{"id":723,"date":"2025-10-21T07:40:00","date_gmt":"2025-10-21T07:40:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/?post_type=content&p=723"},"modified":"2025-10-21T10:06:35","modified_gmt":"2025-10-21T10:06:35","slug":"1900-1949","status":"publish","type":"content","link":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/students\/timeline\/1900-1949\/","title":{"rendered":"1900 \u2013 1949: The Turbulent Century"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n\tHome<\/a>\n<\/span>\u203a<\/span>\n\tStudents<\/a>\n<\/span>\u203a<\/span>\n\tTimeline<\/a>\n<\/span>\u203a<\/span>\n\t1900 \u2013 1949: The Turbulent Century<\/a>\n<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

1900 \u2013 1949: The Turbulent Century<\/h1>\n\n\n

War, Innovation, and Resilience<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first half of the 20th century tested humanity’s limits through two world wars while simultaneously producing extraordinary technological and social advances. This era redefined global politics and human capability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Transformative Events:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Two World Wars reshape international order<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Flight achieved and space exploration begins<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Radio and cinema create mass culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Women gain voting rights in many nations<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Nuclear age begins with profound implications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Despite unprecedented destruction, this period demonstrated remarkable human resilience and innovation, laying groundwork for the modern technological age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
    \n
    \n

    There are 501 entries in this timeline<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n
    \n

    1900<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German Naval Law<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1900<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1901<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Formation of the Commonwealth of Australia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1901 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Australia received dominion status, as a self-governing colony. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1901<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the Jewish National Fund<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1901 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The organization collected funds to be used in buying Palestinian farmland for Jewish settlement, providing early evidence of Israeli institution-building. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1901<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Platt Amendment to the Cuban Constitution introduced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1901<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cuba adopted the US Platt Amendment into its constitution, legitimizing US control of Cuban foreign and commercial policy. The Amendment effectively made Cuba an American protectorate. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1902<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anglo-Japanese alliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1902<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The alliance ended British isolation, improving the British position in the Far East and allowing concentration of naval forces in Europe. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1902<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Venezuela crisis begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1902<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1902<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signing of the Anglo-Japanese alliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1902 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Alliance ends Britain’s ‘Splendid Isolation’ allowing focus of naval power in home waters, as well as signalling Japan’s regional status. The Anglo-Japanese allliance kept Japanese policy aligned with Britain until the Washington Conference in 1921. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1903<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Completion of the Dutch conquest of Aceh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1903 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1904<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Russo-Japanese War begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1904<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese surprise attack on Russia was followed by humiliating defeat of a European power by an Asian state. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1904<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anglo-French colonial agreement (Entente Cordiale)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1904<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Anglo-French Entente resolved outstanding colonial disputes, and paved the way for improved relations. The agreement contained no specific defence provisions, but signalled alignment on diplomatic issues and led to increasing co-ordination in European diplomacy. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1904<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Russo-Japanese War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1904 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese surprise attack on Russian fleet in Port Arthur signals start of successful war for Japanese. Japan decisively defeated the Russian fleet at Tsushima in 1905, gaining a protectorate over Korea and Manchuria. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1904<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Roosevelt Corollary to the Monroe Doctrine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1904<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The corollary claimed an American right to intervene in Latin American affairs to forestall European interference. The corollary was established as a result of the Venezuelan Crisis of 1902\u20133, in which European naval forces employed a blockade to force Venezuela to arbitrate debt claims. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1904<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Morel starts Congo Reform Association<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1904 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1905<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Revolutionary unrest in Russia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1905<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    On the heels of defeat in the Russo-Japanese War, the revolution removed Russia from Great Power politics for several years, allowing the Triple Alliance greater scope of action. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1905<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Moroccan crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1905<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany attempted to break the new Anglo-French Entente while Russia was preoccupied with revolution, using French expansion in Morocco as a pretext. The attempt failed, as Britain stood by France and an international conference called to resolve the issue left Germany isolated. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1905<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese navy defeats Russian fleet at the Battle of Tsushima<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1905<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1905<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Portsmouth<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1905 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1905<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    New wave of pogroms in Russia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1905 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1905<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US troops land in Honduras (for the first of five times in the next 20 years)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1905<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1906<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anglo-French military discussions begin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1906<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1906<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    HMS Dreadnought launched<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1906<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Dreadnought was the first all-big gun battleship, rendering existing battleships obsolescent. By eliminating the British preponderence in older types of battleships, the Dreadnought enabled Germany to compete with British construction from a nearly even starting point. As a result, the naval arms race accelerated as Germany and other states switched to building Dreadnought battleships. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1906<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US troops land and occupy Cuba (until 1909)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1906<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1906<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion of the ‘Geneva Convention for the Amelioration of the Condition of the Wounded and Sick in Armies at Sea’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1906 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1907<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Second Hague Peace Conference begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1907<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1907<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anglo-Russian entente<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1907<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain and Russia reached an agreement on colonial differences in Asia, signalling closer relations in Europe, comparable to the Anglo-French Entente. As a result, the Triple Entente increased German sense of encirclement. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1907<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Opening of first Imperial Conference held in London<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1907 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1908<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German naval law<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1908<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1908<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bosnian crisis begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1908<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An Austro-Hungarian agreement with Russia contemplating the future division of Ottoman territory was exploited by Austria-Hungary to unilaterally seize Bosnia-Hercegovina, occupied by the Habsburgs since 1878. The duplicity in Austro-Hungarian action angered the Russians, but in their weakened state after the revolution of 1905\u20136, Russia was unable to respond. In future years, the Russian government had less room to maneuvre as public opinion was inflamed by loss of prestige in this crisis. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1908<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Young Turks revolt in Constantinople<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1908 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1908<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Palestine Office of the Zionist Organization opens in Jaffa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1908 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1909<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Morley-Minto reforms introduced in India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1909 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Reforms increased Indian role in local government. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1910<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese annexation of Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1910 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1910<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Formation of the Union of South Africa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1910 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1911<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italian conquest of Ottoman Libya<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1911<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1911<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Second Moroccan crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1911<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Second Moroccan, or Agadir, crisis followed further French expansion into Morocco. Once again, Britain stood resolutely by France, mobilizing its navy, while Germany received meagre compensation in African territory. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1911<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Chinese Revolution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1911 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1911<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Beginning of Italian conquest of Libya<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1911 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1912<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Balkan War begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1912<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Serbia, Greece, Montenegro, and Bulgaria attacked the Ottoman Empire, dividing most of the Ottoman European territory between themselves, while the Great Powers struggled to contain the conflict. