There are some persistent untruths out there on what and who caused the 2nd world war, so maybe we can fix them with facts of the era that have been concealed for a long time. You can confirm the quotes I'm going to present from many sources in the internet.
From the statement of General Günther Blumentritt when interrogated at the Nuremberg trial about the general staff meeting where Hitler stated his reasons why he wanted the British to escape at Dunkirk.
"Hitler then astonished us by speaking with admiration of the British Empire, of the necessity for its existence, and the civilization that Britain had brought into the world. He remarked with a shrug of the shoulders, that the creation of the Empire had been achieved by means that were often harsh, 'but where there is planing there are shavings flying.' He compared the British Empire with the Catholic Church—saying they were both essential elements of stability in the world. He said that all he wanted from Britain was that she should acknowledge Germany’s position on the continent. The return of Germany’s lost colonies would be desirable but not essential, and he would even offer to support Britain with troops if she should be involved in any difficulties anywhere."