Hitler, Conqueror of Europe
A timeline
Birth
Adolf Hitler was born on April 20th 1889 in Braunau-am-Inn, Austria to Klara and Alois
Hitler. They had had two children previously, but both died.
Hitler in WWI
At the outbreak of the First World War in 1914 Hitler volunteered for service in the
German army and was accepted into the 16th Bavarian Reserve Infantry Regiment. He
fought bravely in the war and was promoted to corporal and decorated with both the
Iron Cross Second Class and First Class.
Hitler becomes Nazi leader
In July of 1921, After much fundraising through making speeches, Hitler had gained
virtual control over The Nazi Party and was accepted as Its formal leader with
dictatorial powers.
Hitler Arrested
After an attempt to overthrow the local Bavarian Government in 1923, Hitler was
sentenced to five years in Landsberg prison,
where he wrote the book Mein Kampf, or "My Struggle".
Hitler becomes Chancellor
On January 30th, 1933 President Hindenburg decided to appoint Hitler Chancellor in a
coalition government with another Vice-Chancellor. In an attempt to gain more power,
the Nazi party burned down the Reichstag on February 27, 1933. They used this as an
excuse to arrest several other parties and eliminate competition.
The Night of The Long Knives
On June 30th 1934, Hitler ordered the arrest and execution of the leaders of the SA (the
private Nazi army), as well as several other people whom he did not like, including the
former chancellor.
Hitler becomes the head of state
The German president died on August 2nd 1934, and Hitler was made "Fuehrer and
Reich Chancellor" and the title of President was then abolished. This put Hitler firmly
in the top spot.
Hitler persecutes Jews
In September 1935 Hitler passed the Nuremberg Laws. They stated that Jews were no
longer considered to be German citizens and therefore no longer had any legal rights.
Jews were no longer allowed to hold public office, not allowed to work in the civilservice, the media, farming, teaching, the stock exchange and eventually barred from
practising law or medicine.
Hitler Violates First Treaty
On March 7th 1936 a small force of German troops marched across the Rhine bridges
into the demilitarized areas of Germany towards Aachen, Trier and Saarbruecken.
Despite the violation of a treaty signed with the French in 1925, neither they or the
British reacted.
Hitler forms an ally
In October 1936 the Italian dictator, Mussolini, formed an alliance with Hitler that
included an agreement on foreign policy.
This meant much less security for countries like Austria who, feeling threatened, began
attempting to get along with Hitler.
Hitler Invades Austria
On March 12, 1938 German troops cross the border and occupy Austria.
However, England still does not react.
The Munich Conference
On September 29, 1938, Great Britain and France agree to grant Sudetenland, a part of
Czechoslovakia, to Germany in an attempt not to get involved in the war themselves.
Czech Crises
On March 15, 1939 German troops enter Prague, Czechoslovakia, absorbing the
provinces of Bohemia and Moravia into Germany.
Hitler finds another ally
On August 23, 1939 A non-aggression pact is signed between Germany and the Soviet
Union, paving the way for the invasion of Poland and the start of the Second World
War.
Poland Invaded
On September 1, 1939 German troops invade Poland, in direct violation of the Munich
Agreement
War Begins
Two days later, on September 3, 1939, Britain and France declare war on Germany
because of the violation of the Munich Agreement, and the invasion of Poland.
Invasion of Western Europe
On May 10, 1940 German troops invade western Europe.
France surrenders
On June 22, 1940 France signs an armistice with Germany, surrendering to be ruled by
Hitler.
Yugoslavia Invaded
On April 6, 1941 Germany invades Yugoslavia and Greece
Hitler begins Invasion of Russia
On June 22, 1941 Operation Barbarossa, the invasion of the Soviet Union, begins.
Russia Fights Back
On November 19, 1942 The Soviet army launches a huge counter-offensive at Stalingrad.