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1912<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fall of Qing dynasty and the establishment of a Chinese Republic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1912 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1912<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of French protectorate over Morocco<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1912 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1912<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Formation of Sarekat Islam in the Dutch East Indies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1912 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sarekat Islam was a crafts cooperative that played a formative role in Indonesian political organization. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1912<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US troops land and occupy Nicaragua (until 1925)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1912<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1912<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    International conference on restricting trade in narcotics held in The Hague<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1912 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1913<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Second Balkan War begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1913<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bulgarian dissatisfaction at its share of the spoils from the First Balkan War led this state to overestimate its position and provoke the Second Balkan War, fighting against Greece, Serbia, Montenegro, the Ottoman Empire, and Romania. Bulgarian defeat led it to side with the Central Powers in the First World War in hopes of compensation. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1913<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Arab Congress meets in Paris<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1913 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1913<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Arab Congress meets in Paris<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1913 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Meeting provided early discussion of Arab nationalism and greater autonomy from the Ottoman Empire. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1913<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Woodrow Wilson becomes US president<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1913<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wilson sought to restore morality and principle to the conduct of US foreign affairs, shifting away from the realism of Roosevelt and from Taft’s ‘Dollar Diplomacy’. Ultimately, the moralistic approach led to greater intervention in Latin American foreign affairs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated at Sarajevo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The assassination of the heir to the Habsburg throne threatened a succession crisis in Austria-Hungary, and the killing by a Serbian nationalist led to heavy demands by Austria-Hungary against Serbia in July. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German ‘blank cheque’ to Austria-Hungary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German unconconditional support of Habsburg action against Serbia allowed Austria-Hungary to contemplate war, thereby instigating the July Crisis. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Serbia rejects Austro-Hungarian ultimatum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Serbian rejection of an Austro-Hungarian ultimatum, which had been designed to be unacceptable, provided the Habsburgs with a pretext to invade Serbia. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Austria-Hungary attacks Serbia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Austro-Hungarian military action against Serbia triggered Russian reaction, as the Romanovs could not afford another foreign policy failure after the Bosnian Crisis. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Russia begins general mobilization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Russian general mobilization started the timetable for the German Schlieffen Plan, which was designed to defeat France prior to completion of the slower Russian mobilization. Germany had to either rapidly begin a war in the west against France or lose the opportunity to put its main military strategy into effect. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany declares war on Russia and France<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Following French refusal to remain neutral in the event of a Russo-German war, Germany declared war on both countries, widening a Balkan conflict into a European-wide conflagration. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain declares war on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The German Schlieffen Plan called for invasion of France through neutral Belgian territory. The British Cabinet was undecided on entry into the war, ultimately entering the war after German violation of treaty obligations guaranteeing Belgian neutrality. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Battle of the Marne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Schlieffen Plan was resoundingly defeated at the First Battle of the Marne, one of the most decisive battles of the First World War. While German troops remained on French soil, the end of the German offensive meant the German strategy had failed, and a long war ensued. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Battle of Ypres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1914<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    France and Britain declare war on the Ottoman Empire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Following Turkish bombardment of Russian territory, allied declarations of war widened the scope of the conflict to the Middle East, and brought the prospect of supplying Russian forces through the Black Sea by capturing Constantinople. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan declares war on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1914 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fractious ‘Home Rule’ debate in Britain leads to the mutiny on the Curragh<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1914 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Northern Irish resistance to Home Rule leads to division within the British army and risk of outright civil war on the eve of the First World War. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Opening of the First World War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1914 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    British declaration of a protectorate over Egypt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1914 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain had administered Egypt as an Ottoman territory since 1882, declaring formal control upon Turkish entry in the war. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ottoman entry into the First World War on the side of the Central Powers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1914 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Panama Canal opened<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1914<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US troops occupy Vera Cruz, Mexico (until November 1914)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    An early failure of Wilson’s moralist approach to foreign relations occurred with the intervention in the ongoing Mexican civil war. Following the arrest of American sailors at Vera Cruz, Wilson occupied the city, briefly uniting both Mexican factions in opposition to the US. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1914<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First World War begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1914<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German U-boats attack allied shipping<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Initially used for coastal actions, German u-boat commerce raiding posed an existential threat to British commercial lifelines, while also raising the risk of American intervention in the war over the sinking of merchant ships, such as the Lusitania. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Second Battle of Ypres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1915<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    London agreement (Italy, France and Britain)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1915<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Gallipoli Campaign begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Winston Churchill’s plan for a bold attack on the Turkish Dardanelles Straits held out the possibility of pushing the Ottoman Empire out of the war and providing supplies to Russia. The campaign was poorly planned and managed, resulting in extensive casualties among Australian and New Zealand troops, before the allies withdrew. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy declares war on Austria-Hungary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After negotiating with both the Central Powers and the Allies, Italy entered the war with promises of territorial gains from the Habsburg realm, but difficult terrain and unprepared Italian troops meant they were unable to advance. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Battle of Jutland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1915 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bulgaria declares war on Serbia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1915<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Serbian army collapses<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1915<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan presents the ‘twenty-one demands’ to China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1915 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While Europe was preoccupied fighting the First World War, Japan forced China to accept greater Japanese control of its economy, spurring Chinese nationalism as well as American and British mistrust. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of the land phase of the Dardanelles campaign, in which ANZAC troops were used extensively at Gallipoli<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1915 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Hussein\u2013McMahon correspondence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1915 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Exchange of letters regarding the future status of Arab lands offered future independence in return for Arab revolts against the Ottoman Empire, leading to expectations of freedom in 1919. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US troops land and occupy Haiti (stay until 1934)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1915<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1915<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Ottoman massacre of Armenian population<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1915 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Battle of Verdun begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Recognizing the attritional nature of the war, the German army attacked France at the historically important fortress of Verdun. Knowing the French would not surrender the fortress, the Germans proceed to bleed the French army white through extended attacks. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Battle of the Somme begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1916<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy declares war on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1916<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Russian Brusilov Offensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1916<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Easter rising in Dublin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1916 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Repression of Irish revolt in the middle of the First World War spurred greater Irish resistance and ultimately independence after the war. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sykes-Picot agreement signed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1916 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Congress and the Muslim League sign the Lucknow Pact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1916 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Co-operation between the largely Hindu INC and the Muslim League indicated a united bargaining position with Britain. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signing of the Sykes\u2013Picot Agreement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1916 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The secret agreement divided Ottoman territory between France and Britain. Its revelation during the war resulted in Arab outrage due to its conflict with promises in the Hussein\u2013McMahon correspondence. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US troops enter Mexico; withdrawn in February 1917<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1916<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After initial US support for Pancho Villa was withdrawn, the strongman invaded the US, killing Americans in a border town. This led to a US military intervention into the rough terrain of northern Mexico in an unsuccessful hunt for Villa, ending shortly before US entry into the First World War. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tsar Nicholas II abdicates<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1917 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Romanov abdication signals domestic turmoil leading to the Russian Revolution, pulling Russia out of the war and ultimately ushering in a Communist government. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    United States declares war on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1917 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    American entry altered the military balance in favour of the Allies, although it would take the US another year to bring large forces to Europe. