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References:
n.a. (2011) Wikipedia: Axis Powers. Retrieved February 10, 2013 from :http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axis_powers Colyer, J., Cecillon, J., Draper, G., & Hoogeveen, M. (2010). Creating Canada: A History 1914 to the Present. Whitby: McGraw-Hill Ryerson. -
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Period: to
WW2 Timeline of Events
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Communism in the Soviet Union
The toll of WW1 discouraged Russians and they felt as if the government was not doing enough for them. As a result, the communist Bolsheviks overthrew the provisional government and they took control of the economy, discouraged religion, and basically controlled people's lives. Propaganda was a huge tool used by the Bolsheviks. -
The End of Monarchy in Germany
(previous dictator Wilhelm II in picture) At the end of WW1, the victorious Allies established a democratic government in the country, As a result of never having one before, the Germans were unexperienced with this form of government. Political parties were unable to establish solid oveter support and leaders were ineffective in runing the country. -
Italian Fascist Party founded by Benito Mussolini
Benito Mussolini founded the Italian Fascist Party in 1919, which ended up being the start of a revolution in Russia. A civil war later on occured and after Lenin died, Stalin became the leader of the USSR. -
Adolf Hitler becomes leader of the Nazis
Germany was in need of a leader who could fix their country's political and economic troubles. Hitler was born in Austria and was marked by many problems including an abusive father and failure at school. After serving in WW1, he was unemployed. In 1920 he joined the Nazis and then a year later, he became the leader. -
Debt for Germany/Hyperinflation
After the Treaty of Versailles, the Germans had to pay reparations which kept the country struggling economically. A period of hyperinflation also took place, and German Money was reduced to nearly 0. Prices rose over 100 times. -
Josef Stalin Emerges
In 1924, Josef Stalin emerged as leader of the Communist Party of Russia, and therefore, the government. He united Russia with surrounding states to form the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics or Soviet Union. Stalin was described as a ruthless dictator who squelched all opposition. As a result of his actions, millions of Soviets were executed, imprisoned, deported, and even staved to death. -
Mussolini Establishes Facism
Mussolini, 4 years after becoming elected to parliament, abandoned democracy and turned to facism. People who spoke out against the regime were punished. Mussolini imporved the economy, roads, and agriculture. The measures of lives of Italians actually improved and many leaders admired this. -
The Great Depression Begins
The Great Depression caused many Europeans, Americans, and Canadians to loose their jobs and live in poverty. However, Adolf Hitler used these unfortunate times to gain popularity in Germany, At the time of the depression's start, the Nazis only had 14 members in the parliament. The Great Depression caused International leaders to become distracted from the rise of Hitler and Mussolini. -
Totalitarianism in Japan starts to Rise
Japan shifted to hard-line militarists who believed in military solutions to problems, encouraged nationalistic sentiments,and labelled Japan's form of democracy "un Japanese." THis group dominated the Japanese government. The Japanese hated the Chinese -
Hitler Appointed Chancellor of Germany
By 1933, the Nazis gathered 288 of the 647 seats in the German Parliament (largest of any party). Hitler appealed to the people and became chancellor. He expressed his desire to put communism out of the question and to make the Aryans (white skin, fair hair and blue eyes) the most dominant race. He established concentration camps to put political prisoners and 'undesirable people' in, established the GESTAPO (secret police), and abolished all other parties other than the Nazis. -
Hitler's Campaign Against Jews
Hitler made laws against the marriages of Jews and Aryans, made it illegal for Jews to practise law and medicine, and for them to perform music. Some Jewish businesses and synagogues were closed. -
Maginot Line Built
It was started in 1930 and finished in 1935. It had bombproof artillery casements. It was named after Andre Maginot, who was the French war minister at the time. It ran along France’s border between Switzerland and Luxembourg and was that to be an impregnable defense against the Germans. -
Rise of Fascism in Spain
Democracy was hard to establish in Spain, especially because of the Depression. In 1936, a group called the Nationalists, led by Genderal Francisco Franco used terror attacks to scare people into submission. The Nationalists gained more popularity over the Republicans with the help of German officers. Some people believe the civil war caused in Spain was used as a practice war by Adolf Hitler. In the end, the Nationalists did end up establishing a communist government. -
The Rome-Berlin Alliance Established
