<P> Under the Nazi regime, Germany began its own program of expansion, seeking to restore the "rightful" boundaries of historic Germany . As a prelude toward these goals the Rhineland was remilitarized in March 1936 . </P> <P> Also, of importance was the idea of a Greater Germany, supporters hoped to unite the German people under one nation state, which included all territories where Germans lived, regardless of whether they happened to be a minority in a particular territory . After the Treaty of Versailles, a unification between Germany and a newly formed German - Austria, a successor rump state of Austria - Hungary, was prohibited by the Allies despite the majority of Austrian Germans supporting such a union . </P> <P> In Asia, the Empire of Japan harbored expansionist desires towards Manchuria and Republic of China . </P> <P> Militarism is the principle or policy of maintaining a large military establishment, with the view that military efficiency is the supreme ideal of a state . A highly militaristic and aggressive national ideology prevailed in Germany, Japan and Italy . This attitude fuelled military advancement and expansion as well while their revolutionary motivated background were commanding an increase in propaganda, which led to increased tensions among the Axis powers and their opponents in the run up to the war . In addition to this, the leaders of militaristic countries often feel a need to prove that their armies are important and formidable, and this was often a contributing factor in the start of conflicts, including the aggressive foreign policy of Germany (European expansionism), Italy (the Second Italo - Abyssinian War) and Japan (the Second Sino - Japanese War), which in itself is a contributing factor to the World War . </P>

What were the main causes of the two world wars