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Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany
Hitler had the support of the people of Germany at the time due to the restrictions of the Treaty of Versailles which he wanted to abolish and the fear of communism from rising. There was also a large rate of unemployement. There was massive support for the Nazi Party at the time. Quickly changed Germany into a totalitarian state giving him uncontrollable power, there was no voice of opposition. He has the idea of expansion called Lebensraum wanting to increase the land Germany possessed. -
Hitler leaves the League of Nations
Japan had left the League of Nations moths prior. Germans associeted the League with the Treaty of Versailles and wanted it abolished, Hitler was trying to make other countries decrease their military if Germany had to do it as well. England and France declined on the term they needed an army for protection. France and Britain didn't depend of the League anymore. Significant because Hitler could do anything without having to hold back according to certain League rules. -
Minister Engelbert Dollfuss is assasinated by Austrian Nazis
Due to Hitler's encouragement of some Austrian Nazis the Minister was killed, but Hitler took no blame for it. Instead he sent troops to invade Austria. The Minister had been supported by Mussolini and saw it as an outrage and sent troops to the border of Austria as a warning for Hitler. Britain and France thought Mussolini was doind this to protect the settlement of Versailles. Germany retreated because Hitler believed they weren't ready to begin a war at the moment, shows restraint. -
Anglo-German Naval Treaty established
Britain helped Germany break Treaty of Versailles restrictions by coming to an agreement that Germany could have 35% of its navy. This was a way of appeasement. France criticised Britain's ways and disputes between the countries. Germany benefited becuause it meant could keep navy. -
Italy invades Ethiopia
Italy wanting to stop being shamed for prior loss invaded. Ethiopia appesead to League, they didn't help because Italy was a big power that couldn't be reckoned with. France and Britain didn't approve and criticesed, lost Mussolini's support. Disputes versus Britain, France and Italy benefited Germany. -
Germany remilitarises the Rhineland
Major violation of Treaty of Versailles and Locarno Pact. France had force to intervene but didn't do so. Little support for Britain action. Rearmament and arms production increased. Change of power in Europe Germany could now pursue policy of aggression in the East. -
Germany occupies and annexes Austria
Hitler sent troops to invade Austria. Now he had Italian support due to some negotiations with Mussolini. Wanted to rule a German speaking country. Britain was building up defences. Neither France or Britain did anything to stop this. Having Austria under German rule gave Hitler a new federal state managed by Nazi leaders. -
Hitler accepts Italian mediation at conference in Munich, Sudetenland taken over by Germany
Prior to the meeting Hitler and Mussolini met to make a strategy that would benefit both. Chamberlain and Daladier had come to terms that Germany in fact did deserve to have that piece of land since it was part of the Austrian Empire and it was mostly made up of German speaking people. German rearmament continued and British rearmament increased. -
Europe engaged in arms race
Hitler established a new foreign-policy not linked to the Treaty of Versailles. German rearmament is accelerated. Britain is critical of Hitler openly and doesn't agree with Czechslovakia annexation under terms that had happened. Britain offered Poland guarantee of independence and conscription was introduced to Britain once again. Tried to negotiate with Russia. -
Hitler signed non-aggression pact with Stalin and USSR
Pact used to prevent two front war. A secret was behind the agreement, both countries would be able to divide up Poland when it was invaded. This pact helped Hitler gain more power. It didn't last long because two years later he would be invading Russia.