Hitler and Mussolini united the two countries and signed the Rome-Berlin Alliance. Hitler wanted Italy as an ally so Mussolini could not order an attack on Germany while Hitler's army was invading other countries. (Axis Powers, n.a.) -
Hitler Moves forces into Rhineland
In 1936, Hitler ordered German forces into the Rhineland. The Treaty of Versailles had set up Rhineland as a non-military zone between France and Germany. Rhineland used to be part of Germany, and Hitler was prepared to get this land back. -
Japan Strikes Undeclared War on China
Japan launches a multi-pronged attack. This started a war between the two countries. Japanese soldiers killed 300 000 people. -
Mackenzie King meets with Hitler
William Lyon Mackenzie King met with Adolf Hitler in Berlin. King was convinced that Hitler was an honourable man who wanted peace. This was known as the APPEASEMENT OF HITLER. Ironic! -
Winston Churchill Expresses Displeasure with Hitler
In 1938, soon to be British Prime Minister Winston Churchill expressed his displeasure with Adolf Hitler. He warned European leaders of the evil chancellor's ambitions. -
Germany 'Allies' With Austria
In 1938, Hitler convinced persuaded the Austrian government to allow the German army into their country. The Treaty of Versailles forbade the uniting of these two countries, but this was completely disregarded. -
Germany Takes over Sudetenland
The Munich Pact, which allowed Germany to take over a certain region, was signed to avoid war in Europe. Britain, France, and Italy signed this pact. As a result, Hitler's forces marched into Sudentenland. -
Treaty of Munich
Hitler, Chamberlain, Daladier of France and Mussolini of Italy met in Munich and agreed that Hitler should have the Sudetanland of Czechoslovakia. The Czechs were not represented at the meeting and realising that no country would come to their aid were forced to surrender the Sudetenland to Germany. Hitler assured those at the meeting that this was the extent of his ambitions for expansion. Chamberlain returned to England with a piece of paper signed by Hitler, proclaiming 'peace in our time.' -
Kristallmacht- The Night of Broken Glass
During the night, Jewish communities in Germany were attacked. Homes, shopes, and synagogues were burned. Jews were also arrested, murdered, and put into concentration camps. -
Great Depression Ends
By this time, Hitler had already gained many supporters and was initiating his plan to become a tyrant of Europe. -
Germany Overtakes Czechoslovakia
After taking over Sudetenland, Hitler broke his rpomise from the Munich Pact and took over the rest of Czechoslovakia. -
Germany invades Czechoslovakia
Despite the assurances given by Hitler in the Treaty of Munich (Sept 1938), he marched into Czechoslovakia and occupied the country. -
Hitler and Stalin sign Pacts
The two dictators shockingly signed a non-aggression pact despite their different political beliefs. The two secretly agreed to divide up Europe between them. This ensured Germany would only be attacked from one side. -
Germany Invades Poland
German agents pretending to be Polish officers staged attacks at the German border to make it look as if Poland were attacking Germany. As a result of this, Hitler had an excuse to invade Poland. The invasion was already set right after this incident. -
Britain and France Declare War on Germany
Two days after Germany invaded Poland, Britain and France declared war on Germany.3 -
Canada Declares War on Britain
As a result of other countries declaring war, Mackenzie King believed that it was time for Canada to make an independent decision to join the war. As of September 10th, Canada was officially in the war. -
Phony War Begins
The phony war was a period in which Hitler took Europe by storm, however the Allies did little fighting because they were not ready. This gave Germany the advantage at the start of WW2. -
Germany and Russia overtake Poland
German forces stormed Poland from the west and Soviet forces stormed Poland from the east. Eventually, Poland fell to Germany. -
Canadian Troops Arrive in Britain
Most of these soldiers were green recruits. When they arrived, their barracks were not finished and they were short of equipment. So, the Canadians spent the next months training, sometimes with wooden bullets. -
German Forces invade France
The Germans went north of the Maginot line bursting through Belgium and into France. The Allied defences collapsed and over 330 000 Allied troops retreated to Dunkirk. From there, they were pinned by German forces. -
Battle of Britain Begins
Britain was one of Hitler’s main targets. After Dunkirk, 140 000 German troops massed along the English Channel. Hitler knew the British air force was regarded as one of the best in the world, so he ordered his troops to gain control of the air by destroying aircraft factories, airfields, and radar stations in Britain. Canada played a big role in this battle. Over 100 Canadian pilots flew operations and were part of 200 bombing raids. However Britain was losing. -
Stalin overtakes Finland
Stalin overtakes Finland -
Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg falls to Germany
Hitler overtook these countries, and now his attention was on France. -