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greece declares war on Central Powers<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1917 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Battle of Passchendaele<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1917 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bolshevik Revolution in Russia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1917 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Russian Revolution eliminated Russia as a major belligerent, allowing Germany to shift forces west and possibly defeat the Allies before American troops arrived in great numbers. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US declares war on Austria-Hungary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1917 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    China declares war on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1917 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain forms the Imperial War Cabinet that includes representatives from the Dominions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1917 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain declares intention to steer India towards eventual ‘self-government’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1917 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain issues the Balfour declaration promising a homeland for the Jewish people<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1917 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain issues the Balfour Declaration promising the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1917 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    British declaration promised a Jewish homeland, partly in the hope of swaying opinion amongst Jewish populations in the US, Russia and Germany. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1917<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US entry into the First World War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1917<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1918<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    President Wilson outlines his Fourteen Points<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1918 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wilson’s Fourteen Points called for national self-determination, restoration of borders, reduction of armaments, and a new international system including a League of Nations to resolve conflict, heralding a moderate peace programme in opposition to the claims advanced by the other Allies. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1918<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Brest-Litovsk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1918 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Russo-German peace treaty included massive loss of territory, indicating excessive German war aims. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1918<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Armistice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1918 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Following defeats starting in the summer of 1918, Germany accepted an armistice on Wilson’s Fourteen Points, ultimately being forced to accept harsher peace terms. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1918<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Beginning of Allied intervention in Siberia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1918 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1918<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hara Kei leads Japan’s first party government<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1918 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1918<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Zionist Commission opens offices in Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1918 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1918<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First World War ends<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1918<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Versailles signed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1919 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Treaty of Versailles included harsh treatment of defeated Germany, including massive reparations, disarmament, and acceptance of guilt for starting the war. German anger at the treaty impeded return of Germany to the international community and weakened the Weimar Government which signed the agreement. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Saint-Germain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1919 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US Senate rejects Treaty of Versailles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1919 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Neuilly<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1919 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Opening of Paris Peace Conference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1919 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nationalist demonstrations in China against the terms of the Versailles Treaty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1919 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Starting with student revolts, a nationalist movement is sparked by failure of China to regain Shandong territory or end the 21 Demands in the peace treaty. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wafd-led rebellion against British control over Egypt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1919 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Revolution led to independence in 1922, Britain continuing to maintain defence of the Suez Canal and of Egypt itself. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Amritsar massacre in India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1919 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Turkish war of independence against Allied occupation and partition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1919 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the mandates system under the auspices of the League of Nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1919 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Introduction of Montagu-Chelmsford reforms in India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1919 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Reforms had goal of ultimate self-government at the provincial level, potentially defusing Indian nationalism. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First Palestinian Arab Congress convenes in Jerusalem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1919 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1919<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Foundation of the International Labour Organization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1919 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The ILO was an example of the extension of the League of Nations operations from political and security-related to broader social issues. The ILO provided a forum for discussing labour standards. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1920<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Trianon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1920 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1920<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of S\u00e8vres<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1920 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1920<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Congress launches first civil disobedience campaign against British rule and allies itself with the Muslim Khilafat movement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1920 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1920<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of San Remo partitions the Arab lands under the Ottoman Empire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1920 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1920<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nebi Musa riots take place in Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1920 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Early clash between Jewish settlers and Palestinians leading to temporary British halt on Jewish immigration. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1920<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the Haganah to defend Jewish property in Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1920 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1920<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sir Herbert Samuel appointed first British high commissioner for Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1920 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1920<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Foundation of the Palestinian Executive headed by Musa Kazim al-Husayni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1920 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1920<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US troops enter Guatemala<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1920<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1921<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Riga<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1921 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1921<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Reparations Commission sets German payments at 132 billion gold marks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1921 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1921<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Convening of the Washington Conference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1921 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Washington Conference attempted to resolve several inter-related security issues in East Asia, including a nascent naval arms race between Japan and the US, unresolved questions relating to China, and a successor agreement to the Anglo-Japanese Alliance. Amongst the agreements reached at Washington, a naval arms control treaty regime was formed, setting force rations for the five victorious allies in the First World War, at the ratio of 5:5:3:1.75:1.75, for the states Britain, the US, Japan, France, and Italy, respectively. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1921<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signing of the Four-Power Treaty at Washington which paves the way for the termination of the Anglo-Japanese alliance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1921 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1921<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of emirate of Transjordan and kingdom of Iraq under British control<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1921 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1921<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Southern Ireland given Dominion status as the Irish Free State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1921 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Rapallo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1922 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Russo-German agreement united the two outcast states. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mussolini comes to power in Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1922 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signing of the nine-power and the five-power treaties at Washington<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1922 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Gandhi calls off the disobedience campaign following the Chauri Chaura massacre<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1922 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Egypt granted independence by Britain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1922 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Chanak incident in Turkey in which Canada and South Africa refuse to follow the British lead<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1922 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the Supreme Muslim Council led by Hajj Amin al-Husayni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1922 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1922<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Issue of British White Paper on the Palestinian Mandate<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1922 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Document attempted to clarify British commitments to Israeli and Palestinian peoples made during the war. The clarification supported an Israeli homeland, and excluded obligations to Arab independence from territories west of Damascus. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1923<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    French and Belgium troops occupy the Ruhr industrial region of Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1923 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German failure to make war reparation payments led French and Belgian forces to occupy the Ruhr to coerce Germany. The attempt succeeded in the short-term at the cost of much goodwill in the international community. