Germany · crisis history

A Soviet offensive to eliminate German forces in East Prussia.

Evacuation and liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp by Soviet forces.

A Luftwaffe operation aimed at crippling Allied air forces in the Low Countries during World War II.

The formal surrender of Nazi Germany to the Allied forces.

A Soviet offensive against the German Army in Eastern Europe.

85 civilians are shot by the 12th SS Panzer Division Hitlerjugend in France.

Soviet troops completely drive out German forces from Sevastopol.

The invasion and occupation of France by Germany during World War II.

The invasion of neutral Norway by Germany, marking the beginning of the Norwegian Campaign.

Nazi Germany reoccupied the Rhineland in violation of the Treaty of Versailles and Locarno Treaties.

Britain agrees to a German navy equal to 35% of her own naval tonnage, marking a significant shift in international relations.

Heinrich Himmler founds the Lebensborn program in Germany to support Nazi eugenics.

The Nuremberg Laws go into effect in Germany, stripping Jews of their citizenship.

Adolf Hitler announces the reintroduction of conscription to the Wehrmacht, violating the Treaty of Versailles.

A violent clash in Altona, Germany, between Nazi marchers and communist supporters.

A political coup in Germany that gives Franz von Papen control of Prussia, a major blow to German democracy.

The Republic of China terminates diplomatic relations with Germany.

The United States declares war on Germany, marking its entry into World War I.

Germany offers to give the American Southwest back to Mexico if Mexico will take sides with Germany.

German zeppelins bomb Paris, causing significant damage and casualties.

German cruiser SMS Königsberg is forced to scuttle in the Rufiji River, German East Africa (modern-day Tanzania), during World War I.

German forces capture the Latvian port city of Libau during World War I.

The British ocean liner RMS Lusitania is sunk by a German U-boat off the coast of Ireland, resulting in 1,199 civilian casualties.

A conference to resolve the First Moroccan Crisis between France and Germany.

A battle in the Herero Wars where German forces under Lothar von Trotha defeated the Herero people, leading to their expulsion into the Omaheke desert.

A series of conflicts in German South West Africa (modern-day Namibia) between the Herero people and German colonial forces.

The United Kingdom, Germany, and Italy reach a settlement with Venezuela in Washington, ending the naval blockade imposed since 1902.

Estonia declares independence from Russia and Germany.

Finland declares independence from Russia and forms an alliance with Germany.