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Great depression
The Great Depression was a very hard time in history when many people around the world didn't have enough money for basic things like food and shelter. It happened in the 1930s and lasted for several years, making it difficult for people to find jobs and support their families. Governments tried different ways to help, but it took a long time for things to get better. The Great Depression fueled extremism, heightening international tensions and leading to conflict. -
Manchurian Crisis
The Manchurian Crisis was a big problem in the 1930s when Japan took over Manchuria, a region in China, without permission. Japan said they did it to protect their interests, but other countries didn't agree and thought it was wrong. This caused tension and disagreements between Japan and other countries, leading to problems that eventually contributed to World War II. The crisis impacted the failure of the LoN by showing its inability to stop Japan's aggression and undermining its authority. -
Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany
Hitler became the leader of Germany, called the Chancellor, in 1933 when President Hindenburg chose him. Many people supported Hitler because they were unhappy with the economy and wanted change. After becoming Chancellor, Hitler quickly gained more power and control, eventually leading to him becoming a dictator and starting World War II. Hitler rise to power heightened the rise of extremism, contributing to tensions and conflicts that eventually led to the outbreak of World War II in 1939. -
Anti-Comintern Pact
The Anti-Comintern Pact was a treaty signed by Germany and Japan in 1936, later joined by other countries, to oppose the spread of communism. They agreed to work together to stop the spread of ideas and influence from the Communist International organization, which was led by the Soviet Union. This pact increased tensions between the signatory countries and the Soviet Union, and it eventually contributed to the alliances formed during WWII. The pact fueled extremism and set the stage for WWII -
Remilitarization of the Rhineland
The remilitarization of the Rhineland happened in 1936 when German troops marched back into the Rhineland area, breaking the Treaty of Versailles. They did this without permission, which caused worry among other countries because it violated agreements made after World War I. This move by Germany was a significant step in Adolf Hitler's plan to expand German territory and power in Europe. The remilitarization intensified tensions and contributed to the failure of the LoN to keep peace. -
Spanish Civil War
The Spanish Civil War was a conflict in Spain between 1936 and 1939, where the government, led by Republicans, fought against Nationalists, led by General Francisco Franco. It was a brutal war, with international involvement from countries like Germany and Italy supporting the Nationalists, while others like the Soviet Union supported the Republicans. The Nationalists ultimately won, leading to Franco's dictatorship. The war intensified extremism and undermined the LoN efforts for peace -
Munich Conference
The Munich Conference was a meeting in 1938 where leaders from Britain, France, Italy, and Germany agreed to let Germany attach part of Czechoslovakia called the Sudetenland. They hoped this would avoid war, but it actually gave Hitler more power and encouraged his aggressive actions. The agreement is often criticized for appeasing Hitler and failing to prevent WWII. The Munich Conference exemplified appeasement, fueling Hitler's aggression and leading to the outbreak of World War II in 1939. -
Nazi-Soviet pact
The Nazi-Soviet Pact, signed in 1939, was an agreement between Germany and the Soviet Union to not fight each other. They also secretly agreed to divide up Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. This surprised other countries and paved the way for Germany to start WWII by invading Poland without worrying about a Soviet response. The pact fueled distrust among other countries and allowed Hitler to invade Poland without fear of Soviet intervention, ultimately triggering the outbreak of WWII. -
Britain and France declare war on Germany
Britain and France declared war on Germany on September 3, 1939, after Germany invaded Poland. This invasion broke the promise made to Poland by Britain and France to protect its sovereignty. The declaration of war marked the beginning of World War II in Europe. Britain and France declaring war on Germany signaled the end of appeasement policies and directly led to the outbreak of World War II in 1939. -
Germany invades Poland
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939, without warning. This attack marked the beginning of World War II in Europe and triggered declarations of war from Britain and France against Germany. Poland was quickly overwhelmed by the German military, leading to occupation and suffering for its people. Germany's invasion of Poland directly triggered the outbreak of World War II in 1939.