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1923<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Lausanne<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1923 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1923<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Sun-Joffe agreement paves the way for the formation of the Comintern-GMD-CCP united front in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1923 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1923<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the Republic of Turkey under Mustafa Kemal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1923 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1923<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain gives self-government to South Rhodesia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1923 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1923<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion of the ‘Convention Concerning the Exchange of Greek and Turkish Populations’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1923 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1924<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Allied and German delegates at London conference sign protocol ending Ruhr crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1924 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1924<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Dawes Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1924 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Dawes Plan reorganized German reparations payments, bringing American loans to Germany, enabling the latter to pay reparations to the Allies, and the Allies to repay war loans owed to the US. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1925<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    French Premier Briand proposes a European federation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1925 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1925<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rhineland Pact signed at Locarno<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1925 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany accepted its new western borders in a series of agreements indicating a new European spirit of co-operation. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1925<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of the May Thirtieth movement aimed at British imperialism in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1925 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1926<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Treaty of Berlin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1926 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Russo-German agreement provided neutrality in the event of war with a third party. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1926<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany joins League of Nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1926 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1926<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GMD launches Northern Expedition<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1926 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GMD military operation aimed at uniting China and ending regional control by warlords. While effective national government was not secured, increased nationalism was unleashed against the imperial powers. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1926<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Failed PKI revolt in Java<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1926 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Communist-led revolt in Java failed to secure independence with divisions between factions with socialist goals and a broader membership seeking more immediate nationalist goals. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1926<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US troops re-enter Nicaragua (stay until 1933)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1926<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1927<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    World Economic Conference in Geneva<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1927 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1927<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Geneva Naval Conference opens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1927 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Geneva Conference attempted to extend Washington Treaty regulations to smaller warships, but Anglo-American disagreement was highlighted in the discussions and the gathering failed to reach an agreement. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1927<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jiang Jieshi breaks from the First United Front<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1927 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1928<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kellogg-Briand Pact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1928 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    This agreement renounced the use of war, adhered to by a majority of nations, including the United States. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1928<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Jiang Jieshi becomes president of the nationalist republican government in Nanjing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1928 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1928<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Formation of new Nationalist government in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1928 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Chinese GMD spurs nationalist movements throughout East Asia. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1928<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Foundation of Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1928 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Muslim Brotherhood was one of the first political Islamic organizations to seek creation of the Islamic state. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Young Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1929 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Young Plan modified the earlier Dawes Plan with lower payments. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    New York Stock Market crash<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1929 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wall Street Crash, which soon adversely affects the Japanese economy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1929 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Wailing Wall riots in Jerusalem<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1929 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Large-scale rioting was driven by Jewish immigration to Palestine and resulting Palestinian fears for long-term prospects. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Foundation of the Jewish Agency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1929 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of Shaw Commission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1929 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Commission examined the causes of the Wailing Wall riots, exonerating British presence during the attacks, and ultimately recommending reduced Jewish immigration. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wall Street crash and the onset of the Great Depression<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1929<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Young Plan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1929 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Young Plan attempted to maintain German commitment to repaying war reparations by lowering total amount. The US provided loans to Germany, who paid war reparations to the Western Allies, who repaid war debts to the US. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1929<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Conclusion of the ‘Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1929 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1930<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    London Naval Conference convenes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1930 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The London Naval Conference attempted to extend the Washington Treaty force ratios to smaller types of warships, including cruisers and destroyers. The gathering struggled to reach consensus, with greater Japanese resistance to the lower force ratio than the US and Britain, while Franco-Italian tensions prevented a single standard from being adopted by the five Washington Treaty powers. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1930<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Congress launches the second civil disobedience campaign<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1930 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1930<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Release of Passfield White Paper on Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1930 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Paper recommended further reduction of Jewish immigration and criticized Zionist institutions. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1930<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Raphael Trujillo confirms his rule in the Dominican Republic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1930<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Trujillo’s rule typified that of the strongmen supported by the US. While the Dominican Republic enjoyed greater stability and economic growth, civil liberties were trampled with brutal oppression of dissent. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1930<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Heinrich Br\u00fcning becomes German chancellor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1930 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1930<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    National Socialists make large gains in German elections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1930 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1930<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Founding of the Indochinese Communist Party<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1930<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1931<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Mukden incident sparks the Manchurian crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1931 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese Kwantung Army, acting without governmental authorization, invaded Manchuria, ultimately setting up a puppet government. The army sought a resource base in order to develop the economy for a possible conflict with the Soviet Union, seeking autarchy in response to the turmoil of the Great Depression. The Western response was muted, labelling Japan an aggressor in the Lytton Report of 1933, leading to Japanese withdrawal from the League of Nations. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1931<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Failed communist insurrection in Vietnam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1931 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1931<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Statute of Westminster gives equal constitutional status to the Dominions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1931 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Statute extends full equality between the dominions and Britain. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1931<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Foundation of the Irgun<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1931 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1931<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Austro-German customs union scheme revealed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1931 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1931<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Austrian Credit-Anstalt crashes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1931 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1931<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain abandons the gold standard<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1931 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1932<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sino-Japanese hostilities extend briefly to Shanghai<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1932 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1932<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    End of ‘party government’ in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1932 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Turmoil caused by the Great Depression, military opposition to arms limitation, and party scandals led to the discrediting and collapse of democratic government in Japan. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1932<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ottawa Conference leads to the introduction of imperial preference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1932 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1932<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Independence granted to Iraq<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1932 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1932<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    World Disarmament Conference Opens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1932 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1932<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Franz von Papen becomes German chancellor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1932 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1932<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kurt von Schleicher becomes German chancellor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1932 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1933<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The League of Nations votes to adopt the Lytton Report leading to Japan leaving the organization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1933 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1933<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Franklin Roosevelt announces the ‘Good Neighbor’ policy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1933<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The ‘Good Neighbor’ policy was another US attempt to improve relations with Latin America, by affirming the principle of non-interference in domestic affairs. