Before 1933

WWI, its Aftermath, and the Growth of the Nazi Party

Stretcher bearers carry a wounded soldier during the Battle of the Somme. [LCID: 2453747] — Stretcher bearers carry a wounded soldier during the Battle of the Somme in World War I. France, September 1916. IWM (Q 1332)
—⁠Imperial War Museum - Photograph Archive

Countries across Europe struggled to recover from the devastation caused by World War I after it ended in 1918. This was a time marked by massive social and political change, revolution, and the establishment of new states. In this postwar environment, extreme nationalism, racism, and antisemitism found fertile ground. The Nazi and the Italian Fascist political parties, along with many other similar groups across Europe, emerged from this chaos to become visible threats to new and fragile democracies, including Germany's Weimar Republic.

Highlighted events

May 07, 1919

Treaty of Versailles Presented to German Delegation
November 09, 1923

Beer Hall Putsch
June 12, 1929

Anne Frank Born

All events Before 1933

June 28, 1914

Assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand

The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand precipitates the start of the massive armed conflict in Europe now known as the First World War.
April 24, 1915

The Armenian Genocide

Ottoman authorities arrest 240 Armenian leaders in Constantinople and deport them east.
July 01, 1916

Battle of the Somme

This day saw the heaviest loss of life in a single day during World War I.
November 3, 1918

Mutiny of German Sailors in Kiel

German sailors in Kiel revolt, and protests against World War I spread.
November 11, 1918

Ceasefire Ends Hostilities of World War I

A negotiated ceasefire ends the fighting of World War I when it goes into effect at 11am on November 11, 1918.
November 12, 1918

Women’s Suffrage is Declared in Germany

Germany’s provisional government declares support for women’s right to vote.
May 07, 1919

Treaty of Versailles Presented to German Delegation

The "War Guilt Clause" of the Versailles Treaty forces Germany to accept responsibility for initiating World War I.
September 16, 1919

Adolf Hitler Issues Comment on the "Jewish Question"

Hitler issues his first written comment on the so-called Jewish Question.
November 18, 1919

Hindenburg Spreads “Stab-in-the-Back” Myth

German Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg spreads the myth that Germany only lost World War I because the military was “stabbed in the back.”
February 24, 1920

Nazi Party Platform

Adolf Hitler presents a 25-point plan at a Nazi Party meeting.
November 09, 1923

Beer Hall Putsch

Hitler and the Nazi Party attempt to overthrow the Weimar Republic.
February 27, 1925

Adolf Hitler Becomes Leader of the Reestablished Nazi Party

Recently released from prison after serving 9 months for treason, Adolf Hitler declares the reformulation of the Nazi Party (NSDAP) with himself as leader.
May 12, 1925

Inauguration of Paul von Hindenburg as President of Germany

German Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg is inaugurated, becoming the last president of the Weimar Republic.
June 12, 1929

Anne Frank Born

Annelies Marie Frank, born on June 12, 1929, in Frankfurt, Germany, has become a symbol for the lost promise of the children who died in the Holocaust.
October 24, 1929

US Stock Market Crashes

The US stock market crashes and affects economies throughout the world.
February 23, 1930

SA Member Horst Wessel Dies

Nazi stormtrooper Horst Wessel dies after being fatally shot.
November 22, 1930

Eden Dance Palace Shooting

Nazis attack a leftwing group at a dance hall in Berlin and shoot three people in the crowd.
January 24, 1931

Bela Weichherz Diary Entry

A proud young father keeps extensive family journals.
July 22, 1932

Hitler Campaign Speech

In a speech during a campaign rally in Waldenburg, Hitler attacks the Weimar Republic and pledges to dissolve the parliamentary system.
November 08, 1932

Franklin D. Roosevelt Elected President of the United States

Roosevelt wins the most votes in the American presidential elections.

Next: 1933–1938

Highlighted events

All events Before 1933

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