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Stock Market Crash of 1929 (Black Tuesday)
Economic Event
The stock market crash of 1929, often called Black Tuesday, was the biggest stock market crash in the United States history. Investors lost large amounts of money in stocks. -
Stalin Becomes Dictator of the Soviet Union
Political Event
Stalin became dictator after the previous leader, Vladimir Lenin, died. Stalin achieved this position by working hard and outdoing his rivals for control of the party. -
Hitler Comes to Power
Political Event
Hitler is named chancellor. The Nazis had become the largest political party by this time. Hitler being named chancellor marks the beginning of his controlling and violent rule. -
Italy Attacks Ethiopia
MIlitary Event
The Italian leader, Mussolini, ordered a massive invasion of Ethiopia. Mussolini did this, because he wanted to be able to build on to his empire. -
German Troops Move Into Rhineland
Military Event
When German troops marched into Rhineland, they were directly going against the Treaty of Versailles. The treaty had laid out the terms and Germany had agreed with them. Violating the Treaty of Versailles was Hitler’s first illegal act since he had come to power. -
The Great Purge
Diplomatic Event
The Great Purge was Stalin’s campaign of terror that would eliminate anyone who threatened his power. People were sent to labor camps and executed, because Stalin said that they committed crimes against the Soviet state. Stalin had complete control of the Soviet state and the communist party by the end of the Great Purge. The Great Purge ended in 1938. -
Axis Powers Are Formed
Political Event
An agreement was signed that formed Axis Powers. The Axis Powers were Germany, Italy, and Japan. -
Rape of Nanjing
Social Event
The Rape of Nanjing was a mass murder and rape committed by the Japanese troops against Nanjing. Entire families were killed- including elderly, women, and children. It is estimated that around 200,000 to 300,000 people died. -
Munich Conference
Political Event
The meeting of France, Great Britain, Germany, and Italy in Munich, Germany. Mussolini came up with the idea of having the meeting. at this meeting the British prime minister said that he thought they could keep the peace by giving into Hitler’s demands. -
Kristallnacht- “Night of the Broken Glass”
Social Event
Kristallnacht was a violent attack on the Jewish community launched by Nazi leaders. Nazis attacked and destroyed Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues and murdered around 100 Jews on the night of the broken glass. -
Nonaggression Pact is Signed
Political Event
Hitler and Stalin made an agreement to never attack each other. The Nazis and Soviets signed the nonaggression pact. -
Battle of Britain
Military Event
The battle of Britain was fought between German and British forces. The British were victorious over the Germans and were able to stop other invasions. -
Pearl Harbor Attacked
Military Event
The Japanese attacked the United States' naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. The Japanese damaged and destroyed many ships. Over 2,300 people were killed and 1,100 were injured. As Roosevelt said this was, "a date that will live in infamy." The United States quickly declared war on Japan and its allies after this even -
Battle of Coral Sea
Military Event
The Battle of Coral Sea was a major naval battle of World War II. This battle was fought between the Japanese Navy and the United States and Australia. The Japanese won a victory when they sank and damaged American carriers. Despite their losses, the United States had a victory when they forced the japanese fleets to turn around. -
Battle of Midway
Military Event
The Battle of Midway was a naval and air battle fought between the Americans and the Japanese. American troops defeat the Japanese in this battle. -
Battle of Stalingrad
Military Event
The Battle of Stalingrad is considered to be the turning point in World War II. This was an important battle was fought on the eastern front. German troops were stopped and forced to surrender on February 2, 1943 -
D-Day Invasion
Military Event
MIlitary Event
D-Day was the day that Allied forces invaded the beaches of Normandy in France. This was the largest land, air, and sea attack in history. -
Battle of the Bulge
Military Event
The Battle of the Bulge was a German attack against the Allies. This was the last major German attack in World War II. -
First Atomic Bomb- Bombing of Hiroshima
Technological Event
The world’s first atomic bomb was dropped over the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The atomic bomb immediately killed many people and wiped out most of the city. The dropping of the first atomic bomb was a technological event, because this was new and advanced technology that had not been used before -
Japan's Unconditional Surrender
Political Event
Japan officially surrendered after accepting the Allies’ terms. Japan had agreed to an unconditional surrender.