Hitler and the Road to the Second World War

Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany

Jan 30, 1933

President Hindenburg appointed Hitler as chancellor after many problems with several rapid changes for the chancellor making the goverment unstable.
This was significant because Hitler was the leader of the Nazis and wanted to expand Germany to the west (Lebensraum) which would then cause conflicts and lead to war with other European countries.

Hitler Leaves League of Nations

Oct 14, 1933

After Hitler became chancellor of Germany the League at the time was working to reach an international disarmament agreement but Germany and Japan were getting it more rough than other countries which lead to the departure of Germany and Japan from the League in March. With Germany leaving the League, it helped Germany rearm, it wrecked the League and drove a wedge between Britain and France.

Hitler Reintroduces Conscription

Mar 18, 1935

Germany wanted to recruit all the young and able men into the army. Hitler wanted to undo what was imposed on Germany in the Treaty of Versailles. He saw Germany as being the center of Europe and as the Great Power of Europe and that the nation would need a strong military. This was a turning point in the development of Germany as a revived military power and Britain and France did not act upon this action.

Anglo-German Naval Treaty

Jun 18, 1935

According to the Treaty of Versailles, Germany was forbidden to build warships that were more than 10,000 tonns and was banned to have submarines. However the British government later on signed an agreement with Germany that allowed them to have a navy that was one third the tonnage of the British navy and an equal tonnage of submarines.

Germany remilitarized the Rhineland

Mar 7, 1936

German military forces entered the Rhineland to show the Public of Germany that Hitler was 'putting right' to the wrongs of Versailles and also to build up his military. This was significant because it violated the terms of the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Treaties, marking the first time since the end of WWI that German troops had been in the Rhineland

Rome-Berlin Axis

Nov 1, 1936

Germany and Italy had formed the Rome-Berlin Axis that stated in case of war, Italy would stand by Germany. This set the stage for WWII, That sides that would fight agsint each other were forming with finality. It increased the feeling of security between Italy and Germany knowing that they had solid allies and may have been a factor in raising Hitler's confidence in vicroty.

Germany occupies and annexes Austria

Mar 15, 1938

With Italy now sympathetic, Hitler took advantage of favorable circumstances to insist on a Nazi government in Austria, which called for German annexation. British Prime Minister Chamberlain hoped to negotiate a major revision of the Treaty of Versilles while 'preparing for the worst' and building up British defences. Neither France or Britain acted on the annexation of Austria which gave Hitler the power to do what he wanted and expand the living space of Germany.

Europe in an Arms Race

Mar 5, 1939

Both Germany and Britain wanted to be the Great Power of Eruope in terms of military and German rearmament was not planned to be finished before 1942, but it was now accelerated. Chamberlain was openly critical of Hitler and Britain offered Poland a guarantee of independence and began negotiations with Russia. Later in April conscription was introduced to Britain.

The rest of Czechoslovakia is taken

Mar 15, 1939

Czechoslovakia was virtually handed over to Germany after the signing of the Munich Pact because the Sudentenland part of Czechoslovakia was where 3 million ethnic Germans lived and Hitlers plan was that he wanted to unite all of German speaking people under one united nation. It also handed over 66 % of Czechoslovakia's coal, 70% of its iron and steel, and 70% of its electrical power and Without those resources, the Czech nation was left vulnerable to complete German domination.

Germany Invades Poland

Sep 1, 1939

Germany occupies Memel in Lithuania and there are demands for the Polish Corridor. A diplomatic coup in August gives Hitler a non-aggression pact with the USSR and a secret deal to divide Poland. Then on September 1st Hitler decides to invade Poland. British attempts to negotiate with USSR were very limited. Despite rearmament, Britain was in no position to wage an offensive war. Later, on September 3rd, Britain declared war and France followed suit.