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Enabling Act
This was the main course of action for Hitler's plan known as "legal seizure" (of power). The German parliament (Reichstag) took a vote for the enabling act, and two thirds of the parliament voted in favor of it. The enabling act gave the government the right to overlook the statements in the constitution for four years. The parliament voted for this because they had hopes of issuing laws to solve the problems in Germany. -
Hitler sends troops to the Rhineland
Hitler sent troops into the Rhineland, which was part of Germany. While the Rhineland was part of Germany, this was a demilitarized area. This meant that Germany could not have troops or weapons in this spot. When Hitler did this it went against the Treaty of Versailles. Hitler did this because he did not think the Western states would retaliate or try to stop him. -
Nazi-Soviet Nonaggression Pact
Germany and the Soviet Union authorized the Nazi-Soviet Nonaggression Pact. This pact stated that neither Germany nor the Soviet Union would attack each other. Hitler told Stalin he could have authority over the Baltic states and eastern Poland. Hitler, however, did not plan on keeping this promise. He did not often keep his word. -
Hitler invades the Soviet Union
Hitler had determined that Great Brittain's involvement in the war was centered around the hope of becoming allies with the Soviet Union. He decided to attack the Soviet Union which he did in June of 1941. Because he had planned to attack earlier, he did not prepare for the possibility of fighting in the winter. The soviet Union put up a tough fight and Hitler's army struggled greatly because they lacked winter Uniforms. -
Pearl Harbor
The Japanese launched an air attack on the US naval base of Pearl Harbor. This attack greatly affected Americans. While the Americans were fearful, this helped to unite the United States as a whole. This was the event that caused the United States to enter the war. -
US saves Australia
The Japanese were advancing toward australia. The US stopped their advancements at the battle of Coral sea. This saved Australia from being attacked by Japanese forces. This took place on May 7 and May 8 in 1942. -
Turning point
The "turning point" of WWII between US and Asian forces took place at the Battle of Midway Island. United states attack planes took out a total of 4 japanese aircraft carriers that were attacking. This victory gave the United states control over navy in the Pacific. -
Axis forces in Tunsia surrender
In 1943, battle began to be centered around Germany, Italy and Japan. In May of 1943, Axis forces in Tunsia surrender. After this, allies began to focus war on Italy, which they believed to be an easy target. -
Hitler commits Suicide
Hitler locked himself, his new wife, and his dog in an underground bunker in Berlin. He first tested a poison called cyanide on his dog and his new wife, then after determining that it would work, he took a capsule of cyanide himself. After ingesting the capsule, Hitler shoots himself with a pistol. -
German troops surrender
Just over a week after Hitler committed suicide, german troops surrender. After the commanders of Germany surrender, this ends the war in Europe. This was a major step in ending WWII. -
Hiroshima
Truman, the president of the US, had decided to use atomic bombs to attack Japan. This was a tough decision considering the effect it would have on Japan. There were two bombs and the first was used on the japanese city of hiroshima. Thousands were killed. -
Nagasaki
Following the first bombing of the Japanese city of Hiroshima, a second bomb was dropped on the city of Nagasaki. This bomb had the same result as the other bomb. Thousands were killed instantly and many more were killed from radiation later. -
Japan Surrenders
Japan surrender just a few days after the bombing of the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This was the end of WWII. The losses in WWII were uncomprehendable.
