Key Events Leading to World War II

Front

Japan's militaristic expansion begins with the occupation of Korea in 1910 and the invasion of Manchuria in 1931.

Back

Japan's early actions leading to World War II.

Front

The Second Sino-Japanese War starts in 1937.

Back

Marks a significant escalation in Asia.

Front

Nazi Germany's aggressive actions include the Anschluss with Austria and the takeover of the Sudetenland in 1938.

Back

Key events leading to World War II.

Front

The invasion of Poland by Germany on September 1, 1939.

Back

Widely considered the formal start of World War II.

Front

The policy of appeasement.

Back

Reluctance to engage in another war and the impact of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

Front

Appeasement.

Back

A diplomatic policy aimed at avoiding conflict by making concessions.

Front

Isolationism.

Back

A national policy of avoiding involvement in foreign affairs.

Front

Strategic goals of Germany, Italy, and Japan in 1940.

Back

Germany's territorial expansion, Italy's involvement in North Africa, and Japan's interest in French Indochina.

Front

Germany begins bombing Britain in July 1940.

Back

The bombing of Britain by Germany began in July 1940.

Front

Japan joins the Axis by signing the Tripartite Pact in September 1940.

Back

Japan became part of the Axis Powers by signing the Tripartite Pact in September 1940.