Special Sub-Topic: Key Dates Leading up to WWII Click Here To Play: Key Dates Leading up to WWII

What date was the first concentration camp established in South Germany?

March 22, 1933. Dachau was the first concentration camp. By 1945 the Nazis had set up more than 1,000 camps, most of them "satellite camps" of larger camps.

On what date did Hindenburg appoint Hitler Chancellor of Germany?

January 30, 1933. On paper, anyway, Hitler was appointed head of a coalition government consisting of German Nationalists (the DNVP) and the Nazis (NSDAP). Also on this day Franz von Papen was named Vice-Chancellor. The Nazis referred to this as the "Machtergreifung" ("seizure of power").

On what date did Germany wihdraw from the League of Nations?

October 21, 1933. In 1933 Japan also left the League of Nations. At the time, the League of Nations was trying to negotiate multi-lateral reductions in arms. Hitler proposed a formula that would have had the effect of reducing the armed forces of all other countries to the size of those of Germany. Britain, France and most other members were unwilling to contemplate this seriously or at all. Hitler withdrew Germany at once, amid allegations that the League was hypocritical.

What was the date of the "Night of the Long Knives"?

June 30, 1934. In the "Night of the Long Knives" the leading Brownshirts were rounded up and killed. Gregor Strasser and Ernest Röhm, the chief of the SA, were executed. The SS became completely independent of the SA and (together with the Gestapo) had sole responsibility for terror. Himmler's position was greatly strengthened.

When did Paul von Hindenburg die?

August 2, 1934. After Hindenburg's death there was no presidential election to replace him. Instead, Hitler declared himself Führer of the German Reich and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. (Within the Nazi Party he had of course been called the "Führer" for much longer).

What happened on March 7, 1936?

German troops occupied the Rhineland. The remilitarization of the Rhineland was a violation of the Versailles Treaty. Great Britian and France do nothing to stop this, appeasing Hitler.

When did Kristallnacht ("The Night of Broken Glass") occur?

November 9-10, 1938. Kristallnacht occurred the length and breadth of Germany and Austria. It was carried out by the SA acting on orders from Goebbels. Jewish businesses were destroyed, synagogues were desecrated and 91 Jews were killed. 30,000 Jews were sent to concentration camps.

What happened on August 23, 1939?

The German Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was signed. This pact is signed in Moscow, freeing Hitler of worry of war on two fronts. The pact also provided fore division of Poland between Soviet Union and Germany.

What happened on September 1, 1939?

German forces attacked Poland. German forces began the invasion of Poland, thus starting WWII in Europe. The Luftwaffe engaged from the outset in the wholesale bombing of the civilian population.

When did Great Britain and France declare war on Germany?

September 3, 1939. With the Anglo-Polish Alliance, Great Britain and France go to war with Hitler and Germany for invading Poland. German nationals in Britain and France (including refugees) automatically became "enemy aliens". They had to appear before tribunals and if unable to demonstrate that they were genuine refugees, they were interned in camps.