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1933<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hitler becomes German chancellor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1933 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Weimar government suffered a gradual breakdown during the Great Depression, with credibility of democracy undermined through association with the Versailles Peace Treaty. Following an extended period of parliamentary deadlock and presidential rule by decree under Hindenberg, Hitler negotiates his way into the chancellorship, rapidly securing personal power. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1933<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Franklin D. Roosevelt become US President<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1933 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1933<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    World Economic conference breaks down<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1933 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The collapse of the World Economic Conference exemplified the unwillingness of the Great Powers to reach co-operative solutions to the Great Depression, with each power seeking unilateral gains through protectionism. While attempting to reestablish currency exchange rates, FDR announced American disinterest in stabilizing the dollar. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1933<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany leaves the League of Nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1933 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1934<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Amau statement sets out Japan’s idea for a ‘Monroe Doctrine’ in East Asia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1934 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1934<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of CCP’s Long March from Jiangxi to Shaanxi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1934 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1934<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of labour unrest in the British West Indies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1934 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Revolts highlighted economic inequality and spurred British programmes for colonial development. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1934<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Death of Musa Kazim al-Husayni<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1934 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1934<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fulgencio Batista establishes dictatorship in Cuba<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1934<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1934<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    France rejects further disarmament talks with Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1934 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1934<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Abortive Nazi coup in Vienna<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1934 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1934<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet Union joins the League of Nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1934 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet Foreign Minister Litvinov sought integration of the Soviet Union into the international community, as well as collective security, joining the League of Nations and entering into treaties with France and Czechoslovakia. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan begins to sponsor the autonomy movement in North China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1935 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Opening of the Comintern seventh Congress which calls for a new united front in China in order to resist Japanese fascism<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1935 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain sends a financial mission to China to assist with its new currency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1935 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Copper-belt strike in North Rhodesia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1935 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Early industrial action against the British Empire, in which miners struck against the imposition of taxes. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain passes the Government of India Act allowing Indians to take a greater role in provincial government<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1935 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hitler orders conscription in Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1935 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stresa front formed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1935 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Franco-Soviet mutual assistance treaty signed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1935 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Czech\u2013Soviet mutual assistance treaty signed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1935 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1935<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy begins its conquest of Ethiopia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1935 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italian conquest of Ethiopia, and the western disapproval of Italian actions led to a greater split between the western Allies and the revisionist Fascist government. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Failed army coup d’\u00e9tat in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1936 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan and Germany sign the Anti-Comintern Pact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1936 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese coordination with Germany was intended to link policies against the Soviet Union, sharing intelligence on revolutionaries and agreeing to neutrality in event of war with a third party. Japanese adherence to the pact signalled an anti-Soviet policy between Germany and Japan. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Xi’an incident<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1936 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Arab revolt in Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1936 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anglo-Egyptian agreement leading to British troops withdrawing to the Suez Canal zone<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1936 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Arab Revolt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1936 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Major Palestinian revolt against British rule occurred as war loomed in Europe. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of Peel Commission<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1936 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In response to Arab Revolt, the Peel Commission recommended partition of Palestine. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anastasio Somosa consolidates his dictatorship in Nicaragua<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1936<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mussolini signals to Hitler his disinterest in Austria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1936 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German troops march into the Rhineland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1936 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    While Europe was preoccupied with the Ethiopian crisis, Germany remilitarized the Rhineland in breach of obligations in the Versailles Treaty. Western inaction allowed the Nazi fait accompli to succeed, in spite of inadequate German troops to defend the territory against the Allies. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Popular Front wins French elections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1936 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy annexes Ethiopia (Abyssinia)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1936 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Spanish Civil War begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1936 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Spanish Civil War became a proxy conflict for the European powers, with Italy, Germany and the Soviet Union sending military supplies. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German\u2013Japanese Anti-Comintern Pact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1936 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1936<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mussolini announces Rome\u2013Berlin Axis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1936 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Formation of Konoe government in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Outbreak of Sino-Japanese War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1937 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Marco Polo Bridge Incident led to a war neither the Chinese nor Japanese governments sought, yet which neither could avoid. The inability of Japan to rapidly defeat China led to Western misperception of Japanese weakness. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Signing of Sino-Soviet non-aggression pact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Formation of second united front in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    President Roosevelt makes his ‘quarantine speech’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan initiates the Nanjing massacre when the Nationalist capital falls to its troops<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Announcement of provincial elections results in India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hajj Amin al-Husayni forced to flee Palestine due to his role in the Arab Revolt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Neville Chamberlain becomes British prime minister<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hossbach Conference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy joins Anti-Comintern Pact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1937 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italian entry into the pact marked the final split between Italy and the west, after the Stresa Front initiative failed to halt German expansion. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1937<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy leaves the League of Nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1937 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan calls off peace talks with Jiang’s regime<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1938 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Konoe declares the creation of the ‘New Order in East Asia’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1938 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Greater East Asian Co-Prosperity Sphere’ sought greater integration of East Asian economies at the expense of European colonial powers, but also solely to benefit Japanese industry. Japan attempted to harness growing nationalism in the region, yet Japanese statements were undermined by aggressive policies. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Evian international conference on Jewish refugees from Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1938 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kristallnacht destruction of Jewish property in Nazi Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1938 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Increased German violence led to further Jewish immigration pressures in Palestine. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mexico nationalizes all property held by foreign oil companies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    One success of the ‘Good Neighbor’ policy was with US\u2013Mexican relations. When Mexico nationalized foreign oil company holdings in 1938, the US accepted Mexican actions and negotiated compensation in 1941. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany invades Austria (Anschluss)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1938 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany invaded Austria to preempt an Austrian plebiscite on German unification. The Austrian public accepted German rule, providing Germany with greater resources for rearmament. The rapidity of German action surprised the west, undermining the allied goal of keeping the two states separate. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    May ‘weekend’ crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1938 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Czechoslovak Crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1938 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Munich Agreement (Germany, Britain, France, Italy)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1938 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In response to the rapid development of the Austrian invasion, the west took a greater interest in managing the Czechoslovak Crisis. When Germany demanded protection of minorities in the Sudetenland, Chamberlain sought direct negotiation. The West was divided over what they perceived to be legitimate German grievances against the Versailles settlement, while western military planners overestimated German military strength and sought time to prepare for war. The resulting Munich Agreement has been viewed as the epitome of the policy of appeasement, although more recent evaluations have taken a more nuanced view of western policy. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Kristallnacht: brutal attacks on Jews in Germany and Austria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1938 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Franco-German declaration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1938 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Evian international conference on Jewish refugees from Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1938 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1938<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Sudeten crisis sees Germany pervert the concept of minority rights in its own interests<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May-September 1938 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nazi Germany exploited the inter-war focus on collective minority rights to justify aggressive expansion into neighbouring states. In reaction to these episodes, post-1945 human rights focused increasingly on individual rights. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan blockades the British and French concessions at Tianjin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The United States announces its intention to abrogate its commercial treaty with Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of the European War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain declares war on behalf of India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The House of Commons votes to adopt the MacDonald White Paper<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1939 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    White Paper abandoned idea of partition and replaced it with immigration limits. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Declaration of Panama<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After the outbreak of the Second World War, the Western Hemisphere decreed a neutrality zone in American waters in an act of solidarity. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German troops occupy rump Czech state<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anglo-French guarantees to Poland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1939 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After Germany annexed the rump Czech state, the western Allies belatedly made security guarantees to Poland, Romania, and Greece, signalling an intent to uphold the territorial order against further Axis encroachments. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy seizes Albania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anglo-French guarantees to Greece and Romania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Molotov becomes Soviet foreign minister<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    French and British military missions in Moscow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nazi-Soviet Pact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1939 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    After the Munich Agreement, in which Soviet diplomats had been sidelined and collective security abandoned, both Germany and the west courted Soviet favour in the coming war. The Soviet Union ultimately sided with Germany, agreeing on a division of Poland, buying time for Soviet rearmament while avoiding a western imperialist war. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany attacks Poland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain and France declare war on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany attacks Poland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain and France declare war on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hitler’s peace overture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US amends neutrality laws to permit ‘cash and carry’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1939 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1939<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet Union attacks Finland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1939 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Soviet Union exploited the Nazi-Soviet Pact to push its boundaries west, expecting eventual German aggression. Its attack on Finland backfired, the Finns halting Russian advances in a winter campaign. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Burma Road crisis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Formation of the second Konoe Cabinet with Yosuke Matsuoka as foreign minister<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese occupation of north Indochina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    American, British and Dutch sanctions against Japan introduced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1940 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Increased western sanctions were intended to counter Japanese expansion in Indochina and the continued Sino-Japanese War. Ultimately, western sanctions prohibiting the sale of strategic materials such as oil led Japan to seek a rapid military strike, facing a closing window of opportunity. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese signing of Tripartite Pact with Germany and Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1940 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Tripartite Pact was intended to deter the US and Britain through the risk of a two-front war, coercing them into accepting Japanese expansion in South-East Asia. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain reopens the Burma Road<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Muslim League issues Lahore resolution calling for a separate Islamic state in post-Raj India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Foundation of the Lehi, also known as the Stern Gang<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany invades Denmark and Norway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German offensive in the west begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1940 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In contrast to the stalemate in the First World War, the German offensives in May 1940 rapidly rout Allied armies, conquering Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxemburg. By June, France itself falls, leaving Britain to fight the war alone, while Italy enters the war. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Winston Churchill becomes British Prime Minster<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy declares war on France and Britain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    France and Germany and Italy conclude armistice agreements<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Royal Navy attacks the French fleet anchored at Mers el-Kebir<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1940<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain closes Burma Road to China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Battle of Britain begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1940 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    British refusal to concede defeat, and German inability to directly invade Britain, leads to German attempts to defeat Britain through air power. The German bombing campaign ultimately fails, and Nazi Germany shifts east, hoping to defeat the Soviet Union before its rearmament programme is complete. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US exchanges 50 destroyers with Britain for loan of British bases<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1940 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Franklin Roosevelt gradually unravelled the isolationist American stance in the war, bringing US support for Britain. The destroyers for bases deal provided Britain with warships to convoy its merchant trade across the Atlantic, while the US increased its presence in the Atlantic u-boat campaign by operating from British bases. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US breaks Japanese diplomatic code<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese troops occupy northern Indochina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US offers China a $50 million loan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tripartite Pact (Germany, Japan and Italy)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German troops occupy Romania<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy attacks Greece<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Roosevelt elected for a third term as US President<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hitler issues order for attack on Soviet Union<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1940 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1940<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan occupies North Indochina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1940<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Opening of the Hull-Nomura talks<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact signed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1941 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Soviet-Japanese neutrality pact signalled a Japanese intent to focus on China and South-East Asia rather than co-ordinating with Germany in attacking the Soviet Union. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese occupation of South Indochina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    American, British and Dutch oil sanctions against Japan introduced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Formation of Hideki Tojo’s government in Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan launches attacks on American, British and Dutch territory<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Roosevelt and Churchill issue the Atlantic Charter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1941 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Atlantic Charter states war goals of self-determination, indicating US commitment to colonial independence after the war. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sinking of the refugee ship Struma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1941 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sinking of the ship stoked Jewish anger against British restrictions on Jewish immigration to Palestine. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hajj Amin al-Husayni meets with Mussolini and Hitler<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October and November 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1941<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Lend Lease legislation passed in US Congress<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany invades Yugoslavia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet Union and Japan sign a neutrality pact<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany attacks Soviet Union<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1941 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Nazi attack on the Soviet Union was a massive blitzkrieg attack seeking to knock the Soviets out of the war in a single campaign. Ultimately, the attack failed with the onset of a brutal Russian winter. By bringing the Soviet Union into the war, Germany vastly extended the scale of the conflict. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain and Soviet Union conclude mutual assistance treaty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan occupies southern Indochina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Roosevelt and Churchill meet at Argentin+B45a conference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Atlantic Charter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan decides on war against the United States and Britain<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US confirms suspension of trade with Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US amends neutrality legislation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan attacks Pearl Harbor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1941 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Japanese surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, co-ordinated with Japanese attacks across the Pacific and South-East Asia, immobilized the American fleet long enough to capture South-East Asian resources in the Dutch East Indies, Indochina and Malaya. Japan gambled that the US would be unable to roll back the rapid Japanese gains without major casualties, which would sap the American will to fight. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US and Britain declare war on Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    China declares war on Japan and Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany and Italy declare war on US<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1941 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1941<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Vietminh founded<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1941<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Fall of Singapore to Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1942 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The fall of Singapore was the single greatest British military defeat, shattering the myth of European invincibility. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Cripps mission to India and new promise of self-government<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1942 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Labelled a ‘post-dated cheque on a failing bank’, Cripps promises Indian dominion status after the war in return for co-operation during the conflict, in the midst of Japanese offensives in South-East Asia and Burma. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Congress launches ‘Quit India’ campaign<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1942 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    INC civil disobedience campaign in the midst of the Second World War resulted in large-scale arrests of INC leadership and weakened the INC relative to other parties during negotiations leading to independence. