Berlin in History

Appointed Elector of Brandenburg

Appointed Elector of Brandenburg

Implements the Westphalian settlement that confirms Brandenburg-Prussia post-war compensations

Begins post-war reconstruction of Brandenburg after the devastation of the Thirty Years War

Uses the Westphalian settlement to strengthen Brandenburg claims in Pomerania and other imperial territories

Gains the suzerainty of the Duchy of Prussia

Joins an alliance against France

Birth of Frederick William I, son of Frederick I of Prussia

Aligns Brandenburg-Prussia with the anti-French coalition

Leibniz continues organising the recently founded Berlin Academy of Sciences.

Frederick I supports the anti-French coalition while Prussia seeks status among European powers.

Wartenberg becomes the dominant minister in Frederick I's Prussian government.

Provides troops to support the emperor against France.

Wartenberg helps administer Prussia's troop and subsidy commitments.

Marries Sophia Dorothea of Hanover

Birth of Frederick II the Great, 3rd eldest son of Frederick William I of Prussia

Death of Frederick I

Succeeds as King of Prussia, ascends the throne on his fathers death

Introduces compulsory primary education

Centralizes the administration

Receives formal homage from the provincial deputies

Invites Knobelsdorf to draw up plans for an Opera House in Berlin

Succeeds as King of Prussia

Crowned King of Prussia, says "a crown is merely a hat that lets the rain in"

Signs the Treaty of Berlin confirming the Treaty of Breslau and Prussian possession of most of Silesia.

Birth of Frederick William II, son of Prince Augustus William

An Allied force plunders Berlin

While Frederick is away, 3,500 Austrians under Hadik raid Berlin and ransom the city

A Russian army burns Berlin but retreats when Frederick the Great relieves it

Birth of Frederick William III, son of Frederick William II

Frederick II takes west Prussia from Poland

Popularises the numerical planetary-distance rule that includes Jupiter.

Succeeds as King of Prussia, nephew of Frederick II the Great

Succeeds as King of Prussia

Prussia invades the Dutch Republic

Identifies a new element in pitchblende and names it uranium.

Analyses pitchblende and precipitates a yellow uranium compound.

Names uranium after the recently discovered planet Uranus.

Appointed Governor of Berlin

Acquires the margraviates of Ansbach and Bayreuth from Charles Alexander

Prussia declares war on France against the anti-monarchism of the Legislative Assembly

Marries Louisa of Mecklenburg-Strelitz

Succeeds as King of Prussia

Napoleon threatens to invade Berlin if Prussia makes an alliance with Russia

Defeats Oudinot at Gross Beeren & Klein Beeren halting the French march on Berlin

Bavaria withdraws from the war & German states waver in their support of the French

Defeats Ney at Dennewitz during his march on Berlin

Awarded the chair of philosophy at the University of Berlin

Appointed Chief Administrator

The Government cannot raise a loan without an elected representative Assembly. Promises to give Prussia a Constitution

Birth of Friedrich, nephew of Emperor William I of Prussia

Birth of Frederick Charles, son of Charles of Prussia & nephew of William I

Marries Augusta

Completes the Old Museum in Berlin

Birth of Alfred Graf von Schlieffen

The main ideological contributor behind the customs union is Friedrich List, an economist holding mercantilist and protectionist views. German states incorporate their customs unions into the larger Prussian customs union

Marx transfers to the University of Berlin and studies law and philosophy.

Marx becomes associated with the Young Hegelians and studies Hegelian philosophy.

Marx writes a long letter to his father describing his intellectual development.

Marx compiles notebooks on Epicurean philosophy while preparing his doctoral research.

Prussia joins the international guarantee of Belgium's independence and perpetual neutrality.

Observes Neptune near Le Verrier's predicted position.

