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Germany Left League of Nations
Hitler used the Treaty of Versailles as a reason to leave the League of Nations. The treaty and the league had nothing to do with one another, yet Hitler made still used the treaty as an excuse. Reading 1 -
The US Passed Anti-War Laws
With these laws the US expressed an interest to stay out of foreign wars. This applied to military action as well as loans and weapon sales to nations in war. Reading 1 -
Hitler Strengthened Military
In the name of 'defense' and 'peace' Hitler announced that he was bringing back the air force as well as the military draft. These actions brought back the military to levels above the limits described in the Treaty of Versailles. Reading 1 -
Germany Took Back Rhineland
The German military took back Rhineland, an area of land taken away from Germany by the Treaty of Versailles, without any resistance. Hitler headed this military take over, and he promissed his generalls he would retreat if France so much as confronted the invasion. France did nothing because they did not want another bloody war and because the land was originally Germany's. Reading 1 -
Germany Formed an Alliance with Italy
Hitler made an alliance with Mussolini in Italy. This alliance made both nations stronger, and set the stage for the coming Anschluss. This alliance would become important in World War II. Reading 2 -
Anschluss
German forces invaded Austria and shortly after a vote was called on whether Austria would like to join Germany. 99% of Austrians voted yes, and Austria became a part of Germany. This absorption is called the Anschluss. Reading 2 -
Sudetenland was Taken
British, German, Italian, and French officials agreed to give Sudetenland to Germany. In exchange Hitler agreed not to ask for more land. The opinion the Czechoslovakian people and government was not a factor in the decision, and they were outraged that their land was taken without their consent. Reading 4 -
Germany Declared War on Poland
Germany staged a fake attack by 'polish' troops on a border town. In fact, the Germans dressed several inmates in Polish uniforms, and called them Polish attackers. The Germans used this 'attack' as an excuse to declare war on Poland. Shortly after the declaration Germany invaded Poland. Reading 14 -
Great Britain and France Declared War
Great Britain and France declared war on Germany in response to Germany's attack on Poland. Great Britain had made it clear that attacking Poland was the last straw. These declarations were the first of World War II. Reading 14 -
Poland Falls
Germany defeated Poland. It only took 18 days for Hitler to guide his army to victory over the Polish. Many people expected it would take much longer, and this victory showed just how good a commander Hitler and his subordinates were. Reading 14 -
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Educated Polish Were Carted Away
Nazis took 167 professors and threw them in a concentration camp. Later 1000 educated Polish were arrested. These acts were designed to take away the educated Poles who could have caused a disturbance that might harm the Nazi's strategy. Reading 15 -
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Germany Shows Their Strength
The Germans proved their fighting capabilities by conquering several countries in quick succession. First they defeated Norway as well as Denmark. Next they added Luxembourg, Holland, and Belgium to their collection. Finally they bested France, which gave them control over the vast majority of Europe and especially Western Europe. Reading 17 -
Germany Limits Polish Education
Heinrich Himmler created a policy that prevented schooling above 4th gade for non-Germans and non-Aryans. The information that was taught through this grade was limited. Basic math and simple writing was taught, but the main focus was on obeying the Germans. Only Aryans were allowed to continue schooling. This was another way that the Germans kept everyone under their total control. Reading 15 -
Winston Churchill Finally Gains Power
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of England. He had been a long time opponent of the Nazis and had warned that the Nazis were causing trouble. He ran on the platform of victory against our enemies at all costs. Reading 17 -
Holland Goes on Strike
Dutch workers went on strike for three days because they were upset about the treatment of Dutch Jews. The strike was widespread, and stopped almost all industrial and economic activity. The strike gave everyone a great sense of community (against Germany), and improved everyone's (especially the Jews') mood. After this brief period of optimism, the Nazis punished those involved, and sent many of the Jews to concentration and death camps. Reading 17 -
Invasion of Russia
Hitler ordered the invasion of Russia in order to eliminate the Jews in that region. This aim was kept top secret, so secret that almost no Jews knew what was happening in Germany and other places where Jews were being persecuted. Later on, Hermann Goering ordered the preparation for the total annihilation of the Jews, including those in recently captured territories. Reading 17 -
United States Declares War on Japan
On December 7 (1 day before the declaration) the Japanese launched an attack on the US. This was an attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii, and the attack destroyed serval US ships. The US responded to the attack with a declaration of war only one day after that actual attack took place. Reading 19 -
Germany Sides With Japan
Japan and Germany were allies, and Japan asked Germany for help with fighting the US. Hitler then declared war on the United States of America. This one move united every one of Hitler's enemies. All of a sudden, England, Russia, and the US were all fighting the same enemy: Hitler and his army. Reading 19
