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Treaty of Versailles
The Treaty of Versailles was a peace treaty signed by Germany and the rest of the Central powers at the end of WWI. It held Germany responsible for starting the war and imposed harsh penalties on them including lots of reparations. This is what originally angered Hitler and made him want to take power and restore Germany. -
Mussolini becomes fascist leader of Italy
Mussolini formed Italy's violent paramilitary fascist movement in 1919. Then he organized a march on Rome with intentions of forcing the king to yield the government to Mussolini. This march was a success and it later led to him becoming prime minister that same year. Mussolini becoming prime minister led to Italy becoming a fascist country. -
Mein Kampf is published
The Mein Kampf which translates to (My Struggle) was a book written by Adolf Hitler that discusses his political ideology and his future plans for the German country. This was the most popular Nazi text ever publishes with over 12 million copies sold from 1925 to 1945. -
Hitler becomes Chancellor of Germany
After Hitler got many people on the side of the Nazi campaign, Hindenburg reluctantly agreed to appoint Hitler as chancellor. Appointing Hitler to chancellor finally allowed the Nazi's to be in power. Later Hindenburg would pass away allowing Hitler and the Nazi's to obtain even more power. -
“Night of the Long Knives” Hitler consolidates power
During the "Night of Long Knives" Hitler ordered his elite SS guards to assassinate the SA leadership and other political opponents. This event was a turning point for the German movement and it established Hitler as the supreme administrator of the Germans. It showed Hitlers true intentions and just how crazy he really was. -
Italy invades Ethiopia
At the time Ethiopia was one of only two independent countries in Africa. Mussolini invaded Ethiopia in order to boost Italian nationalism. This was important to the improvement of Italy because it showed just how powerful they were and that Mussolini would do anything to get what he wanted. -
Japan Invades China
There had been conflict in Asia for many years well before the start of WWII. Japan decided to invade China seeking to get raw materials that would help fuel its growing industries. By 1937 Japan controlled many large areas of China and as many as 300,000 Chinese civilians and surrendered troops were killed. This was significant to the empowerment of Japan because it boosted their moral and showed that they were a relentless country. -
Japanese Rape of Nanjing
Also known as the Nanjing Massacre was the raping and mass killing of Chinese citizens and capitulated soldiers by the Japanese imperial army. Witnesses recall some Japanese soldiers throwing babies in the air and catching them with their bayonets. This shows how the Japanese people had no regard for the Chinese and would do whatever they wanted. -
Germany and Italy sign the Pact of Steel
The Pact of Steel was an alliance signed by Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini. This alliance improved both Italy's and Germany's military and political system. This event empowered both of these countries because they were now working together which made them stronger than ever. -
Germany invades Poland, beginning World War II
Germany invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. The Germans said that their people were being persecuted in Poland and that they were planning, with their allies Great Britain and France, to encircle and dismember Germany. This was a very significant event because it was the beginning of WWII. The war started because Great Britain and France had an alliance with Poland, so they declared war on Germany. -
Germany, Italy, and Japan sign the Tripartite Pact
The Tripartite Pact created an alliance between the Axis powers, Germany, Italy and Japan. The main goal of them creating this pact was to keep America out of the war. It also empowered Japan, Germany, and Italy, since they were combing together to become much stronger.