Germany was struggling economically after World War I, with high unemployment. This led Adolf Hitler to form the Nazi party and gain popularity and votes by promising to improve the economy and make Germany strong again. Hitler was elected chancellor in 1932. Originally from Austria, Hitler was a veteran of World War I who became a dictator in Germany, suspending elections and killing opponents once in power. He invaded Poland in 1939, violating a treaty, which forced Britain and France to declare war on Germany and enter World War II.