Early Events of World War 2

The Austrian Anschluss

Mar 18, 1938

In March 1938. Hitler wanted all German-speaking nations in Europe to be a part of Germany. He thought this would expand Germany's territory. After Hitler sent in troops due to fear of a vote, he announced the unification of Austria and Germany, or the Anschluss.

The Munich Conference

Mar 25, 1939

Hitler wanted to to seize Sudetenland, which was in Czechoslovakia, but had a substantial German population and important industrial resources. In March 1939, Germany invaded Czechoslovakia and made just Slovakia part of Germany and became a German protectorate.

Danzig

May 10, 1939

One month after the Munich conference, Hitler demanded the Free city of Danzig. It has been part of Poland since World War 1 even though it is 90% German.Britain and France pledged to protect Poland if they declined, so Germany prepared to invade Poland.

The Fall of France

May 10, 1939

Since France was on the Maginot line waiting for Germany to invade, it gave Germany time to focus on Poland. After, Hitler decided to go around the line that protected France anyways. From this angle Hitler had to Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg first starting on May 10th. Eventually, the Germans trapped the French in Belgium.

The Nazi Soviet Pact

Aug 23, 1939

This was a neutrality pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed in Moscow on August 1939

The Invasion of Poland

Oct 5, 1939

September 1, 1939 to October 5, 1939 Poland could not keep up with Germany and were outclassed due to Germany's new type of warfare called blitzkrieg or lightning warfare. Also, due to Poland being outdated and having horses and Germany having tanks and such, it was a fairly easy victory for Germany.

The Evacuation of Dunkirk

Jun 4, 1940

Hitler had a three day delay on his invasion which gave the British time to fortify. But instead of fighting they executed Operation Dynamo which was an escape plan. The cost was leaving almost all the British equipment behind. Three weeks later on June 22nd Hitler accepted French surrender and occupied Northern France.

The Battle of Britain

Oct 31, 1940

July 10, 1940 – October 31, 1940
Battle of Britain ended when Germany’s Luftwaffe failed to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force despite months of targeting Britain’s air bases, military posts and, ultimately, its civilian population. It was a Decisive win for the allied forces. Also, a major turning point in World War 2