The Road to World War II

Treaty of Versailles

Jun 28, 1919

The treaty was created by the League of Nations- Britain and France- in order to keep the peace in Europe. It forbid Germany to rebuild an army and forced it to take all the blame for the Great War.

Hitler takes control of Germany

Jan 30, 1933

The Nationalist German Worker's Party focused on overturning the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler wanted to rebuild a German army, spread nationalism and racism, and expand the empire's territory. He was appointed Chancellor and called "Fuehrer".

Invasion of Rhineland

Mar 7, 1936

Hitler sent Nazi troops into Rhineland, a German territory among the border of France. France saw this act as a threat to their national security. Britain and France chose a policy of appeasement, giving the territory to Germany in order to prevent a war.

Anschluss

Mar 12, 1938

Hitler annexed Austria, his native country, forcing the Austrian government to surrender. The League of Nations chose appeasement, even if it was concerned about Hitler's intentions. The German empire grew bigger

Nazi-Soviet Pact

Aug 23, 1938

Hitler frightened the Soviet Union because of its strong military. He signed a military alliance with Stalin, called the Nazi-Soviet Pact. The two leaders secretly agreed to invade Poland and to split it between them.

Invasion of Czechoslovakia

Sep 1, 1938

Czechoslovakia was home to hundreds of thousands of Jews. After the German invasion, the Czech government prepared to fight the Nazis. The League of Nations did not interfere in order to keep peace.

Munich Pact

Sep 30, 1938

France, Britain and Germany met in Munich to make an agreement called Munich Pact. Germany had to promise to stop invading other European countries. France and Britain agreed to sacrifice Czechoslovakia. They were convinced to have saved Europe from war through successful negotiation. Neville Chamberlain gave a big speech about how the Munich Pact would ensure peace.

Invasion of Poland/ start of WWII

Sep 1, 1939

Poland was home to about 3.4 million Jews in 1939. Hitler and Stalin could easily invade the state, because of Poland’s position between the two powerful countries. By invading Poland, Germany had broken the Munich Pact. Britain and France declared war on Germany. The invasion of Poland was the spark that set off the war.