1. Timeline of Nazi Germany, from 1933-45
1931 July Worsening economic crisis in Germany. Recorded 4¼ unemployment
and banks closure until 5 August
1932 April, 24 Nazis Gain ground in local election
1933 January, 28 Schleicher’s government resigns
January, 30 Hindenburg accepts a Cabinet made up of Hitler as Chancellor, von
Papen as Vice-Chancellor and Nationalists
February, 27 Communists blamed for Reichstag fire and as a result civil liberties
and freedom of press suspended.
March, 5 Nazis won 288 seats, but failed to secure the overall majority.
March, 13 Ministry for Popular Enlightenment and Propaganda set up with
Goebbels as Propaganda Minister.
March, 23 Hitler obtains Enabling Law with the support of the Centre party,
granting him dictatorial power for four years.
May, 6 Trade unions replaced with the new founded German Labor Front
(DAF) a Nazi organization.
July, 14 All parties, other than the NSDAP suppressed. The Nazi party is
formally declared the only political party in Germany.
July, 20 Concordat signed between Nazi Germany and the Vatican.
1934 March, 21 “Battle for Work” begins
October, 24 Decree setting out “Nature and Goals’ of the German Labor Front.
1935 January, 13 Saar plebiscite votes overwhelmingly to “return” to Germany.
September, 15 Nuremberg laws deprive Jews of their civil rights, prohibit marriage
and sexual intercourse between Jews and German nationals.
1936 March,7 German troops reoccupy the demilitarized Rhineland in violation of
the Treaty of Versailles.
October, 19 Four-year plan announced under Goering’s supervision.
November, 1 Rome-Berlin Axis
1938 March, 11 German troops enter Austria, which is declared part of the Reich on
13 March.
September, 30 Munich Agreement gives Sudetenland to Germany.
2. Timeline of Nazi Germany, from 1933-45
November, 9-
10
The Kristallnacht (Crystal Night): Jewish synagogues destroyed.
1939 August, 23 Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact signed.
September, 1 Germany invades Poland.
1940 April, 7 Germany invades Norway and Denmark.
June, 22 France concludes armistice with Germany.
August, 23 Beginning of “Blitz” on Britain by Luftwaffe. Postponement of
“Operation Sealion”, the invasion of Britain.
December, 18 Hitler issues secret plan for invasion of Russia – Operation
Barbarossa.
1941 July, 31 Goring fives Heydrich a written order to achieve a “a general solution
to the Jewish problem in areas of Jewish influence in Europe”.
December, 11 Hitler declares war on America.
1942 January, 20 “Wannsee Conference “ in Berlin to co-ordinate measures for the
“Final Solution to the Jewish Question”.
1943 February, 18 Goebbels announces “Total War” and calls for greater civilian
mobilization.
1944 July, 20 “July Officer’s Plot”. Hitler wounded in bomb attack at headquarters
in East Prussia. Attempted coup d’ etat to put down by loyal troops
and leading conspirators and suspects were arrested and executed.
1945 January, 12 Red Army begins final campaign against Germany.
April, 30 Hitler commits suicide in the Berlin bunker, along with Goebbels.
Admiral Donitz named Hitler’s successor.
May, 7 Heneral Jodi makes final capitulation to Germany to General
Eisenhower.
May, 8 Von Keitel surrenders to Zhukov near Berlin. Formal end of the war
in Europe.
June, 5 Admiral Donitz surrenders his powers to the allied occupation forces.
Adopted from Welch (1999)
