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The state of Germany in the years following World war I. Economic disrepair led to significant instability within the country and the majority of German people were discontent with their conditions. While political factions on both the left and right had their own visions of the countryès future, it was the right-wing who ended up in power.
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Germany is defeated and declared at fault for the war. An armistice is signed which puts an end to the fighting. -
The peace treaty that brought World War I to an end. The treaty required Germany to accept fault for the war and accept many economic and military restrictions. -
After gaining popularity by promising a bright future and return to power for Germany and its people, Adolf Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany. -
Hitler’s popular political enemies are assassinated. -
Hitler is declared the Fuhrer as a cult of personality forms around him. -
Going directly against the rules outlined in the Treaty of Versailles, Hitler reintroduces military conscription and begins growing the German military. -
An area against the border of Germany, Belgium, and France, the Rhineland was meant to remain demilitarized after the end of World War I. Not wanting to risk any armed conflict, France and Britain condemned Germany but did not intervene. -
Mass arrests of Jews begin to occur. Jewish people are banned from practicing law or medicine, selling goods, and attending public schooling, among other restrictions.
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After a long period of propaganda inside Austria, Germany invaded the country with significant support from both populations. A plebiscite was later held to retroactively approve the unification of the two countries, but was manipulated to show that 99% of Austrians were in support. Jews and Roma were not allowed to vote. -
An area of Czechoslovakia is surrendered to Germany on the condition that they will not take up arms.
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Germany takes up arms against the Czechoslovak State and occupies the country. -
A non aggression pact between the Soviet Union and Germany is signed declaring the two nations will partition Poland between themselves. -
Germany invades Poland, inciting their allies in Britain and France to declare war on Germany. The Second World War begins. -
Just days after the invasion of Poland begins, the Soviet Union invades the country from the east. -
German troops enter Warsaw. Poland surrenders nine days later.
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Germany begins their invasion of Norway, marking the end of the six-month of limited land operations known as “The Phony War.” The Country is fully occupied in the coming months.
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Winston Churchill is sworn in as the prime minister of the United Kingdom. -
Germany invades and occupies in The Netherlands in just four days.
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Germany invades and occupies Belgium in just 18 days.
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Germany invades France, breaking past their “impenetrable” Maginot line and taking much of the country with virtually no opposition within the first few days of the invasion.
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British forces trapped in Dunkirk, France are brought across the English channel by civilian boats.
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German forces take Paris. -
Germans assault the British population with constant air raids in an attempt to destroy their morale. Winston Churchill runs campaigns to bolster the morale of the British people. Despite the constant bombardment, Britain does not budge and is considered a lost effort by Germany.
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Germany allies with Italy and Japan. -
Japanese troops bombard the US naval base Pearl Harbour. An attack on US soil prompts the country’s leaders to enter the war. -
The US defeats the Japanese navy in one of the most important battles in the pacific.
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The United States officially enters the war.
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The Allied Powers begin an amphibious ground invasion of Italy. -
Italy surrenders to the Allied Powers. -
The allies invade Normandy with a series of beach invasions. Utah and Omaha Beach were invaded by US soldiers, Gold and Sword Beach were stormed by the British, and Juno was taken by Canadian forces. It was one of the devastating days of World War 2 but was also a turning point in favour of the Allies. -
Paris is taken back from Germany by Allied forces. -
An offensive attack launched by Germany against the Soviet Union. The Soviets spent much of the battle simply retreating back into Russia and letting German forces crumble under the harsh weather conditions.
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Soviet troops invading Germany liberate Auschwitz, one the most infamous concentration camps of the Nazi regime. -
US soldiers capture the island of Iwo Jima, an important strategic location in the pacific. Despite this battle lasting only a few weeks, the casualties were heavy due to Japan’s persistence.
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Mussolini is killed and dragged through the streets by Italian villagers. -
Hitler commits suicide by gunshot in his bunker. -
Germany surrenders and loses control of their occupied territories in the coming days. -
Not wanting to suffer the slog and casualties that defeating Japan on foot would entail, the first of two atom bombs are dropped on Japan in hopes it will force a surrender. -
A second atom bomb is dropped on Japan. Dropping a bomb on the Japanese capital of Kyoto was also considered but was decided against as certain US military advisors had previously gone on vacation there. -
Japan officially surrenders brining an end to the war.