From WWI to WWII

World War I comes to an end

Nov 11, 1918

WWI started in 1914 and fighting stopped in 1918. However, the war left Europe in political, social, and economic turmoil.

WWI to WWII

Period: Nov 11, 1918 to Sep 1, 1939

League of Nations founded

Apr 28, 1919

Its creator Woodrow Wilson was not able to convince the United States to join which greatly weakened the League.

Signing of the Treaty of Versailles

Jun 28, 1919

Was nor ratified by the United States and ultimately imposed harsh territorial, econonomical, and military provisions on Germany. Germany was also forced to accept the blame for starting World War I.

Hitler becomes leader of National Socialist Party (Nazi Party)

Jul 29, 1921

Hitler won the vote of all of his party comrades expect for one, thus became leader of the party as a result of an overwhelming majority.

Mussolini comes to power in Italy

Oct 31, 1922

On this date Mussolini was sworn in as prime minister of Italy

USSR created

Dec 30, 1922

The Soviet Union is established under Lenin.

Lenin, leader of the Soviet Union dies

Jan 21, 1924

Lenin dies after multiple strokes and Stalin becomes his successor.

Mussolini becomes dictator of Italy

Jan 3, 1925

Backed by a Fascist majority, Mussolini declared himself dictator of Italy.

Stock Market crashes

Oct 29, 1929

The stock market crash was a major factor that led to the Great Depression during which unemployment soared while wages plummeted. During this period economic growth and world trade declined.

Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes President.

Nov 8, 1932

Frankilin D. Roosevelt becomes President of the United States, the first of four terms that he was elected.

Adolf Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany

Jan 30, 1933

Enabling Act

Mar 23, 1933

The Enabling Act granted Adolf Hitler the power of a dictator.

Hitler violates Treaty of Versailles

Mar 16, 1935

Hitler violates the Treaty of Versailles by introducing military conscription.

German troops occupy the Rhineland.

Mar 7, 1936

German troops remilitarize the Rhineland for the first time since the closure of World War I.

Mussolini's Italy take Ethiopia

May 9, 1936

Italian forces were able to defeat the Ethiopian troops. In the bigger picture, they demonstrated the weakness of the League of Nations.

Stalin begins purge of Red Army Generals

Jun 11, 1937

Part of a Great Purge that lasted about five years.

British Prime Minister Chamberlain appeases Hitler at Munich.

Sep 30, 1938

Prime Minsiter Chamberlain felt that by appeasing Hitler war had been avoided.

Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union sign a Pact

Aug 23, 1939

Stalin and Hitler agreed to not attack eachother and to split Poland between them.

Germany invades Poland

Sep 1, 1939

German invasion of Poland results in the outbreak of World War II in Europe.