffering from high unemployment, Germans were drawn to Hitler's promises of full employment and a return to national greatness.
His rhetoric targeted the Treaty of Versailles, which many Germans resented, and he promised the expansion eastward in search of Lebensraum ("living space"). Once in power, Hitler quickly established a totalitarian state, which led to the eventual outbreak of World War II.
Initially, Hitler's rise in popularity was driven not by his anti-Semitic beliefs, but rather by his promises of bringing political stability, social order, and economic recovery. He defied the Versailles Treaty, rebuilt the military, and initiated public works projects, such as the construction of the Autobahn, which helped reduce unemployment.
His government also began mass propaganda campaigns to win over the public to the Nazi ideology while taking steps to eradicate opposition.
In the international arena, Hitler's aggressive foreign policies would challenge European peace. Despite early inaction from Western democracies, these policies would ultimately lead to the invasion of Poland in 1939 and the commencement of World War II. Despite complex political manoeuvres and gambles by Hitler, it was clear that only war could stop his expansionist aims and totalitarian regime.