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Period: to
Hitler Takes Control
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Nazis Gain Power
The Nazi party gains 6 million nation-wide votes, becoming the second largest party in Germany. -
Hitler Becomes Chancellor
Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor by President Paul von Hindenburg. -
Dachau Opens
Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp opened. Political enemies were the most targeted group. On the gate read the words "Arbeit macht frei," translating to "Work liberates," Over 32,000 were murdered in the camp. -
Enabling Act of 1933
Adolf Hitler gained legal dictatorship through the Enabling Act. It was passed in 1933 by Germany's Reichstag (Parliment), and signed by President Paul von Hindenburg. Under the act the Third Reich was able to pass laws without parlimentary consent. -
Germany Occupies Rhineland
In direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles, German forces occupied the Rhineland (land west separating France from Germany). It was the first time the German Army had been in the area since World War I. -
Kristallnacht
The night of the ninth German SA officials and citizens destroyed Jewish shops, synagagues, homes, and buildings. 30,000 Jewish people were placed into concentration camps the next day. -
Pact of Steel
Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini sign the Pact of Friendship and Alliance between Germany and Italy. There were two parts to the pact. Part one stated that the two countries will have unwavering trust and cooperation towards one another; part two said that the military branches of each country should also align. -
Invansion of Poland
Germany invaded Poland from three fronts. The Polish Army expected reinforcements from Great Britain and France but very little arrived. Once the Soviet Union joined in on the invasion, the Polish troops retreated to neutral Romania. Poland never officially surrendered but the take over marked the beginning of the Second World War. -
Outbreak of War
Britain, France, Australia, and New Zealand declare war on Germany following the Nazi invasion of Poland. -
Period: to
World War, Again
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The Finest Hour
German Air Forces (Luftwaffe) attempted to gain air superiority over Great Britain's Royal Air Force. However, the British were able to defend themselves marking Hitler's first major defeat. Prime Minister Churchill said about the pilots: "Never was so much owed by so many to so few." -
Germany Takes Paris
Germany invades France and succeeds. The country is divided into four zones and under Nazi control until the Normandy landings. -
Africa Bleeds
Axis forces invade North Africa. The United States and Great Britain began a series of campaigns to liberate the entire continent. They were successfull as all Axis forces retreated to Italy on 13 May 1943. -
Lend-Lease Act
President Roosevelt signed the Lend-Lease Act in order to supply the Allied Powers with war materials. 50 billion dollars of materials were shipped (647 billion today). This event marked the first international involvement since World War I. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Imperial Japanese Navy orchastrated a surprise attack on the US naval base located on the island of Oahu (Hawaii). The aftermath of the attack left 3,684 American casualties, thus earning the title "A Day Which Will Live In Infamy," from President Roosevelt. -
Arcadia Conference
The first meeting in terms of military ideology between Roosevelt and Churchill took place in Washington, D.C. The two super-powers agreed that they would combine military strength and defeat Nazi Germany before moving on to the battle in the Pacific. -
Benito's Overthrow
Benito Mussolini was recognized while he was trying to escape with his wife to Spain. Upon recognition he was shot and his body was later hung upside down and tortured. His death marked the end of Fascist Italy. -
D-Day
Operation Overlord was the largest amphibious attack ever orchastrated in military history. The resulting allied win meant massive amounts of armed forces could now be brought in to liberate France. -
Auschwitz Liberated
Auschwitz was the worst concentration camp that the Nazi party built. Over 1.1 million people were killed while stationed there. The camp was liberated after nearly five years of use by the Soviet Union. -
Truman Takes Over
President Franklin Roosevelt died of cerebral hemorrhages. Harry Truman was sworn into office the following day. FDR ranks among Washington and Lincoln as the greatest Presidents of all time. His leadership throughout World War II was unwaivering and legendary. -
Hitler Commits Suicide
Adolf Hitler and his wife, Eva, committed suicide together. After his death his body was carried outside and set ablaze, as was his wishes. -
V-E Day
Germany surrenders. -
Little Boy and Fat Man
August 6 and August 9 saw the first use of atomic bombings. The United States two bombs accounted for an estimated 200,000 Japanese deaths. Five days later Japan surrendered. -
V-J Day
Japanese surrender, World War II ends. -
Period: to
The Aftermath
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International Refugee Organization
The IRO was created to help relocate millions of refugees. Eventually the Jewish people were given Israel, but until then the IRO was responsible for getting them into homes. -
Nuremburg Trials
Following the surrender of Nazi Germany, 25 of the most influential leaders still alive were tried for war crimes against humanity. The trials led to immense influence in future international law such as Genocide Convention and Geneva Convention.
