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Alliance System Building
Alliances were formed as countries sought protection. It was assumed alliances would deter war. -
Trench Warfare
Trenches started being built in 1914. They were hundreds of miles long, and there were three types. Frontline trenches for attacking, support trenches for supplies, and reserve trenches for emergency troops and supplies. -
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Growing Militarization
War seemed to be coming as Austria-Hungary had an unacceptable ultimatum. The military profesionals had a lot of influence and influenced countries to prepare for war, rather than avoid it. -
Assassination of Franz Ferdinand/Growing Balkan Nationalism
The Ottomans wanted independance from Austria-Hungary. The Black Hand killed Franz Ferdinand. -
US-Zimmermann Telegram
The German Foreign Minister, Arthur Zimmermann, sent a coded message to Mexico, asking the Mexicans to attack America and offering them land. This message was deciphered and was a factor in making the US join the war. -
Sinking of the Lusitania
The Lusitania was a voyage ship with some Americans aboard. Germany warned the boat it would sink them, but they ignored it. The ship was sunk and was another factor in the US joining the war. -
Bolshevik Revolution
Bolshevik brought together soldiers and peasant, created his Bolshevik party to gain control, and Lenin soon joined it and took control of land. -
Uboats and Unrestricted Warfare
German submarines took down many ally merchant ships. They destroyed many neutral ships which helped bring US into the war. -
Treaty of Versailles
A peace settlement was signed after WWI in the hopes of abolishing war forever. Germany was largely affected and lost much money and military. This was a factor in starting WWII. -
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League of Nations
From 1921 to 1925, many new members joined the League of Nations. It would ensure war would not start, and it looked to stabilize and orderly stop problems, however, America would not join. -
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Stalin In Power
He schemed himself into power after the death of Lenin. He used his position as General Secretary and he used ruthless politcal moves. He gave his supporters power and he made his opposition disliked, then dismissed other political powers to leave himself as leader. -
Rise of Fascism
Fascism was nationalistic and violent, as well as anti-liberal and democratic. It was racist and glorified war, usng symbolism and unclear doctrine. Fascim also had complete power, and took advantage of economic collapse. -
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Great Depression
Economy dropped throughout the world, expecially America and Europe because they were industrialized areas. Stocks dropped everywhere and many banks failed. A lot of people became unemployed. -
German Invasion of Rhineland
Germany invades Rhineland, and it is considered an illegal foreign relations act. -
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Spanish Civil War
The Rebels, "Nationalists", were assisted by the Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany. The Republicans got aid from the Soviets and European and US volunteers. -
German Invasion of Austria
Hitler asks for free hand power of the Nazis in Austria, but they disagree. Germany invades Austria and takes over. -
German Invasion of Czeckoslovakia
Hitler orders the capture of Czeckoslovakia, and also gain control of Sudetenland. -
German Invasion of Poland
Germany signs things with Soviets so they will not attack, and then the Germans invade Poland. -
Britain and France Declare war on Germany
Germany has taken a lot of land and Britain and France realize it is time to go to war with Germany. -
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Evacuation of Dunkirk
Germany is winning the war. The Allied troops are rescued from Dunkirk and escape before the Germans can get them. -
Battle of Britain
After Hitler's win against France, he set his eyes towards Britain. He sent in planes to destroy shipping and defences, but after a while they switched to airfields and british Radar bases. Finally they attacked London and other big cities, but on Sept 15th the germans gave up on their air attack against Britain. -
Fall of France (Vichy France)
France surrendered to German after facing defeat by the German military. Marshal Philippe Petain was given power, and Vichy France was created. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
An air fleet and submarines attacked an American military harbor. They destroyed many of America's strongest ships with bombs, and many Americans were killed. This helped cause America to declare war on Dec 8, 1941, and then on Germany and Italy on Dec 11, 1941. -
Battle of Midway
A very important battle of WWII. Four Japanese aircraft carriers were destroyed, which are important in naval strength. America took out their carriers in a battle which Japan expected to win. -
Battle of Guadalcanal
Japan took over Australia and was building an air base. America went in to take over the air base, and was succesful. The Japanese retaliated and sent in many troops, but they were unsuccesful in regaining the base. Many Japanese were killed and an important air base was gained for America. -
Battle of Stalingrad
The Germans advanced on Stalingrad to attack the Russians, however, they were surrounded and caught inside. Hitler would not allow surrender and many Germans were killed, greatly weakening the German army. -
D-Day
The attack to regain Normandy France. It was called Operation Overlord, and involved soldiers crossing a channel, to attack, as well as paratroopers to land in and attack enemies. Omaha beach had the most German opposition. -
Bombing ofTokyo
279 B-29s attacked Tokyo with incendiary bombs. They attacked the industrial district, and destroyed much of it. -
VE Day
The Allies overran Germany and Hitler killed himself. Germany surrendered and it was made Europe Victory day, as there was victory in europe. -
Bombing of Hiroshima/Nagasaki
The plane Enola Gay carried the bomb, called "Little Boy", and took it to Japan. The bomb was armed during the flight, and it was actually going to be the first time ever used, as it had not even been tested before. Nagasaki and 2 other cities were on the list of cities that they also could have bombed. The nuclear bomb caused much death and destruction, forcing the Japanese to think about surrender. -
VJ Day
Japan surrenders, victory in Japan, the allies win.