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wannsee Conference held in Germany to arrange for the ‘final solution’ of ‘the Jewish problem’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    American Zionists release the Biltmore Program calling for a Jewish state in Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan invades Dutch East Indies and Borneo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Declaration of the United Nations signed by 26 Allied nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    British surrender at Singapore<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First 1,000-bomber British air raid on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1942<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan captures Burma and reaches India<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Battle of Coral Sea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US forces in Philippines surrender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese navy defeated at Midway<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1942 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The turning point of the Pacific War occurred when a Japanese offensive in the Western Pacific was blunted by the US n+C65avy, Japan losing four aircraft carriers and irreplaceable veteran pilots. Nonetheless, the US still needed a significant amount of time to build up forces capable of defeating Japan. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germans begin a drive toward Stalingrad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1942<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Stalin and Churchill meet in Moscow<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1942<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Battle of Stalingrad begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1942 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The turning point of the Russian campaign, Hitler launched a major southern offensive in 1942, ultimately refusing to allow a withdrawal from Stalingrad in the face of Soviet counterattacks. An entire German army surrendered at Stalingrad, signalling a shift of the initiative to the Soviet Union. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese aircraft bomb Darwin Australia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US forces land in North Africa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German and Italian troops invade unoccupied Vichy France<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1942<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Wannsee Conference held in Germany to arrange for the ‘final solution’ of ‘the Jewish problem’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1942 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Red Army offensive at Stalingrad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German army at Stalingrad surrenders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese forces withdraw after defeat at Guadalcanal<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany begins withdrawal from Tunisia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German troops in North Africa surrender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germans suspend U-boat operation in North Atlantic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German army begins Kursk offensive<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mussolini’s government falls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Allies invade Sicily<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy surrenders to the Allies<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1943 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Following the Allied invasion of Sicily, Italian support for the war and for Mussolini’s Fascist government collapsed, and he was ousted. Italian support for the war had never been strong, and weak Italian performance in the Balkans and North Africa confirmed popular views that the war was not serving Italian interests. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mussolini re-establishes Fascist government in northern Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Italy declares war on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Red Army offensive into the Ukraine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill meet at Teheran<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1943<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Allied Powers decide that individuals can be put on trial for war crimes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1943 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Jewish Revolt in Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Red Army enters Poland<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Allies invade Italy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Red Army relieves Leningrad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Red Army begins offensive into Belorussia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    German army in Crimea surrenders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US bombing raids against Japan begin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Allies enter Rome<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    D-Day landings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1944 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    June 6, 1944 landings on Normandy fulfilled western Allied pledges to the Soviet Union to open a second front against Nazi Germany. Stalin had clamored for an invasion since 1942, and had been repeatedly rebuffed by Churchill, who preferred aerial bombardment and Mediterranean campaigns to a direct frontal attack on Germany. By 1944, allied air superiority and German preoccupation with the Eastern Front allowed a rapid breakout from the Normandy beaches and collapse of the German position in the west. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    British and Canadian troops capture Caen<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hitler survives assassination attempt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Warsaw uprising<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Liberation of Paris<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Red Army takes Bucharest<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Finland and Soviet Union agree cease-fire<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Battle of Leyte Gulf<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Allies liberate Athens<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1944<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Opening of Dumbarton Oaks conference on the United Nations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1944 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Defeat of Germany reveals the extent of the Holocaust<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Argentina becomes the last Latin American country to declare war on Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1945<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Red Army captures Warsaw<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Red Army liberates Auschwitz<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yalta Conference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1945 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Yalta Conference set Big Three policy for post-war planning in Europe, marking the decline in Allied diplomatic cooperation. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US forces invade Japanese-held Iwo Jima<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US and Filipino troops capture Manila<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tokyo firebombed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Allied offensives into the Ruhr<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Red Army reaches Berlin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Hitler commits suicide<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany surrenders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japanese forces at Okinawa surrender<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Allies divide up Germany into occupation zones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First 1,000-bomber raids on Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    First atomic bomb test<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet Union declares war on Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan surrenders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    United Nations established<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nuremberg War Crimes trials begin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Yalta Conference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    At the Yalta Conference, the Big Three arranged post-war policy towards defeated Germany and Eastern Europe, with ambiguity about democracy and independence in the region. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Germany Surrenders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1945<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Potsdam Conference<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July-August 1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Last major wartime conference of the Big Three, agreed on division of Germany into occupation zones and terms of Japanese surrender, marking end of Grand Alliance co-operation. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet entry into the Pacific War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sino-Soviet treaty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Termination of the Pacific War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Viet Minh announces the establishment of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    French rule in Indochina collapsed in 1941 with Japanese occupation. With the end of the war, Vietnam declared independence from France, setting up a conflict with its former colonial master. France needed Vietnamese resources for reconstruction in Europe, and sought to rehabilitate its prestige in the world, requiring maintenance of the empire. Unlike the case of Indonesia, the US supported French goals of restoration, as the US needed France as a major ally in Europe. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Sukarno declares the independence of Indonesia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Indonesian independence also followed the collapse of European colonial rule, and the power vacuum created by the defeat of Japan. The Netherlands sought to reestablish control of the East Indies, but US opposition blocked its colonial ambitions. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    General Douglas MacArthur appointed as Supreme Allied Commander Pacific and takes charge of the allied occupation of Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    US occupation of Japan initiated a process of democratization and reform, although the Emperor remained in power as a figurehead. US policy towards Japan would soon shift to economic reconstruction, as the US sought an ally to replace China. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    American and Soviet troops enter their respective zones of occupation in Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Return of British colonial control over Hong Kong<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Marshall mission to China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnam independent (Democratic Republic of Vietnam)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1945<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Foundation of UN Food and Agricultural Organization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Termination of the Pacific War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    General Douglas MacArthur appointed as Supreme Allied Commander Pacific and takes charge of the allied occupation of Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    American and Soviet troops enter their respective zones of occupation in Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Japan signs the official surrender document on the USS Missouri<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain introduces the second Colonial Development and Welfare Act<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1945 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    With Asian colonies rapidly reaching independence, the imperial powers had a greater need for African resources for post-war reconstruction. Britain recognized the need for colonial development in order to maintain loyalty to empire. However, reforms only increased the drive for independence. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Second World War ends in Europe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1945<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    San Francisco conference opens which establishes the UN Charter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1945 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Great Powers initially sought a focus on security in the UN, but revelations of the Holocaust shifted attention towards issues of human rights. A UN Commission on Human Rights was formed which prepared the Universal Declaration on Human Rights. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1945<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Opening of Nuremburg War Crimes Trial<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1945 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bombing of the King David’s Hotel in Jerusalem kills 91 people<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1946 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Irgun militant attack on headquarters of British government in Palestine was deadliest attack on British forces throughout the Mandate era. