WWII Timeline

Stalin Takes Power

April 3rd, 1922

Stalin Takes Power

Joseph Stalin took control of the Communist Party of Russia on April 3rd, 1922. By 1927, he was the ruler of the USSR. As leader, he made a pact (German-Soviet Nonagression Pact) with HItler which encourage him to attack Poland, thus beginning WWII. Stalin also attacked Finland and annexed eastern Poland, Estonia, Latvia, and other counties.

Mussolini Takes Power

October 31st, 1922

MussoliniTakes Power

On October 31st,1922, Benito Mussolini was appointed prime minister after he led a coalition of fascists to Rome. During this coalition, they forced the king to yeild the government. By 1925, he was gotten rid of Italy's democratic government and delcared himself Il Duce ("The Leader"). As leader, he promoted warfare and nationalism which wore used in their foreign policy, which helped to start WWII.

Japanese Militarism

1930s

Japanese Militarism

In 1926, Japan suffer their own depression that lasted unti the 1930s. Many soldiers joined the military in hopes of increase Japan's terrotory to gain economic stabiliy. The growth of Japanese Militarism was supported by the population. In addition to gaining terrioty, Japan also wanted resources, and were prepared to use their newly grown military to achive this.

Invasion of Manchuria

Sept. 18th, 1931-Feb 27th, 1932

Invasion of Manchuria

Seeking natural resources, Manuchira made an ideal place for farmers to make a living who couldn't do so in Japan due to the Great Depression. Manchuria also served as a place where Japan could get gain material to aid its industries. The invasion led to the Second Sino-Japanese War which increased tension before WWII began.

Hitler Becomes Chancellor

January 30th, 1933

Hitler Becomes Chancellor

On January 30th, 1933, Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Gremany by President Paul von Hindenburg. As chancellor, he ordered the expansion of the Gestapo, the state police, and stop any opposition that stood in his way. He was determined of conquering Europe. His dedication to gaining power caused tensions between Germany and other coutries which eventually led to the invasion of Poland, the start of WWII

Reichstag Fire

February 27th, 1933

Reichstag Fire

The Reichstag, which was Germany's Pariament, caught fire on February 27th, 1933. Nazis used to fire to claim the a violent uprising was being planned by communists. They also claimed hat legislation needed to prevent that from occuring. The Reichstag Fire Decree was then passed which abolished many constutional protections, making Nazi leadership a dominant force in Germany

Withdrawl from League of Nations

March, 1933

Withdrawl from L.N.

Japan was the first country out of itself, Germany, and Italy to leave the League of Nation in March of 1933. Japan's invasion of Manchuria violated the rules of the League of Nations. Due to this violation, Japan was reprimanded and oficaly left the L.N. Germany would leave in October of the same year and Italy would leave in December of 1937. Japan, Germany, and Italy leaving the League of Nations ulimately showed the failure of the organization, causing nationalism, ecomonic depression, and a sense of humiliation that led to WWII.

Hitler becomes Fuhrer

August, 1934

Hitler becomes Fuhrer

Hitler declared himself as Fuhrur after the death of President Paul von Hindenburg and abolishes the Office of President. By getting rid of this office, Hitler's decisions were not bound by state laws. From this point on, Hitler is the dictator of germany and his authory has no limit, allowing him to abuse his power to gain more, ultimately leading the WWII.

Neutrality Acts

August 31st, 1935-1937

Neutrality Acts

From the years 1935 to 1937, Congressed passed three Neutrality Acts. These acts were enforced to keep America out of the war. They made it illegal for Americans to sell arms or transport them to nations involed with the war. The Neutrality Act od 1939 shifted America away from isolationism after Germany invaded Poland.

Hideki Tojo Rises to Power

1935

Hideki Tojo Rises to Power

In 1935, Hideki Tojo was given the command of the Kwantung Army in Manchuria.In this position, he used his militaristic insight to expand Japanese influence in China. In 1937 he was promoted to Chief of the Kwantung Army and continued to gain power within the military. As leader, he supported Japan's expansion and attacks on American and European Powers which would lead to the Attack on Pearl Harbor.

Invasion of Ethiopia

October 3rd. 1935-May 5th, 1936

Invasion of Ethiopia

Italian forces invaded Ehtip in october of 1935. This invasion tested the will of the league of Nation to check expansionist states and further demonstrated in ineffectiveness of the organization. The invasion caused more tension between the Western democracies and fascist states.

Spanish Civil War

July 17th, 1936-April 1st, 1939

Spanish Civil War

The Sanish Civil War was one of the bloodiest conflicts western Europe had experienced. It was caused by a uprising aimed at overthrowing the country's democratically elected republic. One of the generals involved wanted a fascist government allowing Germany to help him with his new army. Due to the Neutralty Acts, America was not allowed to help, causing HItler's army to further expand.

