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Hilter's Election
It was a day when one of the cruelest and most firm dictation was introduced to the world. First, Hitler legally came into power when he was appointed as the chancellor with the help of conservative leaders. Hitler was elected by German people due to his convincing speech and power. The world believed that he was the new hope and solution to crisis in Germany. At this point of time, Hitler wasn’t a full armed dictator, but this day was the beginning of fore-coming conflicts caused by Hitler. -
The Reichstag Fire
This event is known as the enabling act of Hitler’s dictatorship. When the fire happened, the Nazi party blamed it all on Communists. Just like most other crisis, the Reichstag fire allowed Hitler to gain more authority, but too much power. After this crisis, Hitler was able turn his temporary authority to permanent power. The event made Hitler the dictator that the world would never forget. -
Invasion of Ethiopia
When Ethiopia resisted Italian conquest, Mussolini sent a massive invasion to Ethiopia. Ethiopian defense was no match to full armed Italian army. The Ethiopian emperor, Haile Selassie, pledged for League of Nation's help, however the league did nothing but condemning Italy. This event proves that Treaty of Versailles is "a peace built on a quicksand." Also it shows the weakness of the League of Nations and encouraged aggressor nations to taken on a bolder actions. -
Remilitarization of the Rhineland
German troops remilitarized in the Rhineland. Due to its traumatic memories of World War I, the league announced an appeasement and relented German violation against the treaty. This event tipped the balance of power in favor of Germany. It served as a turning point in history and, foreshadowed the upcoming world war and destruction in balance of power. Additionally, the weak response from the League of Nations convinced Hitler to take on more actions. -
Munich Conference
Without Czechs, the conference agreed to hand over Sudetenland and Germany promised to respect the new border. However, Hitler’s ambition was not satisfied, which therefore caused him to take over Czechoslovakia as in whole. Such act was complete violation to the Treaty of Versailles and country’s self-determination. This event is significant since it completed all requirements for a war. At this point, the world had enough motivations to attack Germany and the Axis Powers at any time. -
Nonagression Pact
Soviet Union and Stalin reaches an agreement with Hitler. The agreement stated that no assaults were to happen between Soviet Union and Germany. The event takes a vital part in starting the war because it gave greater power to the Axis Powers which destroyed the balance of power in Europe. Hitler and his allies’ powers weren’t in check, the event set up a perfect time for a huge war to start. -
Invasion of Poland
Hitler’s polish invasion caused France and Great Britain to declare a war on Germany. However before Allies took their actions, Poland was already taken down by Germany. This event is historically significant because it was the start of the greatest war in 20th century. Also, it brought Franca and Britain in to play which created an actual world war. More over, the event also introduced a new battle tactic called Blitzkrieg. Therefore it was also important to history of war tactics + technology -
Dunkirk Evacuation
The miracle at Dunkirk was remembered as the most heroic acts performed in WWII. 850 ships of amateur armada was sent by Allies across the English Channel to Dunkirk in order the save approximately 338,000 soldiers. First of all, if rescue didn’t happen at this point, all 338,000 soldiers or veterans would have been killed or captured, forcing the Allies to surrender to Germany. The event also gave time for Britain to rearm and regroup since Germany couldn’t completely eliminate the BEF. -
Leningrad Under Siege
Germans starved more than 2.5 million inhabitants in the city by destroying warehouses and food storages. In just a year a million people died of starvation. Despite of the chaos, the city stood firmly, and forced impatient Hitler to move his target to Moscow. This event did not impact the war status of any countries, but it revealed the cruel nature of Nazi and some unreasonable actions that Hitler did. The siege was one of the cruelest events in WWII, and it suggests that many unworthy lives -
Battle of Stanlingrad
German soldiers took most of the Stalingrad, however when the Russian winter arrived. Soon the Soviets trapped the Germans and cut the supplies. However Hitler stood firmly and ordered his army to continue the battle. As the result of stubborn decision, Germany surrendered to the Soviets. This battle was known to alter the position of the war status. Due to is defeat, Germany were now on defensive position and Soviet was pushed them westward. The slow downfall of Germany and Hitler began to show -
D-Day
The Allies launched the greatest sea attack in history. Heavy loss of lives were noticed on both side of the battle, however at the end, Allies were able to destroy a portion of German defense line. From then, the Allies liberated France, Belgium an Luxembourg. Allied victory in this battle, set almost everything back to its original position. The sudden success changed everything of the war. Allied gained back their power and the war was marching to its end. -
V-E Day
From the Battle of the Bulge to the V-E or Victory in Europe Day, Germany plummeted rapidly. After series of Allied victories, German capital was soon captured and Hitler committed suicide with his wife. When Germany was finally captured, everything ended. This date is remembered as the victory day and end of WWII. It is a very significant date in the history of mankind since it marks the end of the greatest war in 20th century.
