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Stalin Comes to Power in Russia
After the death of Vladimir Lenin, Stalin becomes the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. Stalin's success at gaining control of Russia creates another conflict. He becomes the dicator of Russia and creating political conflicts with the other countries. -
Mussolini takes power in Italy
After becoming Prime Minister of Italy, Mussolini gained much power by creating different ways to benefit Italy, at least to the eyes of the citizens. Mussolini becomes one of the main dictators during World War II. -
U.S. Stock Market Crash
The United States stock market crashed during President Hoover's presidency. This led to the Great Depression in America. The crash of the stock market affected everyone in America and debts began to increasingly rise as the depression continued. These debts did not help America during World War II, but luckily U.S.A. did not join the war until after the attack on Pearl Harbor. -
Japan invades Manchuria
The Japanese Army attacked the Chinese in Manchuria. The Japanese Empire was attempting to gain control over the Chinese land. This was seen as an oppurtunity for the Japanese to expand their land beyond their small island. The invasion of Manchuria was believed to be one of the causes of World War II. -
Hitler Named Chancellor of Germany
President Paul Von Hindenburg of Germany named Adolf Hitler leader of the NAZI Party, to be Chancellor of Germany. Hitler begins to gain power, thus helping him lead up to his dicatorship. -
FDR is Elected President
President Roosevelt is voted in as President of the United States of America. Roosevelt will help pull America out of the Great Depression by creating different oppurtunities for jobs and by leading them through World War II. -
Italy Invades Ethopia
Thhe goal of invading Ethiopia was to boost Italian nationalism. Mussolini saw invading Ethiopia as an opportunity to provide land for unemployed Italians and and also acquire more mineral resources to fight off the effects of the Great Depression. This was to help relieve the Italians from the depression. This was seen as a technique to help the country's economy, but they were following the footsteps of Germany. -
Germany remilitarizes the Rhineland
Germany re-enters the Rhineland with intentions of remilitarizing it. This was a contributing factor to the conflict of World War II. Germany was remilitarizing itself when it was suppse to lack a strong military. -
Civil War Erupts in Spain
After a rebellion by a group of conservative generals in protest of the Government of Spain, the country erupted into civil war that lasted nearly 3 years. The conservative generals eventually gained victory over the government. Spain becomes weak with a new government. It it unorganized and it cannot participate in Wolrd War II without it being seized because of its newly established government. -
U.S. passes Neutrality Act
This act stated that the beliefs of people that were isolated from the area wasn't an excuse to get involved in the World War II. The Neutrality Act also stated that warring nations could only trade nonmilitary goods with the US. -
Anschluss
Hitler declares an "Anschluss" or union with Austria. Austria becomes a part of Germany, thus making Germany larger. This event made Germany an even more difficult opponent. Germany had another ally and it become even more powerful during World War II. -
The Munich Conference
A conference that was specifically created to discuss the future or Sudentenland. The conference was held between Italy, Germany, Britain, and France. The agreement allowed the German annexation of the Sudentenland. This showed a lack of power on the other countries side because they allowed Germany to gain control of another country. This brought up Germany's nationalism and it demonstrated that it was capable of going through three other countries. -
Germany Occupies the Sudetenland
Nazi Germany took possession of the Sudetenland. Germany did not conquer Sudetenland, but it was given to them as a result of the Munich Conference. Not only did Germany not have to physically fight to get this land, but it provides more resources for them to use to help fight in World War II. -
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht is an event that refers to the violent anti-Jewish pogroms which took place on November 9 and 10, 1938, throughout Germany. This was one of the conflicts that had arisen during World War II. This event opened the eyes of many other countries about what Germany was really doing. -
The Nazi-Soviet Pact
Representatives from Germany and the Soviet Union met and signed the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. The Non-Aggression Pact guaranteed that the two countries would not attack each other. This pact helped Germany gain another allie and it would help prevent a two front war for Germany during World War II. -
Germany Invades Poland
Germany invaded Poland where the Polish military quickly withdrew from their positions and allowed Germany to easily take over Poland. With Poland having been captured, it shows the Germany is gaining power. It also proves to many other countries that Germany is serious about seizing power, but it also demonstrates that ability to reach this goal. -
The "Phony War"
This was a stage in World War II was in a flat stage. No combat was occuring and everything seemed calm. This "war" created a false sense of security for the people, but Germany had not finished "conquering the world" quite yet. Many countries began to "relax" just a little. -
Churchill is Elected Prime Minister of England
Chamberlian was minister prior to Churchill, but after winning the popular vote, Churchill became prime minister of England. His election will change the politcal stand-point of England. He will promote a determination to end the war in the people of England. -
Miracle at Dunkirk
The Miracle at Dunkirk was when Allied soldiers quickly escaped from the beaches and harbour of Dunkirk, France because the Allie troops were cut off by the German army during the Battle of Dunkirk. This proved that Germany was a worthy opponent and that the most advanced armies barely escaped from the German trap during World War II -
France Surrenders
Germany heavily attacked France. The French overnment officals fled to Paris. In France the officials signed that they had surrendered from Germany. This action once again proves Germany's power. It was capable of other throwing a stronger and larger country. This makes the war more difficult without having France to fight alongside America and Britian. -
The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain was the first major battle to be fought entirely by the air force. It was also the largest lasting airplane attack during that time period. The German in the end did not meet their goal. This proved that the Germans could be defeated. This gave hope to the Allies. -
Japan seizes French Indo-China
This was a move by the Empire of Japan that was made to prevent China from importing weapons and fuel through French Indochina. The blockade cut off many supplies making it more difficult for French to receive weapons. -
The Lend-Lease Act
President Roosevelt created a new system which would allow the lend or lease of weapons to any nation that needed the protection and defense of the US. This act shows how America is strong and is capable of helping other countries. This created more tension between U.S.A. and Germany for power. -
Atlantic Charter
After a meeting between Roosevelt and Winston Churchill, they agreed upon "certain common principles." They decided on an absolute destruction of Nazi Germany. This conference created a tighter bond between Britian and America. The determination to destroy the dictatorship took full effect after the meeting. -
Japan Attacks Pearl Harbor
Japanese bombers attacked the United States naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. More than 2,400 sailors were killed. This event caused the US to join WWII. The Neutrality Act was revoked by President Roosevelt after the attack.
