Key Events 1913-2013 By 158104 Jan 1, 1919 The treaty of versailles is signed and revolutions break throughout europe. The treaty of versailles is signed and revolutions break throughout europe. Mar 5, 1921 The Bolsheviks win the Russian Civil War Mar 5, 1922 Mussolini and his fascists take power in Italy. Mar 5, 1923 Hitler attempts to seize power in Germany in the unsuccessful Munich Putsch. Mar 5, 1924 The Nazis win only 3 per cent of votes in German elections. Mar 5, 1928 The first Australian screening of a ‘talkie’ takes place. Mar 5, 1929 The Great Depression begins. Mar 5, 1931 Under the Melbourne Agreement, Australian government agrees to cut spending Mar 5, 1932 Unemployment reaches its peak in the worst year of the Depression Mar 5, 1933 Hitler and the Nazis gain power in Germany. Germany and japan leave the league of nations Mar 5, 1934 Italy invades Abyssinia (Ethiopia) Mar 5, 1936 The Spanish Civil War begins. Stalin begins purges of his opponents in the Communist Party and the military in the USSR. Mar 5, 1937 Japan invades China. Mar 5, 1939 Germany invades Poland and World War II begins.