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Benito Mussolini's fascist government in Italy
Stresses nationalism and placed interests of the state over interests of the individuals. Power rested with a single strong leader and a small group of devoted party members. -
Mein Kampf
Written by Hitler, the book set the basic beliefs of Nazism that became the plan for the Nazi party. The book is an autobiography. -
Japanese Invasion of Manchuria
Japan at the time believed in the need for more living space for a growing population. The militarists launched a surprise attack and seized control of the Chinese province of Manchuria despite protests from Japanese officials. -
Storm Troopers
Since around 6 million people were unemployed in Germany were unemployed, they turned to Hitler for hope. Many men out of work joined Hitler's private army know as the storm troopers. -
Adolf Hitler's rise to power in Germany
Through extreme nationalism and racism, militaristic expansion, and forceful leadership, Hitler became the chancellor of Germany. He quickly dismantled the democratic Weimar Republic and established the Third Reich. -
Third Reich
Established in place of the recently dismantled Weinmar Republic, the Third Reich, or Third German Empire was supposed to last 1,000 years according to Hitler. -
Hitler's military build-up in Germany
Buildup violated Treaty of Versailles. A year later, sent troops to Rhineland, a demilitarized German region, but the League did not stop Hitler. -
Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia
First target in building his new Roman Empire. League responded with threats, but only reacted with ineffective economic boycott. By May 1936, Ethiopia had fallen. -
Francisco Franco
Group of Spanish army officers led by Franco rebelled against Spanish Republic. Revolts broke out and Spanish Civil War began. -
Hitler Invades Rhineland
Hitler invaded Rhineland, a German region bordering France and Belgium that was demilitarized as part of the Treaty of Versailles. The League of Nations did nothing to stop Hitler. -
Hitler's Anschluss
After marching into Austria unopposed, Hitler declared the anschluss, or union, with Austria was complete. -
Munich Agreement
In an effort to avoid war, the agreement was signed. IT turned the Sudetenland to Germany without violence. -
Joseph Stalin's totalitarian government in the Soviet Union
The government tried to exert complete control over citizens. In a totalitarian state, individuals have no rights, and the government suppresses all opposition. -
Rome-Berlin Axis
Both supporting Franco in the civil war, Italy and Germany forged a close relationship. They signed an alliance known as Rome-Berlin Axis. -
Nonaggression pact
Stalin and Hitler signed the pact. Now the nations were committed to not attack each other. -
Blitzkreig
German strategy that involved new technology. the goal was to surprise the enemy and quickly crush all opposition with overwhelming force. -
Britain and France declare war on Germany
After the invasion of Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany. WWII had begun. -
Phony War
Months after Poland fell, France and Britain troops were on Maginot Line while the German tropps were a few miles away. Both were simply waiting. -
Hitler's Invasion of Denmark and Norway
Hitler launched a surprise invasion "to protect [those countries'] freedom and independence." In actuallity, he wanted to set up bases on the coast for an attack on Britain. -
Hitler's invasion of the Netherlands
After Denmark and Norway, Hitler went to the Netherlands. It was overrun by the end of May. Ended phony war. -
Germany and Italy's invasion of France
Italy invaded from south as Germany from the North. France was forced to surrender and let Nazis into France. -
Marshal Philippe Petain
Head of Nazi-controlled puppet government to be established at Vichy in southern France. -
The Battle of Britain
Using ships and aircraft, Germany bombarded Britain for two months straight. Britain fought back, shooting down German planes and bombing German cities. -
Pearl Harbor Attack
Japanese planes launched a surprise attack on the naval base. Killed 2,403 Americans and wounded 1,178 more. Sunk/damaged 21 ships. -
Battle of the Atlantic
Germany had submarine raids on US east coast to prevent supplies from reaching Britain. Destroyed total of 681 Allied ships in the Atlantic. -
US Convoy System
Ships would travel in groups for mutual protection. Escorted by destroyers equipped with sonar. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Germany tried to take Stalingrad from Soviet Union. Winter set, Soviet counter-attacked, Germany lost. -
Unconditional surrender
The only thing to be accepted from the Axis-powers. It means the enemy nations would have to accept whatever terms of peace the Allies dictated. -
Operation Torch
An Ally invasion of the Axis-controlled North Africa. It was commanded by Dwight D Eisenhower. -
Death of Hitler
In an underground bunker, Hitler and his wife both committed suicide to avoid capture. -
V-E Day
Victory in Europe Day. The Allies celebrated a victory as the war was over. -
Bloody Anzio
4-month long battle fought about 40mi away from Rome. 25,000 Allied casualties and 30,000 Axis casualties -
D-Day
Large invasion of 3million allied troops in Germany. Germany retalliation was brutal. -
The Battle of the Bulge
German broke through American defenses last-ditch effort to break up Allied forces and supply lines. German losses became too heavy and the Nazis retreated. -
Harry S Truman
After Presdient Roosevelt died of a stroke, the vice-president, Truman, became the 33rd president.
