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Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was signed by Woodrow Wilson of the United States, Georges Clemenceau of France, Lloyd George of Britain, and Orlando of Italy. It was meant to create peace after World War One, however its harsh demands of Germany angered the German people. -
Hitler's Rise to Power
Using his elaborate and promising speeches, Hitler became Chancellor of Germany in January of 1933. The Nazi party was growing stronger and stronger. -
Re-armament of Germany
In Hitler's story, "Mein Kampf," he discussed his goal to break the unjust rules of the Treaty of Versailles. Part of this included raising an army of 300,00 men, build 1,000 war planes, and build barracks. -
Re-militarization of the Rhineland
The Treaty of Versasilles stated that the Rhineland be an unmilitarized zone. Hitler detested this rule and responded by ordering over 32,000 soldiers to march into the Rhineland and take it back. No action was taken by other countries against this event. -
Anschluss with Austria
Hitler announced an anschluss, or union, with Austria. This annexed the smaller country into a larger one and gained more allies to form a stronger army. -
Sudetenland Crisis
Czechoslovakia had many nationalities living within it, such as Germans, Czechs, Slovaks, Magyars, Ruthenes, and Poles. The Sudeten German People's Party was created, and soon, German troops entered the Sudetenland and took over the area. -
Failure of Appeasement
Britain and France made an appeasement with Germany, meaning that they let them do as they wished to prevent war. However, this proved to be a failure when Hitler ceased Czechoslovakia. War had begun. -
Germany Invades Czechoslovakia
Hitler threatend the Czech President Emil Hacha that he would resort to bombing if the Czechs did not surrender. That same day, the Germans poured into Czechoslovakia and were triumphant by evening. -
Germany Invades Poland
Hitler went against the wishes of many nations and invaded Poland. This is known as the official beginning of World War II. -
Battle of Britain
France quit the war, leaving Britain on its own. German and British airforces fought in the skies over the United Kingdom, marking the largest bombing campaign to that date. Eventually, Britain came out with a victory. -
Germans invade Soviet Union
Hitler broke the German-Soviet Non-Agression Pact that he had signed with Joseph Stalin prior to invading the Soviet Union with 134 full divisions, as well as 73 more divisions behind the front. The Soviets fought back agressively, however the Germans eventually won. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
On this date, Japan bombed Pearl Harbor on the coast of Hawaii. More than 2,300 Americans were killed. This prompted the United States to join the war. -
Battle of Midway
Japan and the U.S. fought over the Pacific naval base called Midway. The skill of the U.S. navy lead them to victory, also causing the Japanese to loose four fleets. -
Allies Invade North Africa
Also known as "Operation Torch," this was when the United States and United Kingdom launched an attack on North African territory. This was a very important move for the Allies, as it helped to push back enemy troops. -
Germans Surrender at Stalingrad
A battle that began in the summer of 1942 finally came to an end on this day as the Soviets fought tooth and nail for victory. Suffering a devasting loss, the Germans gave up the battle. -
D-Day
On D-Day, tens of thousands of ships from America, Britain, Canadian, and other allied troops arrived at the beaches of Normandy. A battle ensued, being one of the bloodiest of the war. There was great loss on both sides, however the Allies were more successful. -
Battle of Leyte Gulf
The Japanese and U.S. armies fought over the Phillippine island of Leyte Gulf. The Japanese diverted the U.S. with a decoy fleet, however the U.S. Seventh fleet destroyed the Japanese, both winning and causing a devasting loss for the Japanese. -
Auschwitz is Liberated
In mid-January, the Soviets reached Auschwitz, a concentration camp. They saved some 7,000 prisoners that remained. -
Victory in Europe
The Germans and the Axis Powers finally surrundered, deeming the Allies victorious. Soldiers were finally able to return home. The War was officially over. -
Japan Surrenders
After two weeks of debating with the Allies, Japan finally surrendered from the War. This marks the official ending of the War,
