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Hitler becomes Chancellor (VUS.11a)
This event marks the beginning of the Nazi takeover of Germany. Still reeling from the effects of the Treaty of Versailles and the global depression, Hitler promises Germany a Third Reich which will dominate northern Europe. -
“The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” (VUS.10d)
First 100 Days Begin the New Deal which focused on 3 main areas: Relief (direct assistance to the people – typically through public jobs), Recovery (programs aimed at getting businesses and the economy moving again), and Reform (establishing regulations that would prevent another economic collapse). The New Deal was sometimes called “Alphabet Soup” – -
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt Administration
Franklin Roosevelt is the only president to serve more than two terms. Guiding America through the Great Depression and World War 2, FDR oversaw the greatest transformation of the government since the Civil War. Vastly increasing in size and strength, the Federal Government’s relationship changed with the people, and with the world. -
A “Bank Holiday” (VUS.10d)
All banks would shut down to prevent further bank “runs”. Once banks had enough cash on-hand, they were permitted to re-open. MORE -
Emergency Banking Act (VUS.10d)
This law provided the guidelines for banks to re-open and operate. Most were able to eventually re-open, though some never did after the Bank Holiday. MORE -
First Fireside Chat to explain “Bank Holiday” (VUS.10a)
Realizing the power of the radio as mass media, FDR frequently gave radio addresses and spoke directly to the American people to explain, in plain and simple language, the programs that were being passed and how they were designed to help. This helped keep public confidence in the New Deal, even though the programs were often complicated and confusing. -
Civilian Conservation Corps (VUS.10d)
A “relief” program, the CCC provided young men with jobs working in rural areas to build roads and bridges, plant trees, run electric and telephone lines, and a variety of other conservation type labor. They lived in military style camps, and pay was sent home to their families. About 250,000 young men were hired to work on these projects. MORE -
Agricultural Adjustment Act (VUS.10d)
To help the farmers, this “recovery” law would help by paying farmers to UNDER-produce. By lowering the supply, prices of crops would rise. This was very controversial at a time when poverty caused hunger, however it was effective for the farm industry. MORE -
Tennessee Valley Authority (VUS.10d)
Combining “relief” with “reform”, a series of dams were built along the Tennessee River Valley to help control flooding and provide hydro-electric power to one of the poorest regions of the United States at that time. The TVA is still working today! MORE -
Home Owners Loan Act (VUS.10d)
This “relief” law was designed to provide federal assistance to people holding mortgages – who were being threatened with foreclosure. Homelessness was very high during the Great Depression, and this assistance would help stem the tide. -
National Industrial Recovery Act (VUS.10d)
This “recovery” law established the National Recovery Administration which set specific guidelines for businesses for production rules, price rules, and labor rules. This was intended to end the cut-throat competition and the tendency to create trusts. Businesses which aligned with the NRA tended to be favored by the public, as they seemed to be doing their part in these harsh times. MORE -
Public Works Administration (VUS.10d)
This “recovery” program (part of the NIRA) authorized the building of public works, from roads to post offices, to even new airports. Putting Americans back to work by building things that Americans needed would benefit many sectors of society – and would suit recovery by “priming the pump” (that is, getting money to flow in the economy). MORE -
Banking Act Created the FDIC (VUS.10d)
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation was a “recovery” and “reform” measure to bolster American confidence in banks. Under this law, private individuals who made deposits in a bank, would not lose their money if the bank went out of business. Instead, those deposits were insured by Congress. Further, member banks were required to have a higher percentage of cash-on-hand to prevent collapse. MORE -
21st Amendment (VUS.10d)
A repeal of prohibition! This amendment is unique because it is the only one to repeal a previous amendment, and it is also the only amendment to have been ratified via state ratifying conventions (rather than state legislatures). Could this be part of the New Deal? “Relief”, “Recovery”, and “Reform”? -
