German Expansion

Union with Austria

Mar 12, 1938

Austria was Hitlers first target. He felt that since they spoke German and were mostly German, they were a part of Germany. Most of the Austrians supported the unification, so Hitler marched into Germany unopposed on March 12, 1938

Sudetenland (Czechoslovakia)

Sep 30, 1938

Hitler wanted to annex Sudetenland because there were about 3 million German speaking people. Also he wanted to control their resources and give the Germans more ¨Lebensraum.¨ France and England said they would help protect the area. Then Hitler invited the French and British Prime misters to Munich, and said that the takeover would be his ¨last territorial demand.¨ The Munich treaty was signed on September 30, 1938, but Winston Churchill thought that it shouldn´t have been signed.

Soviet Union declares to stay Neutral

Aug 23, 1939

Hitler began saying that the Germans who lived in Poland were being mistreated by the Polish. But, Hitler couldn't invade Poland because of the fear of being attacked by the Soviet union. But surprisingly Stalin signed the "Nonagression pact", saying that Russia and Germany would never attack each other.

Invasion of Poland

Sep 1, 1939

After the nonagression pact being signed by Stalin and Hitler, the Germans had basically "clearance" to invade Poland. On September 1, 1939, the Germans used their new "Blitzkrieg" war tactics to take over Poland. They used their "Luftwaffe" as air support and their tanks to take the land.

Declaration of War

Sep 3, 1939

On September 3, right after the invasion of Poland, Britain and France declared war on Hitlers regime.

France helps defend

Sep 7, 1939

-France wants to help defend Poland from Nazi Germany attempting to takeover
-France Launches "Saar Offensive" in support

Beginning of the Holocaust

Oct 12, 1939

Adolf Eichmann, a high ranking German official, in charge of the extermination of the Jews, starts taking Jews from Austria and Czechoslovakia to send them into prisoner camps in Poland.

Invasions of Denmark and Norway

Apr 9, 1940

-Launched these attacks but they took everyone by surprise.
- Said he took over them to " protect freedom and independence."
- Hitler was really trying to build military bases in these countries.

British Naval Victory

Apr 11, 1940

British win the first Battle of Narvik against Nazi Germany Naval forces.

More Invasions of Nazi Germany

May 10, 1940

Germany surprises more in their invading of Belgium, France, Netherlands, and Luxembourg.