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Stalin becomes dictator of USSR
After Lenin's death Stalin then General Secretary of the Communist Party, took power through strategic maneuvering and elimination of potential rivals. The Soviet Union then turned into a totalitarian state characterized by brutal suppression, forced collectivization, and widespread purges resulting in millions of deaths. Stalin didn’t stick to the original plan of socialism and democracy instead made the Soviet Union separate from other countries and made it into some cult. -
Mussolini’s March on Rome
The March of October 28-31 was a really important moment in Italian history. It marked the start of fascist rule and the end of democratic governance. Mussolini's strong leadership and the skills of the fascist party brought many people together to march on Rome. This scared their political opponents and helped Mussolini become Prime Minister. This event started a regime that didn't allow political opposition, was aggressive in military actions and influenced other fascist movements in Europe. -
Hitler writes Mein Kampf
Adolf Hitler's writing of Mein Kampf between was a pivotal moment in history. While imprisoned for his role in the Beer Hall Putsch, Hitler outlined his extremist ideology and plans for racial purification, territorial expansion, and anti-Semitic policies. The book’s popularity in Germany spread Hitler's hateful beliefs, solidifying his position as the leader of the Nazi Party and paving the way for his rise to power. Mein Kampf serves as a chilling warning of the dangers of extremism and racism -
1st “five year plan” in USSR
The first Five-Year Plan of the USSR was made by Joseph Stalin in 1928 and lasted until 1932, with the purpose of rapidly industrializing the economy and collectivizing agriculture. The plan aimed to transform the Soviet Union from an agricultural economy to an industrial powerhouse, with a focus on heavy industry and the creation of collective farming systems. It impacted the Soviet economy and society, with both positive and negative consequences like rapid industrial growth and repression. -
Japan invades Manchuria
Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 was the result of the country's industrialization and militarization, which made it dependent on oil and metal imports. The Japanese invasion of Manchuria led to the establishment of the puppet state of Manchukuo and the subsequent Japanese occupation of Manchuria until the end of World War II. The invasion of Manchuria is sometimes considered an alternative starting date for World War II, as it marked the beginning of Japan's aggressive expansion in Asia. -
Holodomor
The Holodomor of spring 1932 and from February to July 1933 was a deliberate act of terror and repression carried out by the Soviet government under Joseph Stalin. It led to widespread starvation and death. The Holodomor was a brutal attempt to break the power of Ukrainian people and eliminate
Ukrainian nationalism, causing destruction of Ukrainian culture and identity. This event is a tragic reminder of the importance of protecting human rights and preserving cultural identity. -
Hitler appointed chancellor of Germany
On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany by German President Paul von Hindenburg. Hitler led the Nazi Party, a right-wing, antisemitic, anticommunist, and antidemocratic group. They gained power through legal means, and Hitler's appointment as Chancellor was a significant moment for Germany and the world. His plan was to eliminate politics and establish a powerful, unified one-party state in Germany. -
“Night of the Long Knives” in Germany
The "Night of the Long Knives" was a great event in Nazi Germany's history, occurring between June 30 and July 2, 1934. Adolf Hitler and the Nazis brutally eliminated potential political rivals, consolidating power and cemented their totalitarian grip on the country. This event demonstrated Hitler's willingness to use violence and terror to maintain control, solidifying his position and paving the way for the Nazi regime's descent into brutality and genocide. -
Nuremburg Laws enacted
The Nuremberg Laws, enacted on September 15, 1935, were a series of anti-Semitic laws that marked a significant turning point in the Nazi regime's persecution of Jews. These laws took away Jews German citizenship and civil rights, prohibited intermarriage between Jews and non-Jews, and established the swastika as the official symbol of Nazi Germany. The Nuremberg Laws paved the way for further discrimination, violence and is a reminder of the dangers of prejudice and the erosion of human rights. -
Italian invasion of Ethiopia
The invasion took place in October 3 1935 through May 5, 1936 when Italy, under the leadership of Benito Mussolini, invaded Ethiopia with the aim of establishing an Italian colonial empire in Africa. The invasion was significant because it marked one of the first instances of a European power using modern military tactics and weapons against an African nation. This event highlighted the unequal power dynamics between European colonial powers and African nations. -
The Great Purge and gulags
The Great Purge in the Soviet Union started around 1936 and ended in 1938, it was a time of intense political repression led by Joseph Stalin. Its purpose was to eliminate perceived threats to Stalin's power. Many people were falsely accused, tortured, and either executed or sent to forced labor camps called gulags. This event had a devastating impact on the Soviet Union, causing loss of life and widespread fear. It serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism. -
Spanish civil war
The Spanish Civil War of July 17,1936 – April 1,1939 was a conflict between the Republican government and Nationalist rebels. It had significant implications and was a struggle for power and ideology, with the Republicans aiming to defend the democratic government and the Nationalists seeking to establish a fascist regime. The Nationalists were led by General Franco were found victorious, establishing an authoritarian rule. The war caused immense loss of life and had an impact on Spanish society -
The Rape of Nanking
December 13, 1937- jan 1938
The Rape of Nanking was a horrific event during which the Imperial Japanese Army committed atrocities against the people of Nanking, China. It lasted for about six weeks and involved widespread violence, including looting, arson, and mass executions. The event resulted in the deaths of an estimated 150k to 300k civilians and the rape of tens of thousands of women. The purpose of the Japanese army's actions was to instill fear and control over the Chinese population. -
Kristallnacht
Kristallnacht, also known as the Night of Broken Glass, was a significant event in Nazi Germany. It occurred in November of 1938 and involved the targeted attacks on Jewish homes, businesses, and synagogues. Many Jews were arrested, beaten, and killed. The purpose was to spread fear and violence, and destruction as well as to further isolate the Jewish population. It was a precursor to the Holocaust and serves as a reminder of the importance of tolerance and respect for all individuals. -
Nazi Germany invades Poland
On September 1,1939 Nazi Germany invaded Poland marking the start of WWII. Hitler aimed to expand Germany's territory and and achieve racial purity by displacing and eliminating the Polish population. The invasion began with a false-flag operation and quickly overwhelmed Poland’s defenses. Poland surrender October 6, 1939 and led to the division of Poland between Germany and the Soviet Union. This event was significant as it triggered a broader conflict and resulted in immense loss of life. -
Japan bombs Pearl Harbor
The surprise attack on Pearl Harbor by Japan on December 7, 1941, destroyed the U.S. naval base, killing over 2,400 Americans and damaging or destroying over 300 aircraft and 20 navy vessels. The attack was meant to keep the U.S. Pacific Fleet from interfering with Japan's expansionist plans in Asia, but it ultimately led to the U.S. declaring war on Japan and entering World War II. The event remains significant in American history symbolizing the country's entry into the global conflict.