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Stalin becomes dictator of USSR
Joseph Stalin became the dictator of the Soviet Union after the death of Vladimir Lenin. Stalin rose to power through a combination of political maneuvering, manipulation, and ruthless tactics. His purpose was to consolidate power and implement his policies, which included industrialization and collectivization of agriculture. His dictatorship had a significant impact on the Soviet Union, leading to mass purges and the Great Terror, which resulted in millions of deaths. -
Mussolini’s March on Rome
Mussolini's March on Rome took place when Benito Mussolini and his Fascist supporters marched on the Italian capital. The purpose was to seize control and establish Mussolini as the leader of Italy. The significance of the March on Rome was that it marked the beginning the rise of Fascism in Italy. The outcome of the march was that King Victor Emmanuel III appointed Mussolini as Prime Minister, leading to the establishment of a Fascist regime that ruled Italy until the end of World War II. -
Hitler writes Mein Kampf
Adolf Hitler wrote "Mein Kampf" while he was in prison after his failed coup attempt. The significance of the book lies in Hitler's political ideology, including his anti-Semitic beliefs, extreme nationalism, and plans for German expansion. The purpose of "Mein Kampf" was to rally support for the Nazi party and lay the groundwork for his future actions. The book served as a blueprint for Hitler's policies and served as a tool for shaping the ideology of the Nazi regime during World War II. -
1st “five year plan” in USSR
The first "five-year plan" in the Soviet Union was launched under the leadership of Joseph Stalin. The purpose of the plan was to rapidly industrialize the Soviet economy, transform agriculture through collectivization, and modernize the country's infrastructure. The five-year plan aimed to propel the Soviet Union into the ranks of industrialized nations. The implementation of the plan was leading to significant social and economic changes in the Soviet Union. -
Japan invades Manchuria
Japan invaded Manchuria in an event known as the Mukden Incident. The purpose of the invasion was to expand Japanese territory, resources, and influence in Northeast Asia. Japan sought to establish a puppet state in Manchuria, known as Manchukuo, to serve as a buffer zone against Soviet expansion and to secure access to raw materials and strategic military positions. The invasion of Manchuria set the stage for further conflicts leading up to World War II. -
Holodomor
The Holodomor was a man-made famine that took place in Soviet Ukraine. It was orchestrated by Joseph Stalin's regime as a tool of repression and control. The purpose of the Holodomor was to crush Ukrainian resistance to Soviet policies and to eliminate perceived threats to Stalin's power. The significance of the Holodomor lies in its devastating impact on the Ukrainian population, with millions of people dying from starvation and related causes. It is considered a genocide by many Ukrainians. -
Hitler appointed chancellor of Germany
Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by President Paul von Hindenburg. This appointment marked the beginning of Hitler's rise to power and the establishment of the Nazi regime in Germany. As Chancellor, Hitler used his position to consolidate power, suppress opposition, and implement his agenda. Hitler's chancellorship paved the way for his dictatorship and the atrocities committed during the Holocaust and World War II. -
“Night of the Long Knives” in Germany
The "Night of the Long Knives" took place in Nazi Germany. The purpose of this event was to eliminate potential political rivals and consolidate Adolf Hitler's power within the Nazi Party and the German government. During the Night of the Long Knives, Hitler ordered the execution of prominent members of the SA (Sturmabteilung). The purge resulted in the removal of opposition forces and solidified Hitler's control over the party and the state. -
Nuremberg Laws enacted
The Nuremberg Laws were anti-Semitic legislation introduced by the Nazi regime in Germany. These laws aimed to institutionalize discrimination against Jews and segregating them from the rest of society. The significance of the Nuremberg Laws were leading to the Holocaust. The purpose was to solidify Nazi ideology and establish a legal framework for the systematic oppression of Jewish people, ultimately paving the way for more extreme measures, such as genocide. -
Italian invasion of Ethiopia
The Italian invasion of Ethiopia was a significant event that highlighted the aggression of fascist Italy. The purpose of the invasion was to expand Italy's colonial empire and establish dominance in East Africa under Mussolini's fascist ideology. Despite international criticism and sanctions, Italy's conquest of Ethiopia showcased the weakness of collective security mechanisms. The invasion also exposed the limitations of the League of Nations in maintaining peace and deterring militarism. -
The Great Purge and gulags
The Great Purge was a period of political repression in the Soviet Union. The purpose of the Great Purge was to eliminate perceived enemies of the state, including political opponents, intellectuals and military leaders. The significance of the Great Purge was the widespread fear of dissent that characterized Soviet society during this period. The purge resulted in the imprisonment, execution, or exile of millions of Soviet citizens, with many sent to forced labor camps known as "gulags." -
Spanish civil war
The Spanish Civil War was a crucial conflict with global repercussions. It served as a precursor to WWII, pitting the Nationalists (led by Franco) against the Republicans. Significance lies in testing new military tactics, ideologies, and foreign intervention, highlighting the ideological divide between fascism and communism. The war also drew international attention due to the involvement of volunteers from various countries, setting the stage for broader conflicts to come. -
The Rape of Nanking
The Rape of Nanking occurred when Japanese forces captured the city of Nanking during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The significance of the event lies in it's brutal mass killings and rapes committed against Chinese civilians and soldiers by the Japanese military. The purpose of the Rape of Nanking was to instill fear, break the will of the Chinese people, and establish Japanese dominance in the region. The massacre at Nanking remains a dark chapter in history, symbolizing the horrors of war. -
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht, was a state-sponsored anti-Jewish massacre. The significance of Kristallnacht lies in its escalation of violence against Jewish individuals, properties, and businesses, symbolizing the beginning of the Holocaust. This event marked a turning point in the persecution of Jews. The purpose of Kristallnacht was to further marginalize and intimidate the Jewish population, paving the way for more extreme measures and extermination of millions of Jews during the Holocaust. -
Nazi Germany invades Poland
The invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany in September 1939 marked the beginning of World War II. Hitler's regime sought to expand Germany's territory and power while imposing Nazi ideology on conquered nations. The invasion sparked a global conflict and led to the eventual defeat of the Axis powers, reshaping the post-war world order. -
Japan bombs Pearl Habor
The bombing of Pearl Harbor by Japan was a pivotal moment that led the United States to enter World War II. The significance of this event was the massive loss of life and destruction of American naval forces. The purpose of the attack was to cripple the US Pacific Fleet and prevent American intervention in Japan's imperial expansion in the Pacific region. However, it had the opposite effect, drawing the US into the global conflict and ultimately contributing to Japan's defeat.