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Period: to
World War II
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The Rome-Berlin Axis was proclaimed by Benito Mussolini
He described the alliance of Germany and Italy as an "Axis". -
The Signing of the Anti-Comintern Pact
An agreement that concluded first between Germany and Japan and then between Italy, Germany, and Japan, ostensibly directed against the Communist International (Comintern) but, by implication, specifically against the Soviet Union. -
The Munich Conference/Agreement
Chamberlain of Britain and Daladier of France agree to German annexation of part of Czechoslovakia. -
The Awarding of the Sudentaland Medal
Instituted on 18 October 1938, the medal commemorated the union of the Sudetenland to Germany. -
The Hitler-Stalin Pact
In this pact they both gave their own diametrically opposed ideologies. -
Nazi Germany Invades Poland
To Hitler, the conquest of Poland would bring Lebensraum, or “living space,” for the German people. According to his plan, the “racially superior” Germans would colonize the territory and the native Slavs would be enslaved. -
Britain and France Declare War on Germany
On this day in 1939, in response to Hitler's invasion of Poland, Britain and France, both allies of the overrun nation declare war on Germany. -
Soviet Union Invades Poland
On this day in 1939, Soviet Foreign Minister Vyacheslav Molotov declares that the Polish government has ceased to exist, as the U.S.S.R. exercises the “fine print” of the Hitler-Stalin Non-aggression pact—the invasion and occupation of eastern Poland. -
Germany Invades Norway and Denmark
German warships enter major Norwegian ports, from Narvik to Oslo, deploying thousands of German troops and occupying Norway. At the same time, German forces occupy Copenhagen, among other Danish cities. -
France to Surrender
With Paris fallen and the German conquest of France reaching its conclusion, Marshal Henri Petain replaces Paul Reynaud as prime minister and announces his intention to sign an armistice with the Nazis.