Securities Exchange Act (VUS.10d)
This “reform” law established the Securities Exchange Commission which would oversee the workings of the Stock Market. New rules would be put in place to prevent careless speculation, panic selling and insider trading. The SEC is still working today. MORE -
Hitler announces re-armament (VUS.11a)
A violation of the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler begins to rebuild the army, navy and air force. While there is a sense of concern across Europe, the effects of the Depression and memories of World War 1 stall any attempts and intervention. -
Mussolini invades Ethiopia (VUS.11a)
In a one-sided war, Mussolini invaded and occupied Ethiopia. Mussolini’s promise as a Fascist was to restore the glory of the Old Roman Empire – to dominate Southern Europe and Northern Africa (the Mediterranean World). -
Works Progress Administration (VUS.10d)
This “relief” program hired a variety of types of people to do many different things; such as actors to put on free plays, artists to paint murals in public buildings, teachers to give free seminars, and even people to sweep streets and clean public parks. MORE -
Supreme Court declares NIRA Unconstitutional (VUS.10d)
According to the Supreme Court, the National Industrial Recovery Act was unconstitutional because there was no definition of the phrase “fair competition” and the act seemed to allow the executive branch way too much power over private enterprise. Many of the programs within the NIRA were re-written and passed. -
Wagner Act ; National Labor Relations Act (VUS.10d)
This law protected workers’ rights to unionize, engage in collective bargaining, and strike. MORE -
Social Security Act (VUS.10d)
This “relief”/”reform” law would provide a permanent system of universal retirement pensions, welfare benefits to handicapped and dependents of families who no longer have a wage-earner due to death. Contributors would donate to the fund, and then receive their payments upon retirement. This plan is still working today. MORE -
Neutrality Acts (VUS.11a)
Facing the rising aggressions in Europe and Asia, Congress passed a formal statement of neutrality. The US would impose a general embargo on trading arms and war materials with all parties in war. Maintaining isolationism, the US was far more concerned with domestic issues caused by the Great Depression. -
Nuremburg Laws are passed in Nazi Germany (VUS.11e)
These anti-Semitic laws were meant to identify, strictly segregate, and severely limit the rights of the Jews in Germany. This would be an early stage of the genocide which would follow in the atrocities of the Holocaust. -
Supreme Court declares AAA Unconstitutional (VUS.10d)
Based on the subsidies being distributed from taxes not related to agriculture, the Supreme Court (which was dominated by Conservatives) declared the AAA unconstitutional. Fixing the violations, the second AAA was passed in 1938. -
Hitler’s forces occupy the Rhineland (VUS.11a)
In the Treaty of Versailles, there was a zone within Germany along the French border called the Rhineland which Germany was not permitted to have military forces. In violation – Hitler moved his forces into this area – France was worried, but felt safe behind the Maginot Line. In spite of concern across Europe, effects of the Depression and memories of World War 1 stall any intervention. -
Hitler and Mussolini offer military assistance in Spanish Civil War
As a way to test new military equipment and battle strategies, the Nazis of Germany and the Fascists of Italy offered assistance to the Spanish dictator. -
Rome-Berlin Axis is formed (VUS.11a)
Mussolini and the Fascist party rose to power in Italy in 1922 – the Fascists and Nazis cooperated during the Spanish Civil War – and this alliance began the Axis Powers. Japan was included as a means to “distract” America. -
Roosevelt Re-elected
for the first time -
Cash and Carry policy (VUS.11a)
Slightly separating from complete neutrality, the US agreed to sell war materials to Britain and France – provided they paid up front and transported the materials themselves. This was seen as a way to bolster the American economy, but not risk American lives in shipping to nations at war. MORE -
The Nanking Massacre (VUS.11a)
Japan had already invaded China on July 7 in its quest to create a Pacific Empire, this event epitomized the brutality of the Japanese forces against the Chinese. The United States, still under the Stimson Doctrine, protested these actions. The United States placed an oil and steel embargo on Japan, worsening relations between the two nations. MORE -
Hitler annexes Austria (VUS.11a)