Denmark and Norway falls to Germany
Canadians were sent to Norway, but were recalled when it became clear that the battle was already lost. -
Phony War Ends
Phony War Ends -
Battle of Dunkirk
Allied forces were trapped in Dunkirk, however they were rescued by Canadian naval ships and boats. A hesitation by Hitler (whether he was to finish his attack with the air force or army) allowed Canadian vessels to ferry Allied troops safely across the channel. -
France Surrenders
Germans were occupying north and western France, including Paris. The French set up their government in Vichy (southern France). This government was controlled by the Germans. The next target was Britain. -
Hiter Bombs London (BBC, 2013)
One of Hitler’s mistakes during this battle was accidentally bombing London. Until this period, the Germans were winning the Battle. After that moment, the British bombed Berlin. An angered Hitler redirected the attacks from the British airfields onto London. 43 000 civilians were killed. The 57 consecutive nights of attacks by the Germans, called the Blitz, gave the RAF a chance to regroup and rebuild. -
Axis Agreement Signed
Japan, Germany, and Italy signed an agreement to support one another. They became known as the Axis Powers. -
Russia joins the Axis Powers
Russia joins the Axis Powers -
Battle of Britain Ends
It was obvious the Luftwaffe (German air force) was losing the battle and eventually the battle petered out. The Allies had one this one. -
Hitler Betrays Soviet Union
Even after the Axis agreement was signed, Stalin and Hitler remained suspicious of each other. After some success in Western Europe, Hitler attacked Russia with 3 million troops and 3000 tanks. As a result of this, the Soviet Union joined the Allies, however a heavy toll was taken on Russia. During the 900 day of Leningrad, 700 000 civilians died. -
Operation Reinhard
A plan to murder the Jews of occupied Poland was ordered. In Auschwitz, prisoners were worked to death, and others were killed. Belzec, Sobibor, and Treblinka were other killing centres. -
Battle of Moscow (1941-1942 January)
The original German plan, Operation Barbosa, called for the capture of Moscow within four months.The Russians were advancing with pace, however the Soviets held their ground. The Soviets constructed three defensive belts and deployed reserve armies to help defend Moscow. As German offenses were halted, the Soviets launched a counter-attack and surrounded German armies in Oryol, Vyazma, and Vitebsk. This main result of this battle was a decisive Soviet victory. -
Japan Forces Attack Southeast Asia
Right after bombing Pearl Harbor, Allied bases were air raided including the British territory of Hong Kong. 1975 Canadian soldiers were stationed there and were no match for the 50 000 Japanese soldiers. No reinforcements were available. -
Bombing of Pearl Harbour
Without warning, Japan launched an attack on American Naval Base, Pearl Harbor, in Hawaii. 2403 Americans were killed and this resulted in the US joining the Allies. The Allies decided to defeat Germany and Italy first, and then tackle Japan. This was known as the ‘Europe First’ strategy. -
"Black Christmas
The Allies fought until the end, but the Japanese forces were just too strong. However, on Christmas, they laid down their weapons. 1685 Canadians were marched to POW camps and 260 of them died because of the brutal conditions. In the late 1990s,the Canadian government compensated the veterans but Japan refused to consider any claims from former POWs. -
Map of German advances by 1941
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Battle of Midway
It was regarded as the most important naval battle of the Pacific campaign in WW2. It took place between the Americans and the Empire of Japan. It ended in an American victory; this was a turning point in the Battle of the Pacific. During this time, Germany was controlling the West and Japan was controlling the East. The Axis groups were very strong, but this victory by the Americans changed the momentum in the war. -
Battle of Atlantic Begins
Germany wanted to cut off Britain of its supplies and reinforcements from Canada, so Hitler sent U-boats to hunt Allied ships crossing the North Atlantic Ocean. During the beginning, U-boats had sank 143 cargo ships. (continues on next tab). -
Failure at Dieppe
The Soviets were urging the Allies to attack the German empire from the west even though they were not prepared to. Nonetheless, they decided that the 2nd Canadian Infantry Division should spearhead a raid on Dieppe. Dieppe was a French seaport on the English Channel. It was a failure, as they lost the element of surprise when a German convoy encountered Allied ships. The German fired shells at incoming allied crafts when they were still far away. The Germans also had the shore barricaded so All -
Battle of Stalingrad (1942-1943)
This was also a major turning point in the war. The Germans started to invade Stalingrad, but the Soviets used a hugging tactic to force the Germans out of the city and down to the South. Instead, the Soviets retreated down into Africa. This was a Decisive victory for the Soviets during the war, and this started a chain of events that went wrong for the Germans. -
