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Treaty of Versailles
The treaty of Versailles was a peace agreement between nations in Europe including that officially ended WWI. The US and UK imposed heavy reparations on Germany blaming them for the war. Forcing Germany to pay for the war and have military restrictions. This led to Germans full of anger because of their restrictions and blame of war, the treaties harsh terms led to German citizens in and economy in shambles, making it easy for Hitler to rise in power. -
Creation of the USSR
The Union of Soviet Socialists Republic (USSR) start of a new era for Russia, and communism, a new form of government was on the rise. Stalin soon became leader of the USSR and his main goal was to spread communism across the nation, Europe and internationally. The nation becomes atheist because their was frequent religious and ethnic persecution. A secret police were installed to monitor citizens. The rise in propaganda became prevalent, the government controlled what people heard In this era. -
Great Depression
The Great Depression was caused by the US stock market crash, this crash led to widespread problems across the world and especially Europe. Europe was experiencing widespread poverty and high unemployment rates. This economic downturn also led to political instability, nations lost faith in their governments to succeed. Nations like Germany and Italy saw this as an opportunity to rise their totalitarian regimes and rise in fascism. They grew while their nation was vulnerable in hopes for change. -
Hitler --> Chancellor of Germany
Hitler gains power in Germany legally, after being imprisoned for trying to take over the government forcefully. Him becoming Chancellor was significant because it marked the beginning of the Nazi Party, him being the leader of Germany led to the beginning of the war due to his want to control all of eastern Europe and the start of the Holocaust. -
Nuremberg Laws
The Nuremberg Laws were a anti-semantic law enacted in Nazi Germany that stripped away any rights that the Jews once had. This law was important because it escalated to the point of the holocaust, leading to Jewish persecution and even more of a reason to go against fascism and protect democracy. -
Invasion of Poland
The invasion of Poland is known as the beginning or first line of action of WWII. Germany had struck with a massive force of fast-moving modern weapons. It was known as Blitzkrieg or lightning war. Poland was defeated and split between Germany and the USSR. It is important because it was the first war of WWII. -
Germany takes Denmark + Norway
When Nazi Germany takes Denmark and Norway it is beginning to become truly scary. Germany is taking down nations efficiently and quickly all across Eastern Europe. This is important because nations are starting to fear fascism and Germany. -
Winston Churchill Appointed
Winston Churchill was appointed to replace Chamberlain which was the leader of appeasement. Churchill was crucial for bringing together the British during tough times in war and installed a new hope for the alliances against Nazi Germany and the axis powers. He ultimately with his military tactics and empowering strategies helped take down Nazi Germany. -
Germany attacks Netherlands, Belgium + France
Germany attacked these nations and it was significant because Germany went through Luxembourg and the Ardennes Forest rather than over the Maginot Line which is where France believed Germany would have made an attack. This is significant because Germany is taking down more nations implementing fear with genius invasion tactics. -
Evacuation of Dunkirk
The evacuation of Dunkirk was a evacuation of the British and allied forces that were surrounded by German troops in the French city of Dunkirk. This was significant because it showed and everlasting effort from the allied powers and due to the evacuation it kept many allied soldiers alive. -
Battle of Briatin
When Germany launched a major offensive to gain control of Britain using the air force, the Luftwaffe. It officially began the battle of Britain. Britain was able to successfully defend themselves against Germany due to their new technology like the radar and the Royal Air Force. Hitler eventually called off the operation. This was significant to the war because it was the first ever battle fought in air and it was an inspiring moment for the UK and other nations fighting against Nazi Germany, -
Pearl Harbor Bombing
On this day, Japan attacked the U.S. fleet in pearl harbor. The purpose of the bombing was to prevent America in interfering with Japans's plan to take over territories in Asia. The following day the U.S. declared for war. This was a significant turning point in the war because the U.S had officially begun to be involved in the war due to having an official reason to get involved. -
Stalingrad
Stalingrad was a major industrial center in the USSR, and on this day Hitler decided to attack. Soviets surrounded the entire German Sixth Army and it was forced to surrender. It became apparent that Germany would not defeat the Soviet Union. It was the most significant turning point in the war. This is because it was Germany's first major defeat and they were left off weaker the ever before. It was marked as a shift of momentum for the allies. -
Battle of Kursk
On this day the Soviets had defeated the Germans in battle. It was the greatest tank battle of WWII. It was a major victory for the soviets because it was the Germans last offensive on the Eastern front. This showed the strength of the soviets and helped turn the tide for nations east of Germany. -
D-Day
D-Day was history's greatest naval invasion ever. Led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, a plan to invade Nazi controlled France. U.S., British, Canadian and other forces landed on the beaches of Normandy, France. Despite the challenges and heavy fire the Allies were able to secure the beaches and take back France. D-Day was so significant because it was a crucial step to end Nazi control and the beginning of the liberation of western Europe from the Nazi's. This led to the liberation of Paris.