An examination of the origins of World War II in Europe and Hitler's central role in those events. The involvement of other major powers - Britain, France, Russia and Italy - is also given appropriate treatment. Appeasement and the historical debate surrounding the policies adopted by Baldwin and Chamberlain are explored through narrative and research. By adopting a chronological approach, the author highlights how events unfolded and interacted, and provides a discussion of why Hitler and the Third Reich unleashed the most destructive war in human history. The text includes issues boxes, profiles, date charts, key notes and "Working On" sections.