Allies Take Northern Africa
Churchill and Roosevelt met and agreed that the Allies needed to take back Europe. They decided to start and open up a second front. They agreed to start in Northern Africa, which was controlled by the Germans and French soldiers. The Allies took out 275 000 Axis soldiers out of the war. The Allies now occupied Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. This was called Operation Torch. -
Italy Surrenders
Italy surrenders to the USA and Britain -
Battle of Kursk
Germans vs. Soviet Union. This was the largest tank battle in the war. Over 10 000 tanks were used in total by both sides (about 8000 tanks for the Soviet Union. It ended in a Soviet Success. -
Allied troops Invade Sicily
Allies sent 500 000 troops and 2590 vessels to Sicily and faced little resistance at first. However, as they moved north, the battle became fierce. They advanced 240km and lost 562 soldiers. -
Battle of Atlantic Momentum Sway
Allies had gained the upper hand with submarine tracking tactics. Canada’s navy rose to become the 4th largest in the world and more U-boats were sank. As a result, more Allied ships made it past the Atlantic Ocean. Winston Churchill was very keen on fighting the U-boats during this battle, which lasted for a long period during the war. -
Benito Mussolini Overthrown
As a result of the fall of Sicily, the Italian dictator was overthrown. The new government surrendered to the Allies. However, Hitler, knowing this would happen, ordered for his troops to take over Italy. -
Axis Troops Withdraw from Sicily
After 38 days of fighting, the German and Italian forces withdrew to Italian mainland. -
Preparing for D-Day
Learning from Dieppe, the Allies decided to keep the Attack of Normandy a secret. They tried to fool the Germans into thinking the attack would take place at Calais. They created fake installations, air bases, and tanks to aide their plan. 5 army divisions were set up to land in Normandy. The Canadians (about 30 000 of them) were assigned to Juno Beach. -
Operation Overlord Launched (DDAY)
The invasion was launched on June 6, 1944. Ships ferrying 150 000 American, British, and Canadian troops crossed the channel to Normandy. German defenders were taken almost completely by surprise. British tanks crushed German bunkers and cleared paths through minefields. -
Juno Beach
14 000 Canadians were assigned an 8km stretch code named Juno Beach in Normandy. They faced strong German defenses, but managed to succeed. D-Day was a success. 340 Canadians were killed, 574 were wounded, and 47 were captured. The British had managed to overtake Dieppe and other French channel ports as well. -
Battle of Scheldt
Even though Antwerp, Belgium had been liberated, the Germans still controlled the mouth of the Scheldt River (a key supply point). The First Canadian Army was given the task of clearing the Germans out. It ended in a Canadian victory, however it was bittersweet. They had lost 6400 men, but the supply route to Antwerp had been secured. Germany had also been losing area all around there empire. THe end of WW2 was near. -
Allies Take Ortona
Allied forces continued making their way ‘up the boot’ of Italy. The route to Rome was blocked by Germans outside of Ortona. The Italian campaign had claimed 5399 Canadian lives by the time the Allies reached Ortona. -
Freeing the Netherlands
175 000 Canadians joined the Rhine Offensive and chased German forces into northern Germany. -
Germany Surrenders
German forces surrendered unconditionally. -
Victory in Europe Day
The war in Europe was over. -
Japanese Surrender
japanese surrender -
Netherlands is Freed
People in the Netherlands were suffering from starvation and other illnesses, so a truce was negotiated and disaster relief was sent to the Netherlands. -
Hitler Commits Suicide
Hitler killed himself as Soviet forces entered the city. -
Atomic Bomb on Hiroshima
At 8:16AM an American B-29 bomber dropped the first of two atomic bombs. 70 000 people were killed instantly. -
Second Bombing in Nagasaki
After the first bombing, it looked as if Japan was to continue and fight. So, the Americans dropped another one, this time at the port of Nagasaki. Another 70 000 people died. An estimated 400 000 people died from the effects of the bombs. -
Japan Signs Treaty Ending War
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Nuremberg Trials
Trials of war criminals were held. They took place in Nuremberg, Germany. Several of the tried criminals actually committed suicide in order to evade the shame. German Nazis had killed thousands of Jews and treatly people very badly. These trials paved the way for the international tribunals that take place in modern day. -
Prosecution Trials of War Criminals
German Nazi War criminals (21 of them) were tried for war crimes. The tribunal heaerd from 240 witnesses and discussed 300 000 sworn statements. Films of the camps were also seen. Of the 21 tried criminals, 3 were acquitted, 7 received prison sentences, and 12 received the death penalty. A separate trial would undergo for the Japanese as well. These tribunals became a model for the International Criminal Tribunal.
