Important Events of The Interwar Years

The Inter War Years Main Events

Period: Jan 1, 1918 to Dec 31, 1942

The League of Nations

Jan 10, 1920

The League of Nations was based on trying to create peace among many countries. This plan did not follow through, but still put hope in the minds of the citizens that peace is possible. The significance of The League of Nations is that it gave the main idea of peace and war free countries amoung men. Even though the League of Nations was not successful, it still gave an example of what this world can become.

The Japanese Invasion of Manchuria

Sep 19, 1931

Japan was going through a depressive state because they were blocked out of many trades, and this brought them to wanting more resources and land. The Japanese decided to take over Manchuria and claim it as their own, which brought money into their hands. The significance of this event was that Japan gained money to help with their economy, but the people of Manchuria suffered by being forced out of their homes and controlled by the soldiers of Japan.

Hitler's Program of Rearmament

Mar 15, 1935

Adolf Hitler was planning on expanding Germany with force throughout Europe. He prepared his country for war, by training his army and creating many weapons made for destruction. When he was prepared he let Europe know what was coming.
The significance of this event is that Germany was ready to expand and Hitler announced it so that other countries were afraid and would surrender easily.

Invasion of Abyssinia

Oct 3, 1935

Italy joined Germany in the overthrowing of Abyssinia, for Italy wanted land and was going to go against the League of Nations to get it. They received two parts of Abyssinia in their fight for land.
The significance of this event is that it made clear that the League of Nations had small control over the members.

Reoccupation of the Rhineland

Mar 7, 1936

It was againts the Treaty of Versailles that Germany could take over Rhineland, but Hitler was sure that he could raise his defence by taking over the land. Germany took control of Rhineland and the League of Nations condemned Hitlers act, but did not punich his military of economy.
The significance of this event is that this proved that the Treaty of Versailles did not have a great effect on the actions of Germany, which made Hitler see that his actions would not have great consequences.

Spanish Civil War

Jul 17, 1936

The Republicans and the Nationalists of Spain were the two groups involved in the Spanich Civil War. There were many Nationalists, but they did not over throw Spain. Soon after the government of Spain took back control.
The significance of this event is that the Nationalists of Spain wanted a strong nation run by the people, and they got to fight for what they thought was right, even though they did not succeed.

Anschluss With Austia

Mar 12, 1938

Germany and Austria united and became partners in protecting each other from attacks from other countries. This was a good alliance for Germany considering that they were planning on taking over more land and now they had some back up.
The significance of this event is that Germany could now attack the countries it wished to overtake and it would have a helping hand from Austria.

Munich Conference

Sep 29, 1938

German representatives met up with leaders from Italy, France, and the United Kingdom to make an agreement that Germany could annex Sudetenland, but could not take over anywhere else.
The significance of this event is that Germany did not follow the agreement and attacked Czechslovakia after the agreement had been made.

Invasion of the Rest of Czechoslovakia by Germany

Mar 16, 1939

Germany had invaded the rest of Czechoslovakia after making an agreement not to. Germany wanted more land and would attack where they wanted and could only be stopped by war.
The significance of this event is that the Germans would stop at almost nothing to gain land and resources, even if that meant putting countries at war.

Nazi-Soviet Pact

Aug 23, 1939

Nazi-German representatives met up with members of the Soviet-Union to make a non-aggressive pact. Germany did this so that they would not be put into a two front war like in World War 1. Soon after the pact was made, Germany broke almost all of the agrrements.
The significance of this event was that Germany was now shown as a untrusting country.

Invasion of Poland

Sep 1, 1939

Germany attacked Poland with over two thousand tanks and one thousand war planes. Germany gained land, and failed to follow through with their agreements.
The significance of this event is that the invasion of Poland was a major cause of Wolrd War 2.