What victories lent optimism to german troops in early 1942

In North Africa, German forces broke through British defenses in Egypt and advanced toward Alexandra. In the Soviet Union, German forces captured Crimea.

Explanation:

During the first months of 1942, it seemed that the Germans could prevail in the war. Reinforcements in North Africa allowed the Afrika Korps under General Erwin Rommel to destroy the British lines in Egypt and move approaching Alexandria. In the spring of 1942, a revitalized German attack in the Soviet Union commanded the capture of  Crimea.

might be agreeing to participate ethically with other european nations in the slave trade

or notifying other european nations when taking possession   of african territories

it was on the rise and doing very well and would continue to do well until the great depression from 1929-1939