Makes maiden speech outraging the Assembly by his reactionary views

Works for an alliance between Russia, Germany & Austria against Great Britain

Works for an alliance between Russia, Germany & Austria against Great Britain

Appointed Chancellor of Germany

Flees to England because of his absolutism during the 1848 revolutions

Once his position is more secure again,quickly has the army reoccupy Berlin and dissolve the assembly

The Declaration of the Basic Rights, a model for all German democratic institutions

The Declaration of the Basic Rights, a model for all German democratic institutions

Once his position is more secure again,quickly has the army reoccupy Berlin and dissolve the assembly

Elected as "Emperor of the Germans"

Refuses to abandon the constitution after Schwarzenburgs offer to divide Germany

Refuses to abandon the constitution after Schwarzenburgs offer to divide Germany

Refuses to abandon the constitution after Schwarzenburgs offer to divide Germany

Refuses to abandon the constitution after Schwarzenburgs offer to divide Germany

Refuses to abandon the constitution after Schwarzenburgs offer to divide Germany

Holds a Congress of German Princes

In Prussia a congress of Princes decides against introducing a constitution

In Prussia a congress of Princes decides against introducing a constitution

In Prussia a congress of Princes decides against introducing a constitution

Appointed Colonel Commandant of the Cadet School of Berlin

Appointed Major General

William I is appointed Regent after Frederick Williams bouts of insanity

Succeeds as Emperor of Germany

Made Regent when King Friedrich Wilhelm IV becomes insane, 1858-61

The Liberals have a majority in the Landtag & William dissolves it

Marx publishes a major preliminary treatment of commodities, money and production.

Birth of Charlotte, 2nd child of Emperor Frederick & Victoria

The Landtag rejects Roons army reform bill but makes a loan

Roons plans are rejected because the Crown would gain too much power. Plans to increase troops in line with population growth are rejected by the Landtag

Appointed General of the Cavalry

Marx unsuccessfully applies to regain Prussian citizenship.

Marx visits Germany seeking financial support and discussing publishing plans with Ferdinand Lassalle.

Becomes Crown Prince of Prussia when William I becomes king.

Outlines his general policy for the next 10 years for army reform & German unification. Meets Napolean who sounds Bismarck out on a possible alliance betwen Germany & France. Meets Disraeli & plays the role of a future Premier

Meets Napolean who sounds Bismarck out on a possible alliance betwen Germany & France

Birth of Henry, 3rd child of Emperor Frederick & Victoria

Sends a telegram to Bismarck to solve the Constitutional Crisis in Prussia

Sends a telegram to Bismarck to solve the Constitutional Crisis in Prussia

The Landtag refuses to carry out reforms of the Army

Promises to manage Parliament & put through reforms in defiance of Parliament. Persuades William not to abdicate & ends the Constitutional Crisis

Saves the King from the Liberals in the House of Deputies over army expansion

Persuades William not to abdicate & ends the Constitutional Crisis

Promises to manage Parliament & put through reforms in defiance of Parliament

Says great issues of the day will be decided by "iron & blood". Asks the Landtag to increase the Army Budget

Appointed Military Governor of the Rhineland

Bans all publications intended to bring the crown, state or Church into disrepute

Under the "February Conditions" Schleswig & Holstein enter the Zollverein. Schleswig Holstein swears allegiance to Prussia & joins the Prussian armed forces

Under the "February Conditions" Schleswig & Holstein enter the Zollverein

Under the "February Conditions" Schleswig & Holstein enter the Zollverein

Raises a budget for the 1st time since 1862. Admits that the budget is unconstitutional in a bid to pacify the Liberals

Admits that the budget is unconstitutional in a bid to pacify the Liberals

No need to guarantee accountability of Minister's to Parliament. Gets Bill of Indemnity passed

Bismarck concludes a three-month offensive alliance linking Prussia with Italy against Austria.

Roon applies the army reforms and reserve system that accelerate Prussian mobilization.

Wilhelm authorizes preparations that place Prussia's reformed army on a rapid war footing.

Moltke plans converging advances by three armies to defeat Austria in Bohemia.

Friedrich Karl commands the First Army throughout the Bohemian campaign.

