World War II Causes and Buildup

By freedmans
  • The end of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles

    The end of World War I and the Treaty of Versailles

    As the war ends, the treaty of Versailles shrinks the German armed forces, as well as the new democratic Weimar Republic being established.
  • Hitler joins the DAP

    Hitler joins the DAP

    Adolf Hitler joined the Deutsche Arbeiterpartei, or DAP. This "worker's party" was the predicessor to the Nazi party.
  • Period: to

    The Weimar Repubic

  • The Nazi Party is formed

    The Nazi Party is formed

    The DAP is officially renamed the NAZI Party, or National Socialist German Worker's Party, or Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei.
  • Hitler becomes leader of the Nazi Party

    Hitler becomes leader of the Nazi Party

    With his strong speaking skills and passion, Hitler earns the title "der Führer"
  • The Beer Hall Putsch

    The Beer Hall Putsch

    The Nazis, led by Hitler, attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic but fail spectacularly. Hitler is thrown into jail.
  • "Mein Kampf" is Published

    "Mein Kampf" is Published

    Hitler's auotbiographical manifesto, Mein Kampf, is published, showing Hitler's true intentions and asperations.
  • Black Thursday

    Black Thursday

    The begining of the Great Depression, hitting the Weimar Republic especially hard and creating hyperinflation.
  • Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany

    Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany

    German President Paul Von Hindenburg appoints Hitler as Chancellor, ousting current Chancellor Kurt Von Schleicher.
  • The Enabling Act of 1933 is passed

    The Enabling Act of 1933 is passed

    This act, ratified by the government, gave Hitler unlimited power, making him the dictator of Germany
  • The Gestapo is established

    The Gestapo is established

    The Gestapo, or Geheime Staatspolizei, or State Secret Police, is established to "maintain order" througout the country
  • Nazi book burnings

    Nazi book burnings

    University students march with intent of burning "non-German" books. More than 25,000 books were destroyed that day.
  • The Night of Long Knives

    The Night of Long Knives

    Hitler's political purge, murdering anyone who may politicially oppose the Nazi party.
  • Hitler becomes the Führer of Germany

    Hitler becomes the Führer of Germany

    Although reffered to as "der Führer" for quite some time, this now becomes Hitler's official title, making him head of state.
  • Anglo-German Naval Agreement

    Anglo-German Naval Agreement

    Nazi Germany and the UK reach an agreement regulating the size of their navies.
  • Militarizing the Rhineland

    Militarizing the Rhineland

    Nazi forces enter and occupy the Rhineland, in clear violation of the treaty or Versailles.
  • The Axis is formed

    The Axis is formed

    Nazi Germany signs an agreement with Italy and Japan, forming the Axis Powers.
  • Anschluss of Austria

    Anschluss of Austria

    Austria is the first country to be annexed by Nazi Germany.

  • The Munich Agreement

    Designed to appease Nazi Germany, the Munich Agreement is signed to allow for the annexation of the sudetenland, but no more.

  • Annexing Czechoslovakia

    In violation of the Munich agreement, Nazi troops move into Prauge and capture Czechoslovakia.
  • Hitler renounces agreements

    Hitler renounces agreements

    In a speech at the Richstag, Hitler renounces the Anglo-German Naval Agreement and the German-Polish non-agression Pact. The abandonmant of these agreements is the final indicator of the war to come.

  • Sources

    ushmm.org
    alphahistory.com
    nationalgeographic.com
    history.com