Rape of Nanking

December 13th, 1937

Rape of Nanking

The Rape of Naking occured on December 17th, 1937 during the Second Sino-Japanese War. Japanese General Matsui Iwane ordered the city of Nanking, the capital of China, to be destroyed. Much of the city was burned and numerous atrocities occured. The Rape of Nanking is an example of the many crimes against Humanity that would lead to WWII

Annexation of Austria

March 11th, 1938

Annexation of Austria

On March 11th, 1938, Germany invaded Austria and made them apart of the German Reich. Nazis claimed that Austria was in a state of chaos and they made fake reports of riots in Vienna caused by Communists. The annexatin further demonstrated Germany's agression of conqering other contries which would lead to more aggression.

Germany Invades Poland

Sept. 1st, 1939-Oct. 6th, 1939

Germany Invades Poland

On September 1st, 1939, Germany invades poland which would be the start and cause of WWII. They invaded Poland in order to gain lost territory and gain mor power in the east. The invasion would also be the start of Hitler's method of war, Blitzkreig. In response to Germany's agression, Britain and France would declare war of Germany

Miracle at Dunkirk

May 27th, 1940-June 4th, 1940

Miracle at Dunkirk

The evacuation of Dunkirk involved the rescue of more than 338,000 British and French Soldiers. The troops were surrounded by German Troops that used the Blitzkrieg method. The Miracle at Dunkirk served as a major turning point in the war for the Allied Powers.

Germany Sweeps Across Europe

May, 1940

Germany Sweeps Across Europe

Germany invaded western Europe in May of 1940. They invaded countris like Norway and Denmark to proectect their resources of Scandinavia. Later Germany would invade the Netherlands, France and Belgium. Germany yltimate goal was to gain living space for his people.

Battle of Britain

Jul. 10th, 1940-Oct. 13st, 1940

Battle of Britain

The Battle of Britain was a major air compaign fought in Southern England in the summer of 1940. Germany hoped to gain superiority to prepare for an invasion of Britain after the Miracle of Dunkirk. This would also be a turning point for the Allied Powers in the war.

Selective Service & Training Act

September 16th, 1940

Selective Service & Training Act

On September 16th, 1940, the Selective Service and Training Act which required all men from the ages of 21 to 45 the register for the draft. Those selected were requre to serve at least one year in the war. After WWII began, the draft remained for the duration of the war. This draft was enforeced to filled spaces since they couldn't be by voluntary means.

Tripartite Act

September 27th, 1940

Tripartite Act

The Tripartite Pact was a agreement between Japan, Germany and Italy 1 year after the start of WWII. It created an alliance between the the countries that was mosty intended to prevent the United States from entering the war. Later on, other coutrneis like hungary, Romania, and others would join the Tripartite Pact. The Pact called for those involved to help one another with economical, political, and military means

Lend Lease Act

March 11th 1941

Lend Lease Act

This act created a system that would allow the United States lend or lease war supplies to any nation that was named "vital to the defense of the United States. Under this poicly, America was able to remain officially neutral while also aiding the Allied Powers. America was also unprepared for war, this act gave them time to get ready while also helping Britai which was in need of more supplies and aid.

Germany Invades USSR

June 22nd, 1941-Dec. 5th, 1941

Germany invades USSR

On June 22nd, Hitler launched his invasion of the USSR, also known asOperation Barbarosa. Hitler regareded the Soviet Union as his natural enemy and expected a quick victory. His campaign would drag on due to the harsh winters, strategic blunders, and Soviet Resistance.

Atlantic Charter Signing

August 14th, 1941

Atlantic Charter Signing

The Atlantic Charter was a declaration between the United States and Great Britain. Within this delcaration, the visions on a postwar world were laid out. Among the points made were a nation's right to choose their own government, the easin of trade restrictions, and disarment. This delcaration was considered one of the frst key steps to creating the United Nations.

Pearl Harbor

December 7th, 1941

Pearl Harbor

Japan attacked the naval base of Pearl Harbor, Hawaii on the morning of December 7th, 1941. This suprise attack destroyed 18 naval vessels, 8 battleships, 300 aircrafts, and killed 2,402 men. Before, Americans were relunctant to get invloved in war, but this attacked led the United States to delcare war on Japan

Japan Sweeps Across Pacific

1941

Japan Sweeps Across Pacific

After the attack on Pearl harbor, Japan laucnhed another attack through the Allied controled areas such as Hong Kong,Guam, Wake Island, the Phillipines, and more. Japan wanted to destroy the U.S carrier fleet so the united States would negotiate for peace. Their goal was to secure airfileds and supply bases that could serve as launching points or attacks as well as dislodge the enemy.

Appeasement Towards Germany

1930s

Appeasement Towards Germany

Appeasement was Britain's policy towards Germany. This allowed Hitler to expand his territory without conseuqences. With every nee area Hitler conquered, he gained more power and confidence. With this came more soldiers to bettwe defend him, thus allowing him to conquer more coutries leading to the start of WWII.