The Interwar Period
The turbulent two decades between the world wars — economic crisis, cultural innovation, and the rise of totalitarianism that would plunge the world into even greater conflict.
Paris Peace Conference Opens
The victorious Allies gather at Versailles to redraw the world map — their decisions will shape the 20th century.
Treaty of Versailles Signed
Germany is forced to accept war guilt, massive reparations, and territorial losses — sowing seeds of resentment that Hitler will exploit.
Amritsar Massacre in India
British troops fire on unarmed Indian protesters, killing hundreds — galvanizing the Indian independence movement.
League of Nations Established
Wilson's vision of collective security is realized — but fatally weakened when the US Senate refuses to join.
Mussolini's March on Rome
Italy becomes the first fascist state when Mussolini's Blackshirts seize power — creating a template for authoritarian movements worldwide.
German Hyperinflation Crisis
The Weimar Republic's currency collapses — a wheelbarrow of banknotes cannot buy a loaf of bread, destroying middle-class savings and faith in democracy.
Wall Street Crash
The stock market crashes, triggering the Great Depression — the worst economic crisis in modern history, with global unemployment reaching 30%.
Gandhi's Salt March
Gandhi leads 240 miles of peaceful protest against the British salt monopoly, galvanizing the Indian independence movement.
Hitler Becomes Chancellor of Germany
Adolf Hitler is appointed chancellor through constitutional means — within months he will destroy German democracy and establish a totalitarian state.
Mao's Long March
The Red Army retreats 6,000 miles through China's wilderness — of 86,000 who begin, fewer than 8,000 survive to reach Yan'an.
Nuremberg Laws Strip Jews of Citizenship
Nazi Germany's racial laws ban Jews from citizenship and intermarriage — a legal foundation for escalating persecution.
Munich Agreement
Britain and France allow Hitler to annex the Sudetenland — Chamberlain declares 'peace for our time,' but appeasement has only emboldened Hitler.