Events Leading to WW2 TimeLine

By b.randonlee

  • Selective Service Act is passed

    6 weeks after the US joins the first world war, Congress passes the Selective Service Act. It gave US presidents the power to draft soldiers. Woodrow Wilson presented his idea to help the Allies defeat the Central Powers, He pushed congress to pass this act so they can have more soldiers to go into war. Sources: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/u-s-congress-passes-selective-service-act

  • Hitler is named leader of Nazi Party.

    Hitler threatened to leave the party since many of the leaders of the Nazi Party went against him. The leaders realized that without Hitler, the Nazi Party would end. Knowing this, Hitler threatened to leave unless made chairman. He was made Fuhrer of the Nazi Party on July 29, 1921. Sources: http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/riseofhitler/leader.htm

  • Kellogg-Briand Pact Signed

    This agreement outlawed war. It was an effort to prevent another world war but ultimately had little effect. It was a pact to try and prevent militarism. Sources: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1921-1936/kellogg

  • Japan Invades Manchuria

    !931, Japan attacked Chinese troops in Manchuria. Many believe this as a major cause of the second world war. After taking over, Japan established a "puppet state" called Manchukuo which lasted until the end of WW2. Sources: http://www.thenagain.info/WebChron/China/JapanManchuria.html

  • Enabling Act of 1933 is issued

    This Act was a huge part of Hitler's dictatorship. It allowed him to create laws without approval from parliament. Also, these laws may violate the Weimar Constitution. Hitler ensured that two-thirds of the parliament vote was in favor by using intimidation. Sources: https://www.ushmm.org/wlc/en/article.php?ModuleId=10007892

  • Neutrality Act of 1935 Signed

    This act prevented the USA from supporting any country during the war. It prohibited the exports of ammunition, guns, and vehicles. It also prevented civilians from boarding belligerent ships. This prevented any frustration from enemy countries, and spared lives of US citizens. Sources: http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/disp_textbook.cfm?smtID=3&psid=4057

  • FDR wins a third term as president

    In 1940, FDR was voted to his third term as president. He is the only president to serve more than two-terms. He would also be voted to a fourth term. Though he did receive some criticism because of the unwritten rule that presidents can only run for two terms. Sources: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/fdr-nominated-for-unprecedented-third-term

  • Lend-Lease Program Enabled

    In 1939, Franklin Roosevelt declared that the United States would stay neutral in the war, but made efforts to support the allies. While WW2 was going on, America was supplying supplies and assistance to the Allies. USA did not join the war till December 1941 but did provide help to the Allies. The US government started a program called Lend-Lease to help countries such as the United Kingdom to help fight against the axis powers
    Sources: https://history.state.gov/milestones/1937-1945/lend-lease

  • Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor

    On December 7, 1941, Japanese planes attacked Pearl Harbor. The attack lasted only about 2 hours, but it was devastating for the United States. Japan destroyed nearly 20 naval ships and about 300 airplanes. 2,000 Americans were killed and about 1,000 more were injured. The day after the attack, Franklin Roosevelt declared war. Sourcesd: http://www.history.com/topics/world-war-ii/pearl-harbor

  • Adolf Hitler declares war against the United States

    Hitler was not informed about the attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan. Hitler and Germany showed willingness to join Japan on the war against America, but they never created an official declaration of war. Although, there was a draft circulating around the German government of a declaration, but Hitler never signed it. Four days after Pearl Harbor, Hitler declared war on America. Sources: http://www.thehistoryreader.com/modern-history/december-111941-hitler-arguably-insane-pivotal-decision-history/

  • A. Philip Randolph's march and Roosevelt's response.

    A. Philip Randolph was a social activist. He wanted equal labor rights for colored people. He led 250,000 people on a protest march in Washington DC. It's purpose was to peacefully demonstrate support for equal right for blacks. It is considered one of the largest demonstration ever held in the nation's capital. Sources: http://socialwelfare.library.vcu.edu/eras/march-on-washington-august-28-1963/