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League of Nations
The world's first international security organization goes into operation. The United States does not join, and Germany and Soviet Russia are not admitted. -
The Irish war of independence
The Irish were promised independence after the war from the United Kingdom. War had been going for 3 years. after the British gave up the Irish got there independence. -
Transjordan becomes a semi-independent state
The Hashemite Emir Abdullah, eldest son of Britain's ally the Sharif Hussein of Mecca, became ruler of the territory. In 1946, Transjordan received independence and Abdullah became King Abdullah I of Jordan. -
Stalin rises into power
Stalin defeats the last of his major rivals for power in the period after Lenin's death (Jan. 1924). Over time Stalin brings forced industrialization, brutal police repression, purges, and rigid control over foreign Communist parties. -
Depresstion
The American stock market crash starts a world-wide Depression, which is at its worst in most of Europe from the summer of 1931 through the end of 1932 and in some places much longer. -
Japan Invades Manchuria
Japanese armies open a long undeclared war against China in Manchuria. Attempts to restrain Japan through the League of Nations but failed and weakening faith in the international order. -
Third Reich
Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany. He and his Nazi party are in full command in a matter of months. -
Russia joins the Leauge
Soviet Russia finally joins the League of Nations out of concern about the threat from Nazi Germany. -
Mussolini Abyssinia War
During the international crisis over Italy's invasion of Abyssinia. The League loses much of its remaining credibility. Hitler's support of Mussolini's war brings Germany and Italy into alliance. -
Spanish Civil War
A civil war breaks out in Spain, lasting until 1939. Germany and Italy support the insurgent Nationalist side (Franco) and send arms and "volunteers"; Britain, France, and Russia support the Republican government but only Russia provides any practical assistance. -
Formation of the Axis
The Anti-Comintern Pact loosely connects Germany to Japan and Italy. -
The Invasion of Poland
It started September 1 1939. The polish army was defeated within weeks of battle. The Germans were armed with 2000 tanks and 1000 planes. France and Britain then declared war on Germany.