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Tokyo War Crimes trials begin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1946<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Churchill’s Iron Curtain speech<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1946<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Marshall arranges a short-lived cease-fire in China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1946 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet withdrawal from Manchuria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1946 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain establishes controversial Malayan Union<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1946 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Chinese Civil War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1946 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The United States grants independence to the Philippines<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1946 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Viet Minh’s war of independence against France<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1946 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the World Health Organization<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1946 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    General Juan Peron becomes president of Argentina<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1946<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain establishes an African majority in the legislative council of the Gold Coast (Ghana)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1946 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Winston Churchill calls for ‘a kind of United States of Europe’ in a speech in Zurich<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1946<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1946<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Opening of Tokyo War Crimes Trial<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1946 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain refers the problem of Palestine to the UN<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1947 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    UNSCOP proposes the partition of Palestine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    November 1947 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The proposal called for separate Palestinian and Israeli states, with scattered territorial enclaves, and an internationalized city of Jerusalem, together with economic union and protection of minority religious rights. UN General Assembly adoption of the resolution sparked fighting by Palestinians. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Creation of the Bizone in Germany<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1947<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Truman Doctrine<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In response to revolution in Greece and threats to Turkey, the US pledged support to any regime seeking to counter Communist threat. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Marshall Plan speech<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Marshall Plan provided economic assistance to aid in the recovery of devastated Europe after the Second World War. The plan was intended to ameliorate the suffering and dislocation by spurring economic growth, thereby undermining popular support for radical regimes. Aid was offered to all European states, with the Soviet satellite states refusing assistance. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    COMINFORM established<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1947<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Independence of India and Pakistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1947 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain accepted independence of a partitioned India in 1947, lacking military resources to maintain control against popular will. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Indo-Pakistani war over Kashmir starts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1947 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nehru hosts Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1947 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Independence of India and Pakistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1947 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    GMD violently suppresses revolt in Taiwan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1947 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Implementation of new Japanese constitution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1947 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Rio Treaty (Inter-American Treaty of Reciprocal Assistance) signed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1947<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    France establishes the Fonds d’Investissement et de D\u00e9veloppement Economique et Social des Territoires d’Outre-Mer (FIDES)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    1947 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1947<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Marshall Plan announced<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1947<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the state of Israel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Egypt, Jordan, Syria, Lebanon and Iraq send forces to attack Israel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1948 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Palestinian\u2013Israeli conflict of November 1947 escalated into an international war following Israeli declaration of independence. Despite initial setbacks, Israeli victory resulted in capture of territory beyond UN demarcation in 1947. Arab unity was shaken and Palestinians were left with refugee status. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Communist takeover in Czechoslovakia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The unexpected Communist coup in Czechoslovakia increased western perception of the Soviet threat dramatically. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Berlin Blockade begins<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Soviet Union closed land routes to western occupation zones in Berlin, leading the west to respond with an airlift, sending supplies by airplane to Berlin. In a diplomatic victory for the west, the Soviets eventually reopened land supply routes. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Independence of Burma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Independence of Ceylon (Sri Lanka)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Britain establishes Federation of Malaya<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Start of Malayan emergency<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the Republic of Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Failed PKI revolt against the Indonesian republic<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    CCP achieves victory in Manchurian campaign<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet\u2013Finnish Security Pact signed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Soviet Union expels Yugoslavia from the Cominform<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the Republic of Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Truman administration adopts NSC13\/2 setting out the need for the economic reconstruction of Japan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1948 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Initial US post-war policy towards Japan focussed on democratization and demilitarization. The collapse of nationalist China spurred efforts to revitalize the Japanese economy, enabling Japan to play a stabilizing role in the East Asian economy. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Establishment of Yoshida Cabinet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Organization of American States (OAS) formed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Following the Rio Treaty the OAS was established to co-ordinate hemispheric defence co-operation and resolve regional disputes. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Anti-British riots take place in Accra<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The National Party under D. F. Malan comes to power in South Africa on the platform of introducing apartheid<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1948 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1948<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The UNGA votes to adopt the ‘UN Universal Declaration on Human Rights’ and the ‘UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide’<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1948 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In spite of General Assembly adoption, opposition by the Soviet Union and several other states resulted in a non-binding declaration on human rights rather than a convention. In contrast, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide did become binding on ratifying states in 1951. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Armistice negotiations start between Israel and the Arab states of Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Israeli\u2013Egyptian armistice agreement concluded<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Israeli\u2013Lebanese armistice agreement concluded<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    March 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Israeli\u2013Jordanian armistice agreement concluded<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Israeli\u2013Syrian armistice agreement concluded<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    July 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    COMECON established<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1949<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    NATO Treaty signed<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    April 1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    In response to increasing perceptions of Soviet threats in Europe, the US entered into a military alliance with western European states, indicating a clear intention of the US to remain engaged in European stability, and marking the end of isolationism. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Berlin Blockade ends, FRG established<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1949<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet Union successfully tests atomic bomb<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    September 1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Soviet acquisition of an atomic bomb, several years before the west had anticipated, ultimately led to a US ‘Red Scare’. Having lost the atomic monopoly, US policy had to shift in accepting greater risks in confrontation with the Soviet Union. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    DRG established; PRC established<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1949<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    UN brokers cease-fire in Kashmir fighting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Mao announces that the new China will ‘lean to one side’ in the Cold War<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    June 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The CCP establishes the People’s Republic of China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1949 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Communist victory in the Chinese Civil War undermined US goals of a nationalist China as a regional balancing power. China rapidly took up the cause of anti-colonialism in the region, gradually parting ways with the Soviet Union. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Netherlands acknowledges independence of Indonesia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The ROC retreats to Taiwan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    December 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nehru convenes second Asian Relations Conference to protest against Dutch ‘police action’ in Indonesia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    President Truman in his inaugural speech commits the United States to the provision of development aid under the ‘point four’ scheme<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Introduction of austerity programme \u2013 the Dodge Line<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    February 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The CCP establishes the People’s Republic of China<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    October 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Arab states, aside from Iraq, conclude armistice agreements with Israel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    January 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Creation of the Council of Europe<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    May 1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    The Council of Europe was an early step towards European integration through an organization dedicated to protecting democracy and human rights in Europe. <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    1949<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Geneva conventions on war revised to extend POW status to members of resistance movements and civilians within civil wars<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    August 1949 <\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    The first half of the 20th century tested humanity\u2019s limits through two world wars while simultaneously producing extraordinary technological and social advances. This era redefined global politics and human capability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":0,"parent":540,"menu_order":0,"template":"wp-custom-template-single-chapter-page","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"tags":[],"class_list":["post-723","content","type-content","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/723","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/content"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/723\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":789,"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/723\/revisions\/789"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/content\/540"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=723"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/routledgelearning.com\/internationalhistory20c\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=723"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}