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Ended at 1919
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January 21
Leader of the Soviet Union Vladimir Lenin dies, and Joseph Stalin begins purging rivals to clear the way for his leadership.
April 1
Adolf Hitler is sentenced to 5 years in jail for his participation in the Beer Hall Putsch (he serves only 8 months). -
Adolf Hitler's autobiographical manifesto Mein Kampf is published.
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Theodoros Pangalos declares himself dictator of Greece.
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Ukrainian nationalist leader Symon Petliura is assassinated by Russian Jew Sholom Schwartzbard in Paris.
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Emperor Taishō dies and his son Hirohito becomes the Emperor of Japan.
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Paul von Hindenburg is reelected President of Germany, defeating Adolf Hitler in a run-off.
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Nazi leader Adolf Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg.
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Germany's first concentration camp, Dachau, is completed.
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Mussolini Invades Ethiopia
Italy, under the leadership of Prime Minister Benito Mussolini, invades Ethiopia. -
Hitler makes it mandatory for all males between the ages 10-18 to join the Hitler Youth.
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The Kristallnacht pogrom begins in Germany; many Jewish shops and synagogues are smashed, looted, burned, and destroyed throughout the country.
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Without response to its ultimatum, Germany invades Poland, start of World War II.
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Britain and France declare war on Germany honoring their commitment to Poland.
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German fighter planes and ground troops pummel France. Hitler Defeats France Britain forces retreat from France and Adolf Hitler's armies defeat French forces.
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France Surrenders France is crushed, surrenders to Germany and signs an armistice. Great Britain now stands alone against the Axis powers.
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Germany Invades the Soviet Union
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Attack on Pearl Harbor
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Italy Surrenders
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D-Day
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Germany Surrenders