WW2

Hitler Becomes Fuhrer of Germany

1931

Adolf Hitler consolidates his power after the death of President Hindenburg, becoming the leader of Germany. This marks the complete establishment of Nazi dictatorship in Germany

Germany Reintroduces Conscription

1935

Hitler announces the reintroduction of military conscription, violating the Treaty of Versailles. This action was one of the early signs of Nazi Germany's defiance of the WW1 peace settlement

Italy invades Ethiopia

1935

Fascist Italy, led by Mussolini, invades Ethiopia. This was an early example of aggression by an Axis power and marked the beginning of Italy's imperial ambitions.

Remilitarization of the Rhineland

Mar 7, 1936

Nazi Germany remilitarizes the Rhineland, a demilitarized zone according to the Treaty of Versailles. This move was an early step in Nazi expansion and was met with little resistance

Spanish Civil War Begins

Jul 17, 1936

The Spanish Civil War begins as a military revolt against the Spanish Republic led by Francisco Franco. This war served as a proxy war where fascist nations supported France and the Soviet Union aided the Republicans

Germany Annexes Austria

Mar 12, 1938

Germany annexes Austria in a move known as the Anschluss. This was a key part of Hitler's expansionist policies, and Austria became part of Nazi Germany without putting up resistance

Munich Agreement

Sep 29, 1938

Britain, France, Italy, and Germany sign the Munich Agreement, allowing Germany to annex the Sudetenland from Czechoslovakia

Molotov Ribbentrop Pact is signed

Aug 23, 1939

Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union sign a non-aggression pact, agreeing not to attack each other. This pact allows Germany to invade Poland without the fear of Soviet intervention, paving the way for the start of World War 2

Germany Invades Poland

Sep 1, 1939

Germany invades Poland, starting World War 2. This invasion causes Britain and France to declare war on Germany, marking the beginning of a global conflict.

Germany Invades the Solviet Union

Jun 22, 1941

Germany launches Operation Barbarossa, invading the Soviet Union, This is the largest military invasion in history, opening up the Eastern Front, which would change the course of the war.

Attack on Pearl Harbor

Dec 7, 1941

Japan attacks the US naval base at Pearl Harbor in Hawaii. This surprise attack leads to the United States formally entering World War 2, declaring war on Japan

Allied Invasion of Normandy

Jun 6, 1942

Allied forces launch the D-Day invasion on the beaches of Normandy, France. This is the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany, as Allied forces begin the liberation of Western Europe.

Hitler commits Suicide

Apr 30, 1945

Adolf Hitler commits suicide in his Berlin bunker as Soviet forces close in on the city, Hitler's death marks the collapse of the Nazi regime

Germany surrenders

May 7, 1945

Germany formally surrenders to the Allied forces, ending the war in Europe. It marks the defeat of Nazi Germany, and the end of the war in Europe