Before becoming the leader of the Nazi Party, Hitler served in the German Army and was also decorated for his bravery with numerous badges. Hitler's leadership of the Nazi Party led to his rise to power in German politics. Hitler considered the Versailles Peace Treaty degrading, especially because it established how Germany started World War I. After the Great Depression hit Germany, Hitler took the political opportunity provided by the Depression to run for German office. Although Hitler did not win the election against Paul von Hindenburg, he was appointed chancellor after being seen as a strong force in German politics. Immediately after President Hindenburg's death in 1934, the government decreed to end the office of president and simply merge all powers, resulting in Hitler becoming head of state, meaning he was commander of arms. Hitler wasted absolutely no time as he began to mobilize armies and invaded several countries such as France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Scandinavia and Luxembourg in 1948. The United Kingdom was also showered with bombing with the intention of invading. The three allied countries, Germany, Japan, and Italy, were known as the Axis Powers, and their goal was to prevent the United States from being an ally of the British. According to 20th century America, “Hitler's greatest advantage was his ability to do so