-
U.S. Stock Market Crashes
This event proved to be the worst stock market crash in the history of the United States. The crash sent many into depression. Also, it signaled the beginning of the Great Depression, affecting countries other than solely the United States. -
Japan Seizes Manchuria
Directly following the Mukden incident, the Kwantung Army invades Manchuria. This event added onto the other violence and problems that were going on around the world. Commander in chief Shigeru Honjo ordered his army to invade and attack Manchuria. In a matter of days, his army took the 730 mile South Manchurian Railway. -
FDR elected president
After defeating his opponent Herbert Hoover, FDR was named president. Citizens of the United States were hoping that his New Deal would provide a permanent way out of the depression. Also, many hoped that he would stay out of foreign wars and pay attention to the political and economic problems. -
Hitler is Named Chancellor of Germany
Many citizens of Germany were eager to hear Hitler’s plans for providing stability to post-war economic and political problems. This helped him greatly, allowing him and his Nazi party to escalate quickly in power. Hindenburg was hesitant at first; however, after a series of arguments, Hitler was named Chancellor of Germany. This would be his first step in hopes of becoming an unstoppable dictator. -
Mussolini Takes Power in Italy
Many questioned Mussolini. Because of this, he aimed to ensure loyalty from the Roman Catholics that inhabited fascist Italy. He aimed at solving major issues in Italy, slowing gaining the power he had hoped for. -
Hitler Defies Treaty of Versailles
After Hitler was removed from the League of Nations, he began to secretly defy it. He army grew substantially, and he invaded the Rhineland. After no punishments were implemented, Hitler felt invincible. -
Italy Invades Ethiopia
After first agreeing to follow Germany’s plans of expanding its territory, Italy made the decision to invade Ethiopia. This incident pointed out the weakness of the League of Nations. Foreign leaders ultimately praised him for his accomplishments. -
France Militarizes the Rhineland
France didn’t want to start any conflicts, so they allowed Germany to send an army into the Rhineland. Not doing anything was a huge mistake, allowing Hitler to gain more and more power. -
Civil War Erupts in Spain
Within little time, Spain had been divided into Republicans and Loyalists, causing many problems. At the head of “Nationalist” Spain was Francisco Franco, who supported Fascist Italy and Nazi Germany; two powerful nations with powerful leaders bound to start conflict. -
Japan Invades China
Japan wanted to dominate China along with its raw material reserves and other economic resources. Japan had small, early victories but wasn’t able to fully defeat China and take what they wanted, leading to further problems. -
Anschluss
Austria was annexed into Germany, providing Hitler with even more power. Many German soldiers entered Austria in hopes of implementing Anschluss. Little problems arose when Anschluss was implemented. -
Munich Conference
This was a settlement permitting Germany’s annexation of portions of Czechoslovakia. This conference was to discuss the ethnic demands made by Hitler and his country. The agreement was eventually signed by Great Britain, France, Italy, and Germany. -
Kristallnacht
Also known as the Night of Broken Glass, this was an incident in which those who opposed Jews smashed Jewish-owned stores, buildings, and synagogues. At least 90 Jews were killed in the process as well as some 30,000 were arrested and put into concentration camps. -
Nazi-Soviet Pact
This had a huge impact because it ensured that neither Germany nor the Soviet Union would attack one another. Germany had thus protected itself from having a two-front war. -
Germany Invades Poland
This event marked the beginning of World War 2. The Polish retreated to establish lines of defense in the east. With the armies and allies Germany had by its side, the country seemed to have an advantage. Though, soon after, Poland called to France and Great Britain for support. Indirectly, those two countries had declared war on Germany. -
Phony War
This was marked by a lack of major military operations by the United Kingdom and France. With little military importance from the countries, little occurred between the opposing sides. This gave the event the name “Phony War.” -
U.S. Neutrality Act
Roosevelt issued a proclamation of neutrality. Roosevelt aimed at helping Britain. He transferred destroyers to Britain in return for leases from them. Both countries desired to preserve the neutrality. -
Miracle at Dunkirk
This was the evacuation of British and allied forces in Europe. The lives of many soldiers were saved. Also, it disbanded violence for the time being between soldiers. -
France Surrenders
An Armistice is signed and France has surrendered to Germany. The French army is to be disbanded. Also, France must bear the cost of having Germany invade the country. -
Battle of Britain
The German Air force attacked the United Kingdom. The bombing was a huge turning point in the Second World War. It actually ramped up the citizens of Great Britain; they got optimistic as time went on. Despite threats, Britain was willing to strike back. -
Japan Seizes French Indo-China
Seizing French Indo-China was an attempt to keep China from importing arms and fuel. After the Japanese was able to settle on an agreement with the French, they were able to occupy northern French Indo-China and tighten its blockade on China. -
Lend Lease Act
This Act represented the United States giving supplies and other materials to Great Britain, USSR, China, and France. This was an attempt to aid those in need. -
Atlantic Charter
This was drafted by Britain and the United States and later agreed by all of the Allies. It stated that there would be no territorial change, restoration of self-government to individuals deprived of it, access to raw materials, and reduction of trade restrictions. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
This event was a surprise military attack by the Japanese against a United States Naval Base in Hawaii. Many Americans died, and it lead to the United States’ entry in World War 2. -
Churchill is Elected Prime Minister of England
Churchill was referred to as a great wartime leader, allowing him to conquer the position of the Prime Minister of England. Churchill was able to defeat the Conservative and Labour parties, giving him an edge and demonstrating his power.
