Events Leading up to World War II

Adolf Hitler Becomes Chancellor of Germany

Jan 30, 1933

Adolf Hitler Becomes Chancellor of Germany. Germans across the social spectrum loved him, but little did they know that he would lead them down a path of destruction.

Enabling Act is Passed

Mar 23, 1933

The ReichStag passes the enabling act. This allows Hitler to rule by decree and to control the entire government. This will later allow him to become the full leader of Germany.

Gestapo

Apr 26, 1933

The Gestapo is established in Germany to maintain “order” throughout the country and especially during the war. They represent Hitler’s group of enforcers.

Japan leaves League of Nations

Apr 27, 1933

Japan leaves the League of Nations. The reason Japan gave for withdrawing was because of accusations made against them regarding Manchuria by the League of Nations.

Germany leaves the League of Nations.

Oct 19, 1933

Germany leaves the League of Nations.

German-Polish Non-Aggression Pact

Jan 26, 1934

Poland and Germany agree to sign the ten year German-Polish Non-Aggression Pact. The pact allowed Germany to maintain an eastern border. Five years after signing the pact, Germany invades Poland without much resistance.

Nazi Purges

Period: Jun 30, 1934 to Jul 2, 1934

Political murders known as Operation Hummingbird, or the Night of the Long Knives, is carried throughout Germany and beyond. The action was seen as a purge against those who would politically oppose the ruling Nazi party.

Hindenburg Dies

Aug 2, 1934

fter a long wait, Hitler receives the Führer of Germany title, making him chancellor and head of state.

Militarization of the Rhineland

Mar 7, 1936

Germany violates come contents of the Treaty of Versailles by militarizing the Rhineland. Under the treaty, Allied forces would occupy the Rhineland for fifteen years.

Spanish Civil War

Jul 18, 1936

Led by Francisco Franco, the Spanish Civil War Begins. Germany gives support to Franco, who represented the Nationalist faction during the war. Germany was instrumental in many victories for the Nationalists of Spain.

Axis Alliance

Oct 25, 1936

The Axis Powers or Axis Alliance is formed. Germany signs a treaty with Italy and Japan. The alliance would later be the main antagonists during WWII.

Anti-Comintern Pact

Nov 25, 1936

Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan come to an agreement by signing the Anti-Comintern Pact directed against the communist movement and the Soviet Union.

Annexation of Austria

Mar 13, 1938

Nazi Germany completes the Annexation or Anschluss of Austria. Austria was the first country to be annexed by Hitler’s Germany.

Munich Agreement

Sep 30, 1938

Seen as a way of appeasing Nazi Germany, the Munich Agreement is signed by France, Italy, the UK, and Nazi Germany. The purpose of the agreement was to allow the annexation of Czechoslovakia’s Sudetenland borders.

Prague Invasion

Mar 14, 1939

Nazi Germany troops enter Prague and capture Czechoslovakia in complete violation of the Munich Agreement.

AGNA and GPNA are Renounced

Apr 28, 1939

During a speech before the Reichstag, the Anglo-German Naval Agreement and German-Polish Non-Aggression Pact is renounced by Hitler.