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Munich Agreement is Signed
On September 30, 1938, the Munich Agreement, which was designed to appease Germany, was signed. The agreement called for the annexation of the German Sudentenland that was part of Czechoslovakia by Germany. This event was important because it marked the beginning of a series of land grabs by Germany. Hitler had no intention of stopping after taking over this piece of land. -
Japan Invades Manchuria
On September 19, 1931, one day after the Mukden incident, Japan invaded Manchuria, eventually controlling all cities along the South Manchurian Railway. They did this in order to expand their territories and obtain valuable minerals located in the area. This event is important because it angered The League of Nations and is considered to be one of the causes of World War II. -
Body of Charles Lindbergh Jr. is Found
On May 12, 1932, more than two months after the kidnapping, the body of Charles Lindbergh's son was found dead of a skull fracture. Even though he claimed to be innocent, Bruno Hauptmann was convicted of the crime and sentenced to the electric chair. This event was significant because it involved a major public figure and resulted in the creation of Federal Kidnapping Act, which made transporting a kidnapped victim across states line a federal offense. -
Hitler is Appointed to Chancellor
During a short ceremony on January 30, 1933, Hitler was appointed to chancellor of Germany. Although Hitler was intended to be used as a figurehead, he quickly gained power with his first speech on February 10 and the burning of the Reichstag on February 27. This is significant because the actions of Hitler led to much of World War II and the loss of many lives. -
The Reichstag is Burned
On February 27, 1933, the Reichstag (German Parliament building) was burned by the National Socialist (Nazi) Party, even though the crime was blamed on the communists. This event was important because it was how the Nazis instilled fear in the German people, which allowed them to come to power. -
Spanish Civil War Begins
On July 17, 1936, the Spanish Cival War began. In this war, Germans and Italians fought with Fascist rebels led by Franciso Franco in order to take over the left-leaning Spanish Republic. This event was significant because it gave Germany a chance to test arms, weapons, and tactics before World War II actually began. -
Hindenburg Disaster Takes Place
On May 6, 1937, the passenger airship Hindenburg caught fire and was obliterated. Out of the 97 people on board the airship, 35 died during the disaster. The tradgedy was widely publicized during time period and was significant because it destroyed hope of the airship industry. -
Panay Incident Takes Place
The Panay incident was the Japanese attack on the United States Navy gunboat Panay that took place on December 12, 1937. The Japanese claimed that they did not see the American flag on the boat, apologized, and paid an indemnity. This event is significant because it, along with the Allison Incident, made Americans angry at the Japanese. It eventually becomes a foreshadowing of war when the attack on Pearl Harbor happens. -
Austria is Annexed to Germany
Known as the Anschluss, the German annexation of Austria took place on March 12, 1938. No fighting ever happened as a result of this event. This is event is significant because it reinforces Hitler's knowlege of the actions he can get away with. -
Amelia Earhart is Declared Legally Dead
During a 1937 flight, aviatrix Amelia Earhart went missing. Despite many search efforts, she was never found and was declared dead on January 5, 1937. There are many theories relating to her disappearance, such as the crash and sink theory. This event was significant because she was regarded as a celebrity and icon, especially in the eyes of women. -
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact is Signed
On August 24, 1939, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, also known as the Treaty of Non-Aggression Between Germany and the U.S.S.R., was signed. It forced either country to pledge neutrality if the other was attacked by a third party. The pact remained in effect until June 22, 1941 when Germany attacked Russia. This event was important because it was a "prelude to a joint attack on Poland by Germany from the west and Russia from the east." -
1939 Neutrality Act is Passed
On November 4, the Neutrality Act of 1939 was passed. This event was significant because it allowed us to sell war supplies on a cash and carry basis, meaning that allies will pay cash up front for the supplies, and they will come get them. As time progresses in the 1930's, our Neutrality Acts made us less and less "neutral." -
The Battle of Britain Begins
Beginning on July 10, 1940, the Battle of Britain is the name given to the air campaign started by the German Air Force that was fought against the United Kingdom. The German Air Force mainly targeted coastal shipping convoys, shipping centres, RAF airfields, aircraft factories, and areas of political significance. The battle was significant because Germany failed in gaining air superiority over Britain, and failed in making them surrender. -
Lend-Lease Act is Introduced
On December 17, 1940, at the "garden hose" press conference, FDR introduced the Lend-Lease Act. The Lend-Lease Act allowed us to "lend" tanks, warplanes, and ships that could be returned after the war in exchange for military bases. This act was important because it allowed us to aid our allies without becoming directly involved in the war. -
World War II Begins
Many historians consider September 1, 1941, the day when Germany invaded Poland, to be the start of World War II (war was actually declared on Septermber 3.) World War II is important because it involved most of the world nations, including all the great powers. It is estimated that a total of 60 million people lost their lives as a result of the war.
