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Treaty of Versailles Signed Ending WWI
Treaty of VersaillesThe Treaty of Versailles imposed many harsh restrictions on Germany, especially considering that Germany was recovering from World War 1. The treaty forced Germany to give up a lot of land, some of which was rich in resources. The country being known as the instigator of World War 1 also had to pay reparations to the countries of the Allied Power; as well as, pay for any damaged equiptment lost during the war. -
Stock Market Crash in New York
When the stock market plummeted it led the world to the Great Depression. Many were left without jobs and a way to support a family. What many Americans do not realize is that the stock market crash affected the whole world. It had even greater strain on Germany due to the fact that they were already paying reparations after the loss of World War 1. Economists are still debating over what truly brought the US out of the Great Depression. Some say that it was the New Deal. Others say it was WWII. -
Adolf Hitler is Appointed Chancelor of Germany
With Germany in such desperate straits, the German citizens were looking for a savior. The person that they thought they were looking for turned out to be Adolf Hitler. Hitler was a renowned politician with a charisma that is difficult to match. He was able to convince an entire country that he could save them from the depression. When he became chancellor however, his ideals turned out to be too radical for most people in the world. -
Franklin Roosevelt is Inaugurated President of the United States
FDR's First Inaugural AddressFranklin Roosevelt would not only bring the United States out of the Great Depression but be president for the majority of World War II. He, Churchill, and Stalin would all be the faces of the Allied Countries. Roosevelt has one of the most famous inaugural speeches, especially the line, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -
Remilitarization of the Rhineland
The Treaty of Versailles effectively demilitarized the Rhineland, a strip of land that borders France. When Hitler moved troops into this area he was blatantly disregarding the Treaty of Versailles. No action was taken however to stop him from doing so. This is an example of the appeasment of Hitler. -
Germany Annexes Austria
The German government for the second time in four years was discussing the annexation of Austria. When Austrian Chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg found out about this he met with Hitler to reassure the independence of Austria. Von Schuschnigg left with more Austrian Nazis in his cabinet. The Austrian Chancellor was being pressured by Hitler, so he decided to have the people vote. Before the vote took place Von Schuschnigg resigned and encouraged the Austrian forces not to resist a German advance. -
Munich Agreement
It seemed that Hitler had his heart set on taking the Sudetenland from the Czechoslovakia. This area possessed many German speaking people as well as many valuable resources. Not only did Hitler want the Sudetenland, but he also wanted to allow all German speaking people to join the Third Reich. Chamberlain, the English Prime-Minister at the time, decided it was best just to give into Hitler’s demands instead of risking a repeat of World War 1. This is the biggest example of Hitler’s appeasement -
War in Europe Begins
World War II begins in Europe. At this point the United States remains neutral. -
Winston Churchill becomes English Prime Minister
Winston Churchill is elected Prime Minister after Neville Chamberlain. The fact that this happens during World War II is an important detail. -
France Falls to German Forces
After this England is primarily the only country that is putting up a fight against Nazi Germany. -
Bombing of Pearl Harbor
Japan launches a suprise attack on Pearl Harbor, a naval base in Hawaii. The primary target of this attack were the U.S. aircraft carriers, but thankfully they were not at the base during the attack. -
United States Declares War on Japan
US declares war on Japan, Germany, and ItalyAny hope that the United States could remain out of this conflict is obliterated by this declaration of war. This officially ends all definitions of neutrality. Soon after, both Germany and Italy will declare war on the United States.