-
Hitler appointed Chancellor of Germany
In an effort to regain the support of the German people, President Hindenburg appoints the popular Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party, as Chancellor of Germany. It is expected that Hitler's appointment will be short-lived and that he will fail at fixing Germany's economy. Hitler, however, had big plans for Germany. -
Germany Rearms
Hitler denounces the clause in the Treaty of Versailles disarming Germany and announces compulsory military service. He also announces the existence of the German Air Force, the Luftwaffe, which also goes against the Treaty of Versailles. Germany will now have a measurable army of 36 infantry divisions, but no one defies Hitler. No one wants a war... -
Saturday Surprise
Hitler denounces the Treaty of Versailles and marches troops into the Rhineland unopposed. This action, known as the "Saturday Surprise," leaves the world in awe, but many countries feel sympathy for Germany. Hitler's risky gamble has paid off, setting the tone for future ambitions to come. -
Anschluss
Directly defying the Versailles Treaty once again, Hitler marches troops into Austria and asks the people to vote on whether they would like unite (Anschluss) with Germany. The majority of Austrians vote 'Yes,' and so Austria disappears from the map. Hitler has acheived his first territorial gain without opposition. -
Kristallnacht
The Nazis attack Jews through out Austria and Germany. Jewish businesses, homes, and synagogues are burned and looted by Nazis and citizens alike, as everyone gets lost in the frenzy of Nazi anti-Semitism. The attacks destroy millions-of-dollars of property, leaving a mess that Nazis force Jews to clean up. Never has Nazi treachery been so violent, but it can only get worse. -
Germany Annexes Sudetenland
The Munich Agreement, the solution to the Sedeten Problem, is signed. The agreement allows Germany to annex the Sedetenland from Czechoslovakia, without the Czech governenment's opinion on the matter. Neville Chamberlain, the prime example of appeasement, gives a speech to the British people, saying there is "peace for our time." Soon after, Germany occupies all of Czechoslovakia, stunning the world. Only now does Chamberlain realize that appeasement has failed. -
Germany Occupies All of Czechoslovakia
Hitler declares "Czechoslovakia has ceased to exist" as Germany troops move into the rest of Czechoslovakia. The once proud, democratic, successful nation has been wiped from the map after only two decades of life. The move has received only slight protests by Britain and France, whom now realize that Hitler can no longer be trusted. Chamberlain tells the Cabinet that negotiating with Hitler is no longer possible. Germany's next target, Poland, allies with Britain and France to prepare for war. -
Invasion of Poland
Hitler's Germany, falsely accusing Poland of raiding a radio station, invades Poland. Hitler's goal is to create more Lebanstraum (living space) for Germans and unite East Prussia with mainland Germany. The action provokes Britain and France, whom declare war on Germany 2 days later. This is not enough to save Poland, however, as Russia also invades from the east. Unable to fight a war on 2 fronts, Poland is split between the 2 power-hungry giants. -
Period: to
World War Two
World War Two, the greatest human conflict in history, lasts 6 years, one day. An estimated 60 million people die in this war, more than any other war ever. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
Japanese fighters, torpedo bombers, and dive bombers take off from their carriers about 200 miles north of Hawaii. Their goal is to cripple the American Pacific Fleet located in Pearl Harbor. The Americans are totally suprised, it is a Saturday and many of the sailors are on shore relaxing. When the Japanese attack, American AA-guns are locked to prevent misfires! Although the Japanese destroy or badly damage many ships, the American carriers (their main goal) are located outside of Hawaii. -
America Declares War on Japan
After the attack on Pearl Harbor, American President Roosevelt delivers a speech to Congress, asking for a declaration of war on Japan. Roosevelt declares "December 7th 1941, a date which will live in infamy." He receives a standing ovation and the declaration of war on Japan is approved. Shortly after, Germany declares war on America, and Britain declares war on Japan. World War Two is now a world war. -
VE-Day (Victory in Europe)
Germany surrenders to the Allied Powers after Hitler's suicide and the fall of Berlin. Troops through out the former Third Reich surrender. -
VJ-Day (Victory in Japan)
Japan formally surrenders to the Allied Powers, signing the treaty aboard the USS Missouri. World War Two, the bloodiest conflict in history, ends after exactly 6 years, 1 day.
