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Japan invades Manchuria
With intention to expand military and economic power. Within 6 years moving further into China, whilst massacring more than 300,000 Chinese residents. -
Hitler Sends Troops to Rhineland
An area on the border of France and Germany, Hitler sent 20,000 troups to occupy the area, taking away France's strategic advantages. In doing so, he broke the Treaty of Versailles. This even encouraged him to try and break other international agreements. This strengthened Hitler's power and prestige with Germany. -
Hitler Announces Anschluss
With intention to reunify for territorial expansion, Germany annexes Austria and Sudetenland, with intention to unify German peoples and his pursuit of Lebensraum "living space." -
Italy Invades North Africa
Italy sought to expand their African Empire with intention to gain control of the Suez Canal and to gain access to oil from the middle east. Significant as the canal was a vital lifeline for Britain's colonial empire. -
Axis Powers Are Formed
Germany, Italy and Japan become allies in signing the Tripartite Pact in Berlin, providing for mutual assistance should any suffer attack by any nation not already involved in war. -
US Freezes Japanese Assets
The US placed an embargo on the export of metal, oil and aviation fuel to Japan out of not supporting their aggression to China -
Attack of Pearl Harbor
Japan attacked the US Pacific fleet at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii as part of their strategy in conquest of the Western Pacific - with intention to immobilize their fleet so the US could not interfere with their invasion plans. -
US and Britain Declare War
A few days are pearl harbor, the US declares war on Japan, leading to Germany and Italy declaring war on the US. The Soviet Union, Britain, and the US made of the Grand Alliance against the Axis Powers.