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Japan defeats China
The Japanese defeat Chinese forces in a clash near Peking, taking control of North China. -
Anschluss
German Chancellor Adolf Hitler declares Austria part of the Third Reich. -
Naval Expansion Act
The U.S. Congress passes the Naval Expansion Act giving President Franklin D. Roosevelt one billion dollars to enlarge the navy. -
Hitler Promises Peace
Adolf Hitler, in return for the Sudetenland, promises to leave the rest of Czechoslovakia alone. -
Kristallnacht
During the German Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass), 7,500 Jewish businesses are looted, 191 synagogues are set afire, nearly 100 Jews are killed, and tens of thousands are sent to concentration camps. -
Hitler Annexes Czechoslovakia
Adolf Hitler reneges on the promise made in September of 1938 and takes all of Czechoslovakia. -
Stalin and Hitler Sign Nonaggression Pact
Germany and the Soviet Union agree to a nonaggression pact leaving the Soviets free to strengthen their western frontier, and Hitler free to attack Poland. -
Britain and France Declare War
Britain and France declare war on Germany honoring their commitment to Poland. President Franklin D. Roosevelt invokes the Neutrality Act but notes, "Even a neutral cannot be asked to close his mind or his conscience." -
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Hitler Defeats France
Britain forces retreat from France and Adolf Hitler's armies defeat French forces. -
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Allied Support Grows
The Committee to Defend America by Aiding the Allies is founded.