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Germany Renounces Treaty of Versailles
Hitler renounced the terms of the treaty and began to rearm his military in anticipation of WWII. France and the other Ally nations humiliated Germany with the Treaty of Versailles. For a long time, Hitler had been secretly going against the terms and waiting patiently for their time to strike for revenge. -
U.S. Congress Passes Nuetrality Act
The Nuetrality Act forbids loans or arm sales to participants in foreign wars. Americans did not want to engage in another world war unless absolutely necessary and this was their way of letting European powers know that. American politicians strongly resisted sending U.S. troops into Europe. -
Italy Invades Ethiopia
Italy invaded the only autonomious state country in Africa and annexed them to Italy. Without warning, Mussolini invading Ethiopia only for personal gain. Most nations condemned this act of aggression, but because of Italy's use of chemical warfare, no country was willing to do anything about it. -
Germany Remilitarizes the Rhineland
Under the Treaty of Versailles, the Rhineland region was to remain free of German troops. Hitler went against the Treaty and France did not resist in the occupation. This was the first diplomatic gain through military force that would lead to the outbreak of WWII. -
Civil War in Spain
Civil war breaks out between conservative Nationalists and Leftist Loyalists. Fascist nations, Italy and Germany began sending aid to the Nationalists, whereas the Soviet Union supported the Loyalists. This was the first war to see wide use of modern aircraft and armored vehicles. -
Japan signs "Anti-Comintern"
Japan aligns with Germany and Italy. THey sign the "Anti-Comintern" which is designed to counter Communist influence. This was the beginning of the Axis powers, which the Allies would later fight in WWII. This treaty was mainly for show, but indefinitely divided countries into "good" and "bad'. -
War Policy Passed by Congress
This policy is modification to the Nuetrality Act. It gives the president some discretion in allowing loans and arms sales to foreigners. Many U.S. politicians that evolvement in and future world war was unevitable, and this policy was the first step to addressing the problem. -
Japan Opens War on China
The Japanese occupied China after years of incursions, raids, and occassional battles. Japan was creating tension with the Americas and other anti-German countries. The situation in China was a major issue in America, where they were concerned with aggressive acts that would lead to foreign wars. -
Germany Annexes Austria
Germany annexed the long awaited Austria and adds 6 million more German speaking people to its population. This was part of Hitler's ultimate goal of unifing all members of the "German race" in one nation. -
Fighting Erupts between Japan and Soviet Union
Japanese and Soviet soldiers fought against one another on the Russian-Korean-Manchurian border, The Soviets came out victorious and little was known about this in the West until the war was over. Tensions rose and added to the general sense of unease in Europe and America. -
Munich Pact
After threats of invasion of western Europe, Great Britain and France approach Germany and ask Hitler to behave in the future. In return, Hitler annexed the western portions of Czechoslovakia and promised to behave in the future, Previously, Czechoslovakia had been allied with France, but these agreements were ignored in order to avoid another world war. -
Roosevelt Defense Budget
President Rooselvelt proposes a defense budget that begins to rearm the United States in the case of another world war. The votes in Congress were close, just going to show how apprehensive America was to engage in another world war. This was a necessary step to take in case of a foreign war, but one that no one wanted to take. -
Germany Occupies Czechoslovakia
German troops occupy the rest of Czechoslovakia and annex portions of the country. This is in direct violation of the 1938 Munich Pact. Germany is only looking out for themselves and creating a larger, more powerful fighting nation. This is another step taken by Germany that increases frustration among the world and leads to an ensuing world war. -
Italy Invades Albania
Mussolini invades Albania, which has been frequently ruled by Italian states. The world saw it as a flagrant act of aggression. -
Hitler Renounces AGNA
Hitler renounces Germany's 1935 naval agreement with Great Britain, which they agreed to limiti their fleet to a thrid of its size. This signaled German intention to rebuild fleet and challenge control of the seas. Germany had been rebuilding their fleet since 1935 and bending the terms of the treaty by building ships larger than the inital agreement. -
Germany SIgns with Soviets
Germany signs a nonaggression treaty with the Soviet Union. A secret clause allows both of them to partition Poland. This treaty was a shock to all of Europe and the United States. Two previously anti-Communist and anti-Nazi sided with eachother, creating allies that are a force to be reckoned with. -
Great Britain Signs with Poland
Britain and Poland signed a treaty of mutual assisstance, If Germany invades Poland, Great Britain will declare war on Germany. This was Britain's attempt to stop Germany from starting a second world war and frighten them out of invading Poland. -
Germany Invades Poland
Germany invades Poland. Great Britain and France issue an ultimatum demanding Germany to cease its agression within 48 hours or they will declare war. Italy remained nuetral in this sitaution and a proposes a conference like the Munich conference. This was a final attempt to avoid WWII.
