The major factor leading to an incident can be described as the determining factor, as it is the one most responsible for the event's occurrence. Hitler, the man who led Germany with an aggressive foreign policy and a desire for world domination is most obviously this factor. However, Chamberlain, who was in a position to inhibit Hitler's actions, adopted a weak policy of appeasement, which led Hitler to believe that he could act without repercussions. This incited Hitler to step beyond the limits imposed by the Versailles Treaty and gain the territory and power necessary to once again threaten Europe. This issue must not be ignored.
             In 1933 Hitler had achieved the position of Chancellor in Germany, his plans relating to his foreign policy allowed for the expansion of German territory, and wherever the legal means he had employed failed, he would resort to threats and violent activity.
             Hitler's first territorial expansion was aimed at uniting the Saar Basin, ruled by Germany before the end of World War 1, back with Germany. A plebiscite was held, and a resulting 90% of the population decided on a return to Germany. The European powers did nothing to prevent this from happening, although it was their decision at Versailles to remove the Saar Basin from German control. Chamberlain's policy of appeasement allowed for Hitler to contradict this restriction imposed by the Treaty of Versailles.
             In 1935 Hitler further exploited this policy by announcing that he was reintroducing conscription and began mass-producing weaponry. This disturbed Europe; Britain, France and Italy condemned Hitler's actions and formed the Stressa Front, wherein they re-affirmed the Locarno Treaty and their recognition of Austrian independence. The League of Nations also condemned Hitler, but took no physical action. Hitler defied this treaty, by signing a treaty with Britain, allowing for major naval re-armament. Once again Chamberlai...