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Start of Soviet Union to end of Stalin's rule of Communism
In the Russian Revolution, Vladimir Lenin, leader of the Bolsheviks, promised "peace" to Russia when he hoped a revolution would break out between all warring countries. He led them throughout a civil war until his death in1924. Joseph Stalin quickly took over and turned this weak communist party into a powerful, intimidating one. Communism was improved through terror, five-year plans, and collectivization. It was a "classless society." His Red Army contributed to the defeat of Germany in WWII. -
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The Weimar Republic
As the first democratic government in Germany, they faced many issues throughout its existence. The problem with the most impact on the people was inflation. Besides their economic problems, Germany's people had trouble accepting this type of government since it was different and "ineffective." Most blamed the government for their defeat in the war. Germany introduced this government shortly after their loss in the war and the downfall of imperialism. -
Versailles Treaty
After WWI ended in 1918, a peace settlement called the Treaty of Versailles was signed by David Lloyd George of Britain, Georges Clemenceau of France, and Woodrow Wilson of the United States. Besides the "Big Three," Vittorio Orlando of Italy and Dr. Johannes Bell of Germany took part in this too. They negotiated five separate treaties with the deafeated nations: Austria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Turkey, and most importantly Germany,This agreement was created to avoid anymore war. -
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Start of Fascism to end of Mussolini's rule
Originally a Socialist, Mussolini made the fascist party in 1919, which aimed for a government led by a powerful, dictatorial leader. As prime minister of Italy, he used nationalistic appeals to convince people to join his movement. He used censorship, and completely controlled the economy. Not only did he serve in the Italian Army in WWI, but he led Italy in WWII, forming an alliance with Germany and attacking France. -
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Beer Hall Pusch to publication of Mein Kampf
Hitler and his Nazi troops marched throughout Munich, planning to take over a meeting between Bavarian politicians at the Munich Beer Hall. The next day, he was arrested for treason and went to trial. The Nazi party grew weak without him. Still imprisoned, HItler wrote Mein Kampf, which expressed his view on politics and future plans for Germany, His book was foreshadowing what would eventually happen,but everyone ignored it.These events led to the formation of WWII and especially the Holocaust. -
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Great Depression
The Great Depression was caused by various cases of economic problems from different nations, and a mass crisis by the U,S, stock market. By 1933, thousands of Americans were unemployed, Finally, President Roosevelt picked America back up to reform in 1939 by the beginning of WWII. -
Japan invades Manchuria and response of League of Nations
Japan invaded Manchuria because their population was growing, and they needed more space. They decided to invade Manchuria because they saw no importance with the Chinese. The League of Nations did nothing in response to this event. This invasion was just one of many factors that led to WWII. -
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Start of Nazism to end of HItler's rule
Adolf Hitler became chancellor after waiting for years. HIndenburg, the president of Germany, finally appointed him as chancellor once Franz von Popen was ineligible. After assuming his position, Hitler spread Nazism through economic distress, fear of communism, appeal to nationalism, anti-semitism, and the weakness of the Weimar Republic and lack of Democratic tradition.Germany turned totalitarian. He commanded German troops in WWII, gaining power. He committed suicide rather than surrendering. -
Reichstag Fire
A capitalist, Marinus van der Lubbe, along with Nazis under a man named Goring, burned down the Reichstag building to make a statement. Hitler expressed beforehand that he would not be able to work with the Reichstag. This fire drew attention to Hitler. -
Nuremburg Laws
The Nuremburg Laws were created by Hitler and the Nazis for the Jews. They gave strict rules to them such as wearing the Star of David, not marrying Germans, and many more, These laws contributed to the Holocaust, escalating the intensity of the upcoming events such as war. -
Italy invades Ethiopia and League of Nation's response
Mussolini captured Ethiopia, claiming his power should be extended throughout Africa. To Mussolini, this would boost Italy's pride from when they were defeated by Ethiopia in the past. The League of Nations' decisions were not supported by greater powers, so nothing could barely be done.This led to more of a dispute as WWII grew closer. -
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Appeasement
In the Munich Conference, Hitler, Mussolini, Neville Chamberlein of Britain, and Edouard Daladier of France basically gave Czechoslovakia (Sudetenland) to Germany. Hitler spread Nazism throughout all of Czechoslovakia until the name no longer existed.This event led to the Invasion of Poland. -
Kristallnacht
Also known as "the night of shattered glass," Nazis burned down Jewish synagogues and businesses. Jews were prohibited from owning shops or expressing their religion. This event furthered the progression of the Holocaust. -
Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact
This pact between Germany and the Soviet Union divided Eastern Europe into separate German and Russian spheres of influence. This pact was made a few days before the beginning of WWII. -
Invasion of Poland
Hitler and his Nazi troops invaded Poland as an act of "defense," which didn't convince France and Britain. Hitler believed that conquering Germany would lead to Lebensraum, or "living space." France and Britain declared war on Germany on Septermber 3rd. Thus, leading to the beginning of WWII.
