[CaptainHaplo]

The Japanese reason for war was less "mad" by far - Japan needed the resources of the Far East, particularly Indochina - to continue to fuel the economic expansion they were undergoing. When the American policy of isolation and a trade embargo occurred, Japan had little choice but to go to war. Doing so meant that they ultimately HAD to face an American force intent on protecting its own economic interests. For an island nation that lacked the resources at "home" that were needed, there was little choice if economic growth was to continue.

However, the start of WWII in Europe was not due to the need for resources. The Rhine Valley was, and is today, a major source of industry. Germany, economically speaking, had the financial base to compete with just about any major player. The problem wasn't financial, it was the fact that the Treaty of Versailles was an insult to the idea of "German pride". It is often said that the seeds of WW2 were sown in the ending of WW1 - and that is very true. While the average German after WW1 did suffer economically, industry itself (and by that read corporations) were thriving. It was this economical disparity that allowed Hitler to stir the masses initially, by promising to return Germany to its "rightful" place and restore its glory - and in so doing, have the masses benefit. The same type of economic situation was what led to Mussolini gaining power in Italy as well.

Ultimately - the "New German Empire" grew too fast, made too many enemies (its own fault) and its few friends were to distant or inept to aid it. Had ole Adolf been content in uniting continental Europe and securing what resources Europe lacked (mainly oil) from the Middle East, we would have a drastically different world today. Thankfully, Adolf was a nutjob and the world avoided what could have been a far more greater disaster due to his and others blunders.

Had "greater Germany" extended more respect to the rest of Europe instead of setting up the numerous puppet governments, broken away from the "superior race" nonsense and the rest of the silly Nazi bullcrap, they might have stood a chance. But its a good lesson that such history teaches - when the foundation is rotten, it doesnt matter how big the house is - its going to fall....

Such was the history of the Greeks, the Romans, the 2 attempts by Germany, etc - yet for some reason - we as humanity still haven't learned.