-
1st Saturday Suprise
Hitler declared that he wwas rebuilding the airforce and rearming Germany's military. He stated that he did this to defend the country because this country can no longer be weak. He wanted to become strong again. -
Occupation of the Rhineland
This occupation was the second of Hitler's "Saturday Suprises". German troops marched back into the Rhineland that was taken by the French. By reoccupying this land Germany had broken the Treaty of Versailles but England and France ignored this because they wanted to keep peace. -
Absorbing Austria
On this date Hitler met secretly with the Austrian Prime Minister. Hitler demanded that Austria and Germnay unite as one to become Greater Germany. Hitler told Austria he would invade them if they wouldn't obey. Out of fear 99.7% of Austria voted to unite the countries therefore making Austria into Greater Germany on March 11, 1938 -
Occupation of Czechoslavokia
In March 1938, Hitler had begun to attempt to take over Czechoslavokia. He had first taken over the Sudetenland around the borders of Czechoslavokia. He then a year later decided to invade it all and take it as his own. -
Surrender of Poland
Hitler and the Nazis invaded Poland on Spetember 1, 1939. The polish put up a fight but were eventually forced to sign a treaty on October 8, one month later. Polish prisoners-of-war were among the first to be sent to concentration camps in Germany. -
Elimination of Jews
Jewish restriction laws were being made and regularly enforced. Jews now had to wear yellow stars on their clothes and had strict curfews. The Nazis were now establishing work camps and ghettos for Jews. -
The Tripartite Pact
Italy, Germany and Japan all became allies through the Tripartite pact. Italy had allied with Germany in the fall of 1936 but this pact made it official and allied them with the Japanese. -
Invasion of Western Europe
On this date Hitler and the Nazis conquered France. By this time Hitler had taken over Denmark, Norway, Belgium, and the Netherlands. Hitler now had control of all Western Europe except for Great Britain. -
Invasion of Russia
On this date Hitler declares the invasion of Russia. He send the German army into the Soviet Union to conquer Russia. Hitler excpected the soldiers to turn against thier counrty but instead the soldiers fought hard against Germany. -
USA declares War on Japan
The day before on December 7, Japanese airforce had dropped a bomb on the US's naval station, Pearl Harbor. This had caused the United States to enter the war and fight the Japanese. -
Germany declares War on the USA
Germany did not have to go into fight with the USA because Hitler's advisors had disagreed with the idea of bombing Pearl Harbor. However since the Japanese ambassador had asked for Germany's aid in fighting and Hitler was power hungry Germany agreed and declared war on the USA on December 11, 1941.
