World War Two

Rise of Mussolini and Fascism in Italy

1925

Benito Mussolini, born in Italy, originated as a Socialist in Italy. As a newspaper editor, Mussolini used his writing to encourage violence. He soon got into politics and was a runner for the Fascist party but thrown into jail shortly after. Once having the title of Prime Minister, Mussolini gained control over more parts of Italy, ordering them to his liking. Initially opposing Adolf Hitler, Mussolini resulted joining forces with Germany in solidarity with their absence in the League.

Invasion of Manchuria

1931

Japan invested money in Manchuria crucial to their economic success. To keep safe these investments, Japan kept an army on stand by. An incident on the South Manchuria Railway gave the Japanese a reason to blame the Chinese. China soon asked the League to retreat Japan. This soon led Japan to invade Manchuria aggressively. Japan left the League and joined forces with two other countries who had also broke off: Germany and Italy.

Germany’s Rearmament

Mar 13, 1935

Germany announced the creation of their army in full force, lead by Adolf Hitler. An air force force was in the process of being made and enlisting over half a million men. This rearm violated the Treaty of Versailles. No country intervened with Hitler and his plans, allowing him to grow strength in numbers.

Invasion of Ethiopia

Oct 3, 1935

Fascist leader, Benito Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia in 1935. He had used the same policy being used by Adolf Hitler and claiming territories under their own countries. Mussolini's motive behind the invasion was to boost Italy's prestige. He had justified his actions by reasoning Ethiopia had caused damaged to Italy and had to repay it. Gaining control over Ethiopia served as a rallying point for many African nationalist movements.

Spanish Civil War

1936

The Spanish Civil War began as a revolt to overthrow of the Spanish monarchy. Republicans and Nationalists fought to capture cities throughout Spain. The Republicans tried to take over as much as possible up until their cause became lost; resulting in asking for peace with the Monarchy. This was quickly denied and on March 28, 1939, the Republicans finally surrendered Madrid, bringing the Spanish Civil War to an end. The tactics used in the Spanish Civil War were adapted into World War 2.

Anschuluss

1938

By 1938, Hitler had grown the confidence to gain Austria. Hitler had planned to united all the German speaking counties into one whole. He began by sending word to the people of Austria to cause destruction. When Hitler met with the leader of Austria, Kurt Schuschnigg, he decided to let the people decided whether to join Germany. Having succeeded in gaining Austria, Hitler then used similar tactics to gain other countries.

Czechoslovakia

Sep 30, 1938

Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, French Premier Edouard Daladier, and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain signed the Munich Pact, giving Czechoslovakia peacefully over to Adolf Hitler. Although the pact only gave Hitler a section of Czechoslovakia, he desired more. He had threaten to bomb the capital unless his forces were let through. Through this pact, Nazi Germany continued to gain power and resources.

Invasion of Poland

1939

Roughly at about 4:45, Germany began their invasion on Poland. Hitler reasoned his invasion was necessary for Germany to have more living space. The "racially superior" would control the land while the rest were enslaved. Poland was invaded both on land, air, and sea. They began using the tactic of lighting war to smash through the enemy lines. Britain had given Germany an ultimatum; giving Germany the option to retreat. Germany had refused to retreat, leaving Britain to declare World War 2.