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Nuremberg Laws
The Nuremberg laws were first introduced on September 15, 1935. These laws stripped Jews of their citizenship. It also forced Jews to wear a yellow star. This is an important event in history because it signifies the start of segregation against Jews. -
Germany in Austria
Hitler brings troops into Austria. Austria doesn't resist, and unifies with Germany. This is important, because it increased tension all throughout Europe. -
Czechoslovakia Invaded
On March 15, 1939, Hitler took troops into Czechoslovakia. Prior to this, Hitler built up troops on the Czechoslovakian border. He defied his earlier promise by doing this. Again, like the German occupation of Austria, it increased tension throughout Europe. -
Non-Aggression Pact
It was a pact of neutrality between Germany and the Soviets. It was signed on August 23, 1939. It split up Poland for their invasion. This is important because it shows that the two powers could have been allied throughout the war if things went differently. -
Gleiwitz Incident
The Gleiwitz Incident was a false flag operation that occurred on August 31, 1939. It happened at the Gleiwitz Radio Tower. Gestapo officers, dressed as Poles, took prisoners from concentration camps with them. They dressed the prisoners up as Poles and Gestapo officers. They killed the prisoners and made it look like a shootout. They then broadcasted a message in Polish. This was the casus belli of the Polish Invasion. -
Invasion of Poland
On September 1, 1939, Hitler brought troops into Poland. The Soviets helped, and the Poles were being invaded from 2 fronts. This invasion marked the official start of the Second World War -
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht means "The Night of Broken Glass". Nazis went and smashed the windows of Jewish Stores and homes. It happened on November 9, 1939. This event started to show segregation against Jews. -
Battle of Britan
The Battle of Britain was important because it was the first major turning point of the war. It lasted for 4 months and was mostly an aerial fight. It was a British victory. -
Wannsee Conference
The Wannsee Conference was where the Final Solution was planned out. At the conference, Hitler orders all non-Aryans removed from government jobs. It was held in Wannsee- a suburb of Berlin. The Wannsee Conference pretty much marks the start of the Holocaust. -
Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad lasted for 5 months. It was one of the biggest battles of the war. It was the second major turning point. The Soviets won the battle. There were around 2 million casualties. This battle pushed the Germans into a permanent retreat.