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Treaty of Versailles
World War I officially eneded with the signing of this treaty, and was the catalyst for World War II. It sparked the begining of the second war becuase there was much debate and disagreement on some of the clauses- specifically, the guilt clause. This clause forced Germany to take balme, which caused unrest in the damaged country. -
Germany Makes a Pact with Poland
Germany and Poland agreed to sign a non-agression pact, meaning that they would resolve their issues through negotiation and not armed conflict. They were not "allies", but they were not allowed to attack one another. This pact was meant to last 10 years, but would later be voilated by Hitler. -
U.S Neutrality Act
This was the first of many Neutrality Acts created by the American govenment throughout the war. This stated that “arms, ammunition, and implements of war” made in the United States were not allowed to be exported to any nation at war. Over the next four years quite a few changes would be made to this act due to war time demands. -
Hitler invades Poland
Violating their non-aggression teaty, Hitler and his army invaded Poland unprovoked. Great Britain and France came to aid Poland, but the Polish army was defeated within weeks of the invasion. Unprepared and attacked without warning, Poland fell into the hands of Hitler and his Nazis. This is considered to be the official beginning of WWII. -
Britain and France Declare War
After the events that happened in Poland, Britain and France officially declared war on Germany. Britain started its attack the next day by bombing German ships, and Frace join in two weeks later at the German border. All the while, the United States remained neutral and out of the conflict. -
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The Fall of France
Nine months after declaring war against each other, Germany inevitably invaded France. After many months of fighting, bombing, and invasions, France had no choice but to give in. On June 5th France's final defenses fell, followed by the 10th when Italy joined Germany's side to finally take over on the 14th when the French capital fell. After a total seven weeks, France finally surrendered on the 25th of June. -
U.S Military Draft
As Roosevelt prepares for battle, Congress passes the first peace time military draft, sending about 1.4 million men off for training. The U.S. still claimed to be neutral at this time, but it was apparent that isolation was no longer the goal for America. Men between 21 and 45 years old were chosen and announced by the president, and amry preparations began. -
Lend Lease Act
This act gave the president the power to sell, exchange, or lease weapons to any nation who is involved in defending the United States. Refered to as "An Act to Promote the Defense of the United States", this was meant to help America build up trust with countries overseas to keep their country out of war. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Before 8:am on this day, Japan launched an unanounced attack on an American naval base named Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii. Japan destroyed 20 naval vessles, 200 airplanes, and over 2,000 people were killed, and 1,000 were injured. Americans were shocked, devastated, and were more determined than ever to join the war. -
America Joins the War
One day after the Attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevel immediately asked Congress to declare war on Japan. With just one vote, the declaration was approved. It took over 2 years of isolation and ignorance, but the United States were now a part of World War II. Neutrality was over and the war was just beginning.
