Interwar Period
Before World War II began in 1939, many European countries had evil people as their head of government (some being much more extreme than others), which in simple terms would eventually spiral into the largest conflict humanity has ever seen.
American Isolationism
When the Second World War began, the United States declared its neutrality, as it had no reason to join the war, and the American people were not willing to join one yet. They wanted to recover from the Great Depression, not waste money going into another war.
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
Signed on August 23, 1939, the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact was a non-aggression treaty between Germany and the Soviet Union which agreed upon the division of Eastern Europe into German and Soviet spheres of influence, notably in Poland.
World War II
World War II or the Second World War was a global conflict between two alliances: the Allies and the Axis powers. Nearly all of the world's countries participated, with many nations mobilizing all resources in pursuit of total war. This site will focus on many of the biggest points in World War II as they took place, mainly in the European theater.
Beginning of War
World War II started on September 1, 1939, when Germany invaded Poland. To defend their ally, Britain and France declared war on Germany. Despite German forces concentrated in Poland, the Allies don't launch offensives into Germany. They calculate that Poland can hold out for a few months, so they use this time to mobilize their troops and prepare for long term war.
Invasion by the USSR
Unfortunately for the Allies, the Soviet Union invades Poland from the east on September 17th to recover its lost territory from WWI, shattering the Allied plans to save Poland.
Fall of Poland
The last Polish troops surrendered on October 6, 1939, completing the fall of Poland. Germany and the USSR divided up the region. The Allied decision of not invading Germany when it was vulnerable was a huge strategic blunder. Their deadly mistake almost cost them the Second World War.
Invasion of Finland
The USSR wanted to regain more territory, especially after what happened in WWI, so it sent Finland an ultimatum. It demanded they cede territory near the border, allow ussr control of military bases, and more. Finland refused, and the USSR invaded on November 30, 1939. Finland managed to mostly hold the line despite the clear numerical superiority of the Soviet army. However, later as the Soviets managed to gain ground, Finland agrees to the Moscow Peace Treaty, resulting in lost territory.
World War II (1939 Map Timelapse)
1.00.00