Events Leading up to WW2

Treaty of Versailles

Jun 28, 1919

The treaty ended WW1 and required Germany to take responsibility for the damage and death caused by the war. The treaty also forced Germany to give up territories, decrease the size of its military, and pay for billions of dollars in damages.

Hitler becomes leader of Nazi Party

Mar 17, 1921

Adolph Hitler becomes leader of the Nazi Party the same year it was founded.

Joseph Stalin becomes leader in Russia

Mar 17, 1929

Joseph Stalin becomes dictator of the Soviet Union.

Japan invades Manchuria

Sep 18, 1931

Japan invaded Manchuria immediately after the Mukden Incident. The Japanese occupation lasted until the end of WW2.

Hitler is named Chancellor of Germany

Mar 17, 1933

Adolph Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany and the Nazi government soon assumes dictatorial powers.

Nazis begin the roundup of Jews

Mar 17, 1933

Nazis begin placing Jewish men, women, and children into concentration camps.

Neutrality Act passed by U.S.

Mar 17, 1935

Congress passed three neutrality laws in an attempt to not repeat the events that drew the U.S. into WW1.

Italian Army invades Ethiopia

Oct 3, 1935

Mussolini adopts Hitler's plan to expand German territories and invades Ethiopia.

Hitler sends troops into Rhineland

Mar 17, 1936

Hitler violates the Treaty of Versailles by sending German military forces into the Rhineland.

Japan attacks Nanjing, China

Dec 13, 1937

Japanese troops commit mass murder and mass rape against the citizens of Nanjing, China.

Germany incorporates Austria into the Anschluss

Mar 12, 1938

Hitler announces that Germany will annex Austria and make it a part of the larger nation.

Munich Pact signed

Mar 17, 1938

The British and French prime ministers sign the Munich Pact with Hitler. The agreement prevented the outbreak of war and gave Czechoslovakia to German conquest.

Germany and Italy sign a treaty of cooperation and Axis born

May 22, 1939

Germany and Italy sign a treaty making them allies.

Nazi- Soviet Pact signed

Aug 23, 1939

Treaty of non-aggression between Germany and Russia.

Hitler invades Poland

Sep 1, 1939

Germany begins to expand its territory by invading Poland.

Great Britain and France declare war on Germany

Dec 17, 1939

Great Britain and France declare war on Germany.