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Adolf Hitler Becomes German Chancellor
On this day in 1933, Adolf Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany. At this point, the Nazi party had become the largest and most powerful political party and the government became a full blown dictatorship. -
The First Concentration Camp Opens
The Nazis open the Dachau concentration camp near Munich. It was designated for political prisoners. During the first year, the camp imprisoned a combination of about 4,800 German Communists, Social Democrats, and any other political enemies of the Nazi party. -
Boycott of Jewish Shops and Businesses
Nazi Propaganda Minister Joseph Goebbels delivers a message convincing the people of Germany to boycott businesses that were owned by Jews because of the alleged propaganda that the Jews were claiming about them. Germans were told to defend themselves against the Jews and purchase locally from German businesses only. -
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Nazi Takeover/Banning of Jews
The Nazi regime, led by Hitler and fueled by the help of their propaganda, led to the banning of Jews from just about everything, owning land, having national health insurance, citizenship, and if they were homeless, unemployed or alcoholics, they were sent to concentration camps. The Gestapo was created and led by Hermann Goring. During this time President von Hindenburg dies, resulting in Hitler becoming the Fuhrer, meaning the leader. A full blown dictatorship begins. -
The Nuremburg Race Laws
The Nuremburg Race Laws stripped German Jews of their rights of citizenship and forbid them to marry or hire Aryan people for housekeeping. These laws were strict in addressing "full Jews" which was considered someone with three Jewish grandparents. Many were confused in identifying Jews in some cases which results in the Nazis releasing instructional charts identifying Jews. However, in the end, every single Jew lost their rights completely. -
The Berlin Olympics
The 11th Olympic Games were held in Berlin during Hitler's reign. During this time, the ostracizing of Jews was temporarily put on hold in order to appeal to the international visitors from all over the world. Hitler enjoyed watching German athletes prevail, however, it was during these games that American runner Jesse Owens was breaking records that shone light to those games. -
Nazis Enter Austria
Nazi troops marched into Austria, a home to 200,000 Jews at the time. A union was established and Hilter and his men immediately began regulating and arresting the Jews. -
"Night of Broken Glass"
Kristallnacht, of "Night of Broken Glass" was a massive attack on the Jews following the murder of a member of the German embassy staff member. 17 year old Jew, Herschel Grynszpan, killed the German man because of he felt his father was poorly treated at the hand of the Nazis. A violent attack on Jews resulted because of this and Jewish men, women, and children were beaten to death, and had their homes destroyed while other Germans looked on. -
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Absolute Control Over Jews Everywhere
The Nazis begin to raid other countries such as Russia, Yugoslavia, Romania, France, Belgium, Denmark, Holland, and Luxembourge within this year. France even established their own version or Nuremburg Laws. -
Pearl Habor
Japan attacks the United States at Pearl Harbor. An abundant amount of Japanese airplanes attacked the Pearl Habor naval base near Hawaii. The following day, the United States declares war on Japan. -
Mass Kilings of Jews
Hitler begins mass killings of Jews using Zyklon B, a cyanide-based pesticide that was used in the gas chambers at Auschwitz. The guards would throw pellets that contained the gas down into the chambers, poisoning and killing the Jewish people inside. -
The Beginning of the End
On this day, Adolf Hitler committed suicide in his bunker. Enraged at the outcome of his defeat and of those who betrayed him, he ended his life. He prepared for his death and created a two-part political testament and a will. Americans free 33, 000 inmates from concentration camps. -
The Trial
Adolf Eichmann is put on trial in Jerusalem and charged with crimes against the Jewish people, humanity, and war crimes. He was found guilty and hanged on May 31, 1962.
