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Treaty of Versailles Signed
The Treaty of Versailles was the official ending of WWI. The treaty severely punished Germany; made Germany accept full responsibility for WWI, paid reparations, and had to give up territory. The treaty limited Germany's military size; prohibited Germany from having troops in Rhineland. Germans saw the treaty as unjust and humiliating. This resentment led to the rise and support for the Nazi Party and Adolf Hilter. -
Hitler Becomes Chancellor of Germany
Adolf Hitler became the Chancellor of Germany on January 30, 1933. Hitler quickly got his opposers eliminated and created a totalitarian regime. Hitler took advantage of fear, propaganda, and violence so he could control the public and further grow the Nazi influence. Hitler's rise to power marks the start of Nazi Germany. -
Germany Re-militarized the Rhineland
German troops began to enter Rhineland, which is a region that was demilitarized from the Treaty of Versailles. Germany’s actions directly conflicted with the treaty, but Britain and France didn’t stop Germany. Adolf Hitler viewed their lack of action as a sign of weakness. Germany re-militarized Rhineland and Hitler gained great support from German citizens. This is viewed as a key step to future conflict within Europe. -
Anschluss: Germany Annexes Austrisa
The annexation of Austria was the Anchluss and it was executed by Germany. The German troops came into Austria unopposed, which directly conflicted with the Treaty of Versailles, but the French and British did not do anything to stop Germany. Hitler stated that he did this to unite all the German-speaking people. Austria's land gave Germany many resources and strengthened German's military position strategically. -
The Munich Agreement
The Munich Agreement was between Italy, France, Britain, and Germany. It allowed Germany to annex Sudetenland, which is a region of Czechoslovakia with an extremely large ethnic German population. France and Britain hoped that this agreement would make Hitler happy and prevent any possibility of a war(an appeasement). Since Czechoslovakia was not a part of any negotiations their defense was weaker. Within a year Hitler had violated the agreement and took over the rest of Czechoslovakia. -
Germany’s Invasion of Poland
Germany invaded Poland by using a military strategy called blitzkrieg, it combines aircraft, infantry, and fast moving tanks. Germany’s invasion was considered brutal and swift, and from the east the Soviet Union began to invade Poland too. The invasion violated many international agreements. As a response to Germany’s antics both France and Britain declared war on Germany, marking the start of World War II. Within weeks Poland fell and was split up between the Soviet Union and Germany. -
The Battle of Britain
The Battle of Britain happened because Germany began to launch an air campaign in order to gain control of Britain’s skies. Germany bombed many military targets and cities. Even though the British Royal Air Force was outnumbered they were able to use superior tactics in order to repel the attacks from Germany. This was the first official major defeat of German’s forces in World War II. Britain's success led to boosted morale throughout the Allied forces and prevented the German invasion. -
Fall of Paris
The Fall of Paris, when Germany had successfully invaded and took over France's capital. German forces had to fight through the fortified Maginot Line and move quickly though both Belgium and N. France. Paris became an open city in order to avoid destruction, Germany's forces came in without any resistance. Soon after the French gov't fled and then signed an armistice w/ Germans on June 22, 1940. The Fall of Paris marks a big victory for Hitler and left the Nazi's with control of the West. -
The Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad is considered one of the bloodiest battles of all time. It started because Germany wanted to seize control of the Soviet city of Stalingrad, since they wanted to secure oil fields in the south. The fight ended up being house-to-house and it was extremely brutal. In 1943 Germany was defeated by the Soviet Union. This is considered a turning point in the war. -
Warsaw ghetto uprising
The Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, when the Jewish residents in Warsaw Ghetto launched a revolt against the Nazi's efforts to deport them. This was the biggest Jewish uprising during the Holocaust and it went on for about a month. The revolt was lost on May 16,1943, since they were poorly armed and extremely outnumbered. During the revolt thousands were killed and the Jews that were not killed were sent to death camps. This revolt was a symbol of resistance and strength against the Nazi's oppression. -
D-Day
Allied Forces launched D-Day, which is the largest amphibious invasion in history, on the beaches of Normandy, France. Upwards of 150,000 troops from America, Canada, Britain, and other various nations stormed the coast to start the liberation of Western Europe. It involved massive coordination by land, sea, and air. Though there were heavy German defenses, the Allies obtained a crucial foothold. D-Day is considered the start of the end for Nazi Germany. -
Liberation of Concentration Camps
Allied forces moved into Nazi-occupied Europe. The Soviet Union was the 1st to liberate a big camp, called Majdanek(July 1944), this was followed by Auschwitz(Jan. 19445). The British and U.S. liberated camps like, Dachau, Bergen-Belsen, and Buchenwald. Unfortunately the liberators found horrible activities happening in these camps. The liberations showed all the events of the Holocaust and was important evidence in the post war trials. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle of the Bulge started because Germany launched a surprise attack in a forest in Luxembourg and Belgium. The Germans intended to separate the Allies and take control of the port of Antwerp. Despite the Germans initial success, the Allies got together and forced the Germans back. This battle was Germany's last major offensive, which led Germany to be too weak to prevent the Allies from advancing to Germany. -
Operation Thunderclap
Operation Thunderclap was an Allied bombing campaign aimed towards breaking Germany’s morale and heavily bombing Berlin. The full plan never was carried out entirely though it did influence the bombing of Dresden. The Dresden bombing cost civilians lives and massive destruction. The plan rises ethical concerns since it targets Bolivian areas. -
VE Day
The Victory in Europe Day, when Germany officially surrendered ending WWII in Europe. It was signed on May 7 1945 in Reims, France. Everybody around the world celebrated Germany surrendering with parades, street parties, and cheering. Even though the war had ended in Europe there was still the war continuing in the Pacific. V-E Day marked a major turning point and a step towards global peace.