Events Leading up to WW2

Treaty of Versailles

Jun 28, 1919

Ended WW1, most important peace treaty.

Hitler becomes leader of Nazi Party

Mar 17, 1921

Hitler ruled the Nazi party starting in 1921

Joseph Stalin becomes leader in Russia

Mar 17, 1929

Leader of USSR from 1929-1953

Nazi-Soviet Pact signed

Aug 23, 1929

On August 23, 1929 the Nazi-Soviet Pact was signed. It was a nonaggression act.

Japan invades Manchuria

Sep 18, 1931

Began September 18, 1931 when the Kwantung Army invaded Manchuria

Hitler is named Chancellor of Germany

Jan 30, 1933

Hitler became Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933

Nazis begin roundup of Jews

Mar 17, 1933

The Nazis began rounding up the Jews in 1933 which was the start of a terrible period called the Holocaust which didn't end until 1945.

Italian Army invades Ethiopia

Mar 17, 1935

The Italo-Ethiopian War started in 1935 when the Italians invaded Ethiopia.

Neutrality Act Passed by U.S.

Aug 31, 1935

The act was passed on August 31, 1935. This act prohibited exports of arms and ammunition.

Hitler sends troops into Rhineland

Mar 7, 1936

Hitler sent troops into Rhineland on March 7, 1936.

Japan attacks Nanjing, China

Dec 17, 1937

Japanese soldiers committed a episode of massacre of people.

Germany incorporates Austria into the Anschluss

Mar 12, 1938

Adolf Hitler announced a union between Austria and Germany.

Munich Pact signed

Sep 30, 1938

The Munich Pact was signed on September 30, 1938. It permitted Nazi annexation of Czechoslovakia.

Hitler invades Poland

Sep 1, 1939

On September 1, 1939 Hitler invaded Poland.

Great Britain and France declare war on Germany

Sep 3, 1939

Two days after the invasion of Poland, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany.

Germany and Italy sign a treaty of cooperation and Axis born

Sep 27, 1940

Also known as the Tripartite Act. It was signed September 27, 1940