Key Dates Leading up to WWII Trivia Quiz

Answer: March 22, 1933

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

Answer: January 30, 1933

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

Answer: October 21, 1933

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

Answer: June 30, 1934

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

Answer: August 2, 1934

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

Answer: German troops occupied the Rhineland

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

Answer: November 9-10, 1938

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

Answer: The German Soviet Non-Aggression Pact was signed

This pact was signed in Moscow, freeing Hitler of worry of a major war on two fronts. The pact also provided for the division of Poland between Soviet Union and Germany.

Answer: German forces attacked Poland

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

Answer: September 3, 1939

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