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Hitler and Mussolini form Axis Powers
The Axis Alliance between Germany, Italy, and Japan was founded on the common interests of territorial expansion and destruction of the inhibition of the spread of communism.
"Force is the only language they understand, like bullies." - FDR -
Anschluss
In a sudden and bloodless annexation, Hitler took Austria. Though democratic powers hoped that he would be satisfied with this victory, it only whetted his apetite for more power.
"Germany neither intends nor wishes to interfere in the internal affair of Austria, to annex Austria, or to conclude an Anschluss" - Hitler, May 21st, 1935 -
Germany invades Poland
primary sourceprimary source When Hitler's demands for lands in Poland taken from Germany in WWI were not met, he invaded. This prompted Britain and France to declare war, however they could not provide adequate aid to Poland.
"Germany has concluded a Non-Aggression Pact with Poland. We shall adhere to it unconditionally. We recognize Poland as the home of a great and nationally conscious people." -Hitler, May 21st 1935 -
Germany invades France
In a powerful thrust, Germany plowed through Denmark, Norway, the Netherlands, and Belgium, arriving at France. He dealt a crippling blow and France was forced into surrender after Mussolini joined in the offense. -
Hitler invades the Soviet Union
Hitler and Stalin had not been getting along and did not trust each other and could not agree on how to divide won territories. Hitler decided to even the odds and destroy his rival by invading Russia (in the winter...). The Allies provided military supplies to the Soviets so they and Hitler could duke it out. -
Attack on Pearl Harbor
posterRoosevelt knew that Japan wanted war, and assumed they would attack at Malaya or the Philippines. They attacked Hawaii though and it made America really angry. -
US declares war on Japan
"Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan. No matter how long it may take us to overcome this premeditated invasion, the American people in their righteous might will win through to absolute victory." -FDR -
Axis declares war on US
primary source This happened after Pearl Harbor, so the war had already started unofficially, and this just made it official. Congress failed to have a unanimous vote to declare war, so Germany and Italy did it instead. -
Japanese Internment camps authorized
video Over 127,000 United States citizens were imprisoned during World War II. People were paranoid that the Japanese were actually rooting for Japan, and the paranoia was the worst on the west coast because there was such a high number of people with Japanese ancestry living there. -
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Midway naval battle
video The Japanese attempted to take Midway Island. The battle that ensued became a US victory that was integral in preventing Japan from lunging further into the pacific. -
Casablanca conference begins
videoAt this conference, "The Big Two" (Churchill and FDR) asked for the unconditional surrender of the enemy. While this request was meant to reduce Soviet suspicion, it also admitted to the Allies' weakness. -
Detroit race riots
Tensions between blacks and whites were increased because of the mass migration of blacks from the outer areas to the inner cities in search of work. It was a fight between roughly 200 people. THe two sides after the fight spread rumours about the other and it lead to whites and blacks attacking anyone of the other skin color that they saw.“This weak-kneed policy of the police commissioner coupled with the anti-Negro attitude of many members of the force helped to make a riot inevitable,” -
D-day
video The Allies controlled France and broke off reinforcements throught the railroads. The Germans were slightly off guard because they thought the attack would be coming from further north. The whole operation employed some 4600 boats. -
Potsdam Conference
primary sourceBiggest problem was how to handle Germany. The goal was to avoid something similar to the treaty of versailles because the requirements that were placced on Germany lead to the eventual rise of the Nazis. They went with a a complete disarmament and demilitarization of Germany. They also re established new Borders for Poland, Germany and the Soviet Union. The meeting also set up new commitees, such as the Council of Foreign Ministers. -
Hiroshima
The US was motivated to achieve nuclear sucess before Germany. They dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, killing 180,000 people.
