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.
The victorious Allies gather at Versailles to redraw the world map — their decisions will shape the 20th century.
Germany is forced to accept war guilt, massive reparations, and territorial losses — sowing seeds of resentment that Hitler will exploit.
British troops fire on unarmed Indian protesters, killing hundreds — galvanizing the Indian independence movement.
Wilson's vision of collective security is realized — but fatally weakened when the US Senate refuses to join.
Italy becomes the first fascist state when Mussolini's Blackshirts seize power — creating a template for authoritarian movements worldwide.
The Weimar Republic's currency collapses — a wheelbarrow of banknotes cannot buy a loaf of bread, destroying middle-class savings and faith in democracy.
The stock market crashes, triggering the Great Depression — the worst economic crisis in modern history, with global unemployment reaching 30%.
Gandhi leads 240 miles of peaceful protest against the British salt monopoly, galvanizing the Indian independence movement.
Adolf Hitler is appointed chancellor through constitutional means — within months he will destroy German democracy and establish a totalitarian state.
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.
Nazi Germany's racial laws ban Jews from citizenship and intermarriage — a legal foundation for escalating persecution.
Britain and France allow Hitler to annex the Sudetenland — Chamberlain declares 'peace for our time,' but appeasement has only emboldened Hitler.