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Geneva Convention
From July 27, 1929-August 12,1949 a series of conferences was held in Switzerland discussing the limits of barbarity in war and to protect persons not participating in fighting. -
Neutrality Act
United States enacted a series of laws to prevent US from going to war with Europe. This made the US feel safe for democracy. -
Nuremberg Laws
Nazi party enacted antisemitic laws that forced Jews and non-Aryans to conform, It created fear in those affected. -
Kristallnacht
Nazi's torched Jewish settlements and killed some Jewish people. Businesses, houses, synagogues, you name it. -
Nonaggression Pact
Germany and Soviet Union agreed to not fight each other for the next ten years. This strengthen relationship between Soviet Union and Germany. -
War Declared on Germany by Poland, GB, and France
In response to Hitler's invasion of the following countries and their territories, allies wanted to overrun Germany so this added to the war effort. -
Poland ceases to exist
Hitler exercised fine point of non-aggression pact. Soviets declare Poland no longer a functioning government. -
Cash and Carry
FDR allowed the sale of military arms to Great Britain to help the war effort and increase economy yet still remain neutral as a country. -
Hitler invades and splits France
Half of France became occupied by German forces, while the other half remained under control of french government. French leader Petain secretly helped anti-fascist movements while being a mediator between the two countries. -
Hitler invades Denmark, Norway, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg
Hitler invades these countries resulting in a German victory. This quick rise to power made Europeans scared. Hitler demanded Norway's surrender, and they did because their army simply wasn't big enough. This was another reason why Germany was so dangerous, their military power trumped any other. -
Soviet Union Annex Baltic States
Soviets attack Baltic states but Nazi Germany occupied Baltic States within weeks of Russian occupation. This showed the strength of German army and territories. -
Selective Training Service Act
Required American men between the ages of 21-36 to enlist in draft. This brought hope the the war effort in Europe, but grief in the US for the loss of so many men. -
Tripartite Pact
Agreement between Germany, Italy, and Japan signed in Berlin that signified the alliance of axis powers. This agreement strengthen Germany's cause and threatened the opposing side. -
Luftwaffe and RAF bombings
German air-raiders bombed London, it was the most devastating air raid to London, caused great fires and death. Angered UK citizens and increased tension and hatred towards Germany. -
Lend-Lease Plan
FDR helps Britain beat Germany and axis powers by supplying war supplies. This boosted US economy and strengthen relationship between UK and US. US wanted to remain neutral and still support the war effort. -
Hitler breaks Stalin Agreement
Nazi's invaded Soviet Union after they had agreed to not fight each other. This broke off Germany's relationship with Russia completely and they joined the allied powers instead. -
Executive Order #8802
US order by FDR to end ethical/racial discrimination in the defense industry,which angered axis powers due to their own racial and ethical discrimination. -
US cutoff trade with Japan
Japan lost access to 3/4's its overseas trade and 88% of imported oil. This was a US retaliation for Japanese occupation of french Indonesia. Caused great tension and anger toward japan. -
Atlantic Charter
Statement issued that set out a vision for postwar world, 26 allied nations pledged support but it caused tension with the axis powers due to their loss. It claimed no territorial changes, and an increase in self-government. -
Pearl Harbor
On December 7, 1942 Japan attacked a hawaii naval base killing 2403 people. Japan egged US into joining the war. -
Island Hopping Strategy
This strategy involved taking over an island and setting up a military base there. Japanese forces used this technique frequently. -
US declared War
This move strengthened allied powers after japan brutally attacks US on pearl harbor. -
Bataan
This was a battle fought between the US and the Philippines against Japan. It was a territory issue that japan ended up winning, which angered the US because the Philippines was their territory. -
U-Boat Attacks
German U-boats attacked neutral merchant ships, allowing them to dominate the waters over there causing tension/fear and nearby countries who couldn't compete. -
Executive Order #99066
Forced Japanese-Americans into relocation camps because of the travesty at Pearl Harbor. These people treated very poorly. FDR was scared they were a threat to national security. -
Midway
From June 4, 1942- June 7, 1942. At the battle of Midway, Americans faced defeat against the Japanese navy at the pacific theater. They attacked a fleet of american ships that were lured into a trap. -
Stalingrad
From August 23, 1942- February 2, 1943. This was the largest confrontation of WWII where Germany fought for Stalingrad, Russia against soviets. It was a Soviet victory. -
El Alamein
In Egypt, Nazi's attempted to capture Cairo. But the Allied powers retaliated by halting railroads and prevented axis powers from further entering Egypt. -
Liberation of Concentration Camps
Russian and British troops majorly liberated camps, helped end the war. Troops were exposed to the horrible living conditions of these camps. -
D-Day
The day that allied forces invaded Normandy. Germans were defeated thus signified a start to the end of the war. Gave hope to all who were suffering in Europe. -
Bulge
From 12/16/44-01/25/45. This was the last Major German offensive campaign on the western front. It was an allied victory where Germans exhausted their resources. Gave hope to allied powers, and fears in Hitler. -
Korematsu Versus US
Korematsu was a Japanese-american citizen who refused to move to relocation camps after pearl harbor. Argued that this violated american rights. Taken all the way to supreme court, where it was decided the US would win. -
Yalta Conference
Another formal meeting to discuss the postwar world and the terms it must now live on. The US, UK, and Soviet Union met to reorganize Germany and Europe. Code named the Argonaut conference lasting from Feb. 4, 1945- Feb. 11, 1945. -
Iwo Sima
US troops captured the island iwo jima from the Japanese army, resulting in an american victory and a movement towards the end of war between the two countries. -
VE Day
The Day that allied powers defeated Nazi powers, demanded unconditional surrender. This signified the end of the large part of the war, gave hope and joy to the citizens previously under control of Germany. -
Potsdam Conference
Known as the "Big 3" conference held in Germany that sorted out various terms and agreements on the surrender and post war details of Germany. Caused tension and bitterness towards Germans and the country as a whole who had to deal with the facts and outcomes of the war. -
Hiroshima Bombing
Atomic Bomb dropped in Japan August 6, 1945 by the United States in order to devastate japan into surrender. 70,000 total deaths accounted for. This happened and made Japan feel angry. -
Nagasaki Bombing
In another attack by the US into japan, an atomic bomb was dropped killing 40,000 people which caused resentment and pain throughout japan. -
VJ Day
This is the day when japan formally announced their surrender signifying a complete end of fighting in WWII. -
