Aggression in Europe and Asia

Japan Invades Manchuria

Sep 25, 1931

This attack was the first direct challenge to the league of nations. Japan attacked to gain natural resources. Japan withdrew from the League of Nations in 1933.

Italy attacks Ethiopia

Oct 25, 1935

Mussolini wanted an Afircan colony that was not just desert. He wanted to avenge Italy's defeat in the 1890s. Ethiopia was no match for the technology in Italy. Ethopia was defeated and had no help from the League of Nations.

Germany occupies Rhineland

Mar 25, 1936

Hitler wanted to challenge the restrictions on Germany established by the League of Nations. He marched into Rhineland, the French were unwilling to risk war, so the land was added to the German Empire.

Japan invades China

Jul 25, 1937

Japan invaded China because of a border dispute. China was no match for Japan's army. Japan killed tens of thousands of people.

Germany annexes Austria

Mar 25, 1938

Hitler sent his army to Austria and annexed it. France and Britain ignored their pledge to protect Austrian independence.

Germany takes Sudetenland

Sep 25, 1938

This area's border was lined with three million speaking Germans. Germany demanded that Sudetenland be given to them. France and Britain gave Sudetenland to Germany, and Germany promised to respect Czechoslavakia's new borders.

Germany seizes Czechoslovakia

Mar 25, 1939

Six months after the Munich Conference, Germany took Czechoslavakia. This was after he promised to respect its' borders.

Italy conquers Albania

Apr 25, 1939

When Hilter seized Czechoslavakia, Mussolini seized Albania. The Axis Powers were trying to gain as much territorial power as they could.