Events Ledaing Up to WWII

Hitler is named leader of the Nazi Party in Germany

Jul 19, 1921

Hitler won the popular vote with a total of 543 out of 544 votes. People thought Hitler was crazy in the beginning but he kept moving up until he reached this point. This position gave him the power to control Germany.

Kellogg-Briand Pact signed

Aug 27, 1928

Sometimes called the Pact of Paris. An agreement to stop war and effort to prevent another world war (failed)

Japan invades Manchuria

Sep 18, 1931

Invasion of Southern China that the Japanese succeeded in. Held territory until the end of the war when they had it taken away in treaty.

Enabling Act of 1933

Mar 24, 1933

This was an act of Germany that gave Hitler complete power. This was the start of transforming the government into a dictatorship.

Neutrality Act of 1935 signed

Aug 31, 1935

The law said that American ships had to have a license to carry arms. Ships could not sail to hostile nations. Created an embargo against nations including Germany and Italy.

Selective Service Act is passed

Sep 16, 1940

Act by FDR to strengthen American forces with the imminent threat of Japan attacking the US. Enlisted men through a draft.

FDR wins third term as president

Nov 5, 1940

Promised to keep America neutral in foreign wars. He fought for the Lend-Lease Act which led to US entering the war.

A. Phillip Randolph's march and Roosevelt's response

Jan 25, 1941

Randolph did a march in Washington D.C. to protest discrimination. African Americans throughout the nation joined. Roosevelt called Randolph to the white house and asked him to stop the march to keep whites from getting upset. The march was cancelled and Roosevelt told all employers to end discrimination in defense industries.

Lend-lease program enabled

Mar 11, 1941

This allowed the US military to help foreign nations during the war. The US could send arms and ammunition to countries such as Great Britain, Soviet Union, and China.

Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor

Dec 7, 1941

This was a surprise military strike by the Japanese Air Service. The Japanese intended this as preventative to keep the US from interfering with their overseas military actions. This resulted in the US entering WWII

Hitler declares war against the US

Dec 11, 1941

Hitler thought the US would declare war on Germany first and the Us navy was already attacking the German forces. He also thought that Japan would be able defeat the US and then help Germany defeat Russia