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By 1921, Mussolini had established the Fascist Party. Fascism stressed nationalism and placed the interests of the state above those of individuals. To strengthen the nation, Fascists argued, power must rest with a single strong leader and a small group of devoted party members.
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In Russia, hopes for democracy gave way to civil war, resulting in the establishment of a communist state, officially called the Soviet Union, in 1922.
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Apr. 3. The Soviet Communist Party appoints Josef Stalin as General Secretary. Note: at the height of WWII, Stalin and the Soviets become part of the Allied forces.
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Hitler declares the reformulation of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) with himself as leader (Führer). He makes the declaration at the Bürgerbräukeller in Munich, the beer hall where he led his aborted coup against the democratically elected government.
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The whole world was hit by a depression in the late 1920s. A depression is when a country’s economy falls. Trade is reduced, businesses lose income, prices fall and unemployment rises.
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In 1933, the regime established the first concentration camps, imprisoning its political opponents, homosexuals, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and others classified as “dangerous.” Extensive propaganda was used to spread the Nazi Party’s racist goals and ideals.
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Mar. 7. Germany violates come contents of the Treaty of Versailles by militarizing the Rhineland. Under the treaty, Allied forces would occupy the Rhineland for fifteen years.
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March 13, 1938
Nazi Germany completes its annexation of Austria in Anschluss Österreichs, the political unification of Austria and Germany. Austria becomes the first country to be seized by Hitler’s regime. -
In an attempt to better the British Royal Navy, Hitler gives the approval for Plan Z. The plan was a five year project aimed at expanding the Nazi German navy fleet by 1944.
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World War II begins when Nazi Germany invades Poland. France and Britain declare war on Germany.
