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Japan's Invasion of Manchuria
Manchuria was a province in northeastern China. Japanese businesses were heavily invested in Manchuria. This particular province was rich in iron and coal, which made it enviable in Japanese eyes. Putting aside the wishes of the Japanese Parliament, the army seized Manchuria and set up a puppet government. This marked the first challenge Japan posed to the League of Nations. When the League of Nations heard, they protested; as a result Japan withdrew from the League of Nations in 1933. -
Germany's Invasion of the Rhineland
Hitler defied the treaty of Versailles by resupplying his army and making it bigger. He also had the Führer announce that Germany would no longer be restricted to the Treaty of Versailles. Then, German troops took over the Rhinelands. Britain and France did not war, and Britain wanted appeasement. -
Second Sino Japanese War
Japanese troops invaded Luguo, a port that connects to Beijing. This began the Second Sino-Japanese War, a fight between the Japanese Empire and Nationalist China. This war had a significant impact on the course of the Chinese Revolution. This was a catastrophic event for the Chinese people, causing up to 20 million casualties. The war also caused many serious political problemsfor the nationalist Guomindang and the Chinese Communist Party. -
Nanking Massacre
Japan invaded the Chinese Nationalist Capital, Nanking, slaughtering civilians and committing acts of arson, looting, and destroying the capital. Fueled by a border incident, Japan and China broke out in war. Japanese forces also invaded Beijing and other cities in the north of China. Tens of thousands were killed in Nanjing by the Japanese. -
Germany's Annexation of Austria
The Treaty of Versailles did not allow an Anschluss or union between Austria and Germany. Hitler knew that a lot of the Austrians supported the Anschluss so he decided to go to Austria. Hitler then with his army went into Austria and annexed it. Britain and France chose to ignore it. -
Germany's Lightning Attack on Poland
Soon after signing a nonaggression pact with the Soviet Union, Hitler planned to attack Poland. As a result of Hitler attacking Poland, Great Britain and France declared war on Germany. This attack on Poland was the first test of a new German military strategy called Blitzkreig, which means lightning war. This involved using airplanes and tanks followed by large infantry forces to surprise and overwhelm them. In this instance the new strategy worked. -
Germany's Invasion of Denmark and Norway
After France and Britain declared war on Germany the Germans chose to do nothing. Some of the newspapers called it “sitting war” or the “phony war”. Hitler broke the calm by a surprise invasion in Norway and Denmark. Denmark fell quickly and Norway later surrendered. -
Germany Takes Paris
Hitler sent his forces through the heavily wooded area in the north of France called Ardennes. By doing this the Germans fought around the Maginot Line. The Germans made their way to the northern coast in 10 days. The French surrendered on June 20, after the Germans took Paris on June 14. The Germans now had control over northern France. The French gov't left to the southern part of France and set up a puppet gov't, called the Vichy government. -
Tipartite Pact
Japan, Italy, and Germany signed a pact in Berlin agreeing that together they would assist each other. Singularly for Japan, this launched them in the direction of declaring war on the United States. This was also targeted at the United States to make them think twice before siding with the Allies. Germany and Italy had to respect Japan leading the establishment of the Greater East Asia. -
Pearl Harbor
Japanese warplanes bombed Pearl Harbor and destroyed war ships and equipment. At the same time, Japan also bombed British colony Hong Kong, and American controlled Guam and Wake Island, planning to have total control in the Pacific Empire. The army then created a puppet state in the region. President Roosevelt then requested for a declaration of war on Japan and its allies and Congress accepted.