Without firing a shot, the Nazi forces marched into Austria (Hitler’s home nation), and annexed it – called Anschluss. He was demanding that all German-speaking people be united. Concern ran across Europe, but fear of another major war prevented intervention. -
Roosevelt signs the Fair Labor Standards Act (VUS.10d)
This law established minimum wages and maximum working hours. This was also the first national law that prohibited child labor! MORE -
Hitler is appeased by the Munich Pact (VUS.11a)
Demanding the “Sudetenland” (part of Czechoslovakia where people spoke German), France and Britain agreed to allow this annexation under the promise Hitler’s expansion would end. In March of 1939, Hitler broke his promise and marched his troops into the rest of Czechoslovakia. Fear of a major war prevented any intervention – -
“Kristallnacht” – Night of the Broken Glass (VUS.11e)
Nazi Storm troopers and party members vandalized Jewish owned businesses, synagogues, temples, schools and homes. In the end, 91 Jews were killed and 30,000 were arrested and sent to concentration camps. -
Hitler and Stalin – Non-Aggression Pact (VUS.11a)
Planning ahead, Hitler wanted to avoid a two-front war like in World War 1. He signed an agreement to avoid war with Soviet Leader, Josef Stalin. Stalin saw this as a way to postpone the inevitable war and have time to prepare. Hitler’s plan was to defeat France and Britain first, then move against the Soviets. -
Germany invades Poland (VUS.11a)
World War 2 begins! The Soviets invaded Poland from the east – but each nation honored the Non-Aggression Pact. France declared war on Germany, drawing Italy and Britain into the war. The United States spoke against the belligerent nations, but declared neutrality. -
France Surrenders (VUS.11b)
After flanking the Maginot Line which was designed to protect France from a German assault, the French government surrendered to the Nazi’s after about 6 weeks of fighting. Now, Britain stood alone against the Axis Powers! MORE -
Battle of Britain (VUS.11b)
Lasting several months, this battle featured German bombing raids against Britain. It was the first battle to be fought entirely by air – and it was Hitler’s attempt to bomb England into submission. However, the British effective use of RADAR limited the ability of the Luftwaffe, and Hitler finally gave up – he was simply losing too many aircraft! MORE -
Roosevelt re-elected
FDR becomes the first – and only – president to serve more than two terms! -
“Arsenal of Democracy” (VUS.11a)
In a fireside chat, FDR explains the rising urgency of the European war, and the importance of the United States providing the war materials necessary for defeating the Axis Powers. MORE -
Roosevelt Signs the lend-lease plan (VUS.11a)
Describing it as lending a garden hose to a neighbor whose house is on fire, the US agrees to loan military supplies and warships in exchange for military bases in the Caribbean. MORE -
Hitler attacks Soviet Union (VUS.11b)
Violating the Non-Aggression Pact, Hitler turned on Stalin. After the failure of the Battle of Britain, Hitler believed he could use his navy to blockade Britain into submission, and felt confident that he could turn his attention against the Soviets. He gained confidences in early blitzkrieg victories – and Stalin begged the Allies to attack from the west to open a second front. MORE -
Executive Order 8802 (VUS.12b)
Roosevelt prohibits racial discrimination in all factories involved in the War effort and holding government contracts. MORE -
The “Final Solution” (VUS.11e)
Hitler’s decision to simply exterminate all the Jews in Europe at death camps throughout Europe – this is put to a plan as part of the war agenda. -
“A date that will live in infamy” (VUS.11a)
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor – without warning, the Empire of Japan led a surprise attack at the naval base at Pearl Harbor. The goal was to badly cripple the US Navy – allowing time for Japan to establish an empire before America could rebuild. The attack was a success – but the plan failed as the United States jumped to mobilization! MORE -
Roosevelt’s War Message (VUS.11a)
America declares war on Japan – and later Germany and Italy. The debate of isolationism is over – the United States (similar to entrance into WW1) was slow to join the fight, but once again ensured an Allied victory. MORE -
Executive Order 9066 – INTERNMENT (VUS.12b)
President Roosevelt issued the order which forced all Japanese-Americans to sell their property and relocate to internment camps. Strong anti-Japanese prejudice and a false belief that Japanese-Americans were aiding the enemy led to this imprisonment. Twice, this order was upheld by the Supreme Court. MORE -
