Also remember that in WWI, Germany was blockaded and the...

Also remember that in WWI, Germany was blockaded and the population (except the Kaiser) were forced onto rationing as early as 1915 (which explains why the Germans always tried to take the military initiative after the initial failure to defeat France eg: Verdun, Jutland, 1918 spring offensives....their leaders knew the population were starving, & tried to force the issue, but had not the weaponry/technology to do it).
The blockade continued until 1921.....so it is little wonder that someone like Adolf could appeal to the German masses with the simple promise of "Work and Bread". ( One German interviewed in the old 'World at War' series, said this promise sounded like Paradise).
With regards to France.....it's been leaderless since Napoleon. Germany has been leaderless since Bismarck.
Like Britain, they dream of the old colonial days. They are, in to-days world, an irrelevance. Unfortunately, the US has most of the trumps, since the USSR split.
(But only short-term.....China is the new emerging superpower).
CHEERS