Navajo Code Talkers turn the tide in the Pacific (VUS.11c)
Using their native language, the Navajo Indians provided the safe communications in the Pacific and played a crucial role in every major battle. The Navajo language, which was unwritten, was impossible for the Japanese to break. Credited with saving countless American lives, these American Indians were vital to the defeat of Japan and symbolized minority contributions to the war. MORe -
Bataan Death march (VUS.11d)
After the fall of the Philippines, the forced march of American and Filipino prisoners of war over 80 miles was characterized by extreme brutality by the Japanese. Thousands of POWs died during the brutal march that lasted six days. MORE -
Battle of Midway (VUS.11b)
In the “Miracle of Midway,” American naval forces defeated a much larger Japanese force as it prepared to seize Midway Island. A Japanese victory at Midway would have enabled Japan to invade Hawaii. The American victory ended the Japanese threat to Hawaii and began a series of American victories in the “island hopping” campaign that carried the war closer and closer to Japan. MORE -
Tuskegee Airmen first graduating class (VUS.11c)
African-American fighter pilots flew with distinction in the bombing raids over Europe. While fighting prejudice and discrimination, these brave and talented pilots flew as escorts to bombers, racking up an incredible record. Serving in segregated units, like almost all African-American during the war, the Airmen represented the vital role played by minorities. MORE -
Battle of Stalingrad Begins (VUS.11b)
This battle would last until Feb 2, 1943. Considered the TURNING POINT in the Eastern Front, Hitler demanded that the city be taken at all costs – and Stalin ordered the city be protected at all costs. The Nazi supply lines were stretched too far, and they could not survive the particularly harsh winter. This marked the first true defeat of the Nazis in Europe. MORE -
Battle of El-Alamein (VUS.11b)
Lasting 13 days, this battle was a major turning point as the Allies turned back Nazi forces in North Africa as they threatened the Suez Canal and the oil fields of the Middle East. Had the Allies lost, Hitler would have had oil to fuel his war, and have been able to attack the Soviet Union from the South. MORE -
The Nisei “Go for Broke” Regiment is formed (VUS.11c)
In spite of extreme prejudice at the home front, these Japanese-American units served in Europe with distinction – becoming the most decorated unit in the entire war. Serving in segregated units, the Nisei exemplified the valuable contribution of minorities to the war effort. MORE -
“Rosie the Riveter” appears in Saturday Evening Post (VUS.12b)
During WW2, women entered the workforce into jobs that were previously held by men. Exemplifying the total commitment of the nation’s resources, this iconic image represented the new role of women in the war effort. -
Yalta Conference; (VUS.13a)
Meeting with Churchill and Stalin, the “Big Three” discuss plans for the United Nations Organization. MORE -
D-Day (VUS.11b)
Finally, the Allied forces of the US, Britain and Canada attacked at the beaches of Normandy, France, which began the liberation of France from the Nazi control and marks the TURNING POINT on the western front. MORE -
The GI Bill of Rights
FDR signs the bill that would offer educational grants and other assistance to servicemen to go to college after their duty is completed. -
Roosevelt Re-elected
Now, the only person to be elected to the presidency FOUR times! -
Battle of the Bulge (VUS.11b)
Lasting until Jan 25, 1945 – this battle was Hitler’s last chance, throwing most of his forces at the advancing Allies. In the frigid temperatures, the Allies avoided defeat – this battle marked the last significant resistance, until the battle for Berlin. MORE -
Battle of Iwo Jima (VUS.11b)
Part of the American “island hopping” campaign, the hard-fought victory at Iwo Jima moved US forces closer to Japan. The battle lasted until March 26, 1945, and cost 6,800 American lives. For the Japanese forces, of 22,000 only 216 were captured, which exemplifies the brutality of the fighting. MORE -
Battle of Okinawa (VUS.11b)
Lasting until June 21, this battle marked the end of the American “island hopping” campaign. Victory at Okinawa gave the US airfields close enough to Japan to launch effective bombing raids and stage a land invasion. Japanese forces fought ferociously, committing suicide rather than surrender. MORE -
Roosevelt dies of a probable brain hemorrhage.
After guiding the nation through the Great Depression and Global War, it would now be up to the next president, Harry Truman, to finish off World War 2.