Moltke's railway-based mobilization plan concentrates three armies for the invasion of Bohemia.

Bismarck proposes a reformed German federation with a directly elected national parliament.

The annexation law ends Frankfurt's centuries-old status as a Free City.

Prussia and Bavaria conclude peace and a secret military convention.

The Hanoverian army capitulates after encirclement despite its tactical victory at Langensalza.

The Peace of Prague authorizes a new federal organization north of the Main.

The Nikolsburg preliminaries stop the Prussian advance and outline the final settlement.

The annexation of Nassau consolidates Prussian territory along the Rhine and Main.

Wilhelm promulgates the law incorporating Prussia's defeated northern German opponents.

Bismarck directs legislation annexing Hanover, Hesse-Kassel, Nassau, Frankfurt, and other territories.

Draws up the Constitution of the North German Confederation

Elections take place for the new Reichstag. The Prussian landtag and the North German Governments accept a new Constitution. Appointed Head of the North German Confederation

Appointed Head of the North German Confederation

Elections take place for the new Reichstag

Elections take place for the new Reichstag

Bismarck oversees elections for the Reichstag charged with considering the northern federal constitution.

Bismarck accepts French mediation after Königgrätz while insisting upon Prussia's essential terms.

Wilhelm becomes federal president when the North German Confederation formally begins operating.

5th child of Emperor Frederick & Victoria

Creates a Customs Parliament including the south German States

Creates a Customs Parliament including the south German States

The Customs Union fails, "no man is humiliated who does not feel himself humiliated"

Founded by Liebknecht at the Congress of German Socialists

The Customs Union fails, "no man is humiliated who does not feel himself humiliated"

Informed by Charles Anthony that Leopold had been sounded out for the Spanish throne. Charles Anthony asks Bismarck to tell William to decide Leopolds Spanish succession

Benedetti is told by Bismarck that Leopold had refused the Spanish throne

Birth of Sophia, 6th child of Emperor Frederick & Victoria

Appointed Imperial Chancellor of the 1st Reich

Prussian victory establishes German unity

Issues a memo saying a Hohenzollern is Spain would tie down 2 French Divs

William & the Crown Prince oppose Charles Anthonys Spanish succession. Urges Charles Anthony to accept the Spanish crown

Sets out as a major-general with William to command the armies in the field

Sets out from Berlin to assume command of his armies in the field

Germany is united under a single Confederation

Refuses the crown offered to him by the new Confeferation of a united Germany

Refuses the crown offered to him by the new Confeferation of a united Germany

Refuses the crown offered to him by the new Confeferation of a united Germany

Supports a conference settlement over Russia's Black Sea declaration.

Appointed Imperial Reichstag

A National Government, Reichstag, elected by all males over 25 by secret ballot

Royal orders force Moltke to submit to Bismarck who wishes to end the war

Opens the 1st Reichstag of the 2nd Reich

Imperial legislation authorises gold coins for the newly unified German currency system.

Persuades William to Appoint Roon as Minister of President of Prussia

Dismissed by Bismarck because of his lack of support

Has Roon dismissed after 10 months because he fails to sufficiently support Bismarck

Two archbishops are in prison & 1300 parishes do not have a priest. The term "Kulurkampf" is 1st used to describe Bismarks crusade against the Catholics. Tensions were also increased by the 1870 Vatican Council proclamation on papal infallibility. Bismarck sees the addition of the southern German states (especially Catholic Bavaria) as a possible threat to the Empires stability

The "May Laws" of 1873-75 require state approval for training & licensing priests. The "May Laws" of 1873-75 require state approval for training & licensing of priests

The "May Laws" of 1873-75 require state approval for training & licensing priests. The "May Laws" of 1873-75 require state approval for training & licensing of priests

The "May Laws" of 1873-75 require state approval for training & licensing priests

Tensions were also increased by the 1870 Vatican Council proclamation on papal infallibility

Germany establishes the gold mark and completes its transition from silver-based currencies.

Appointed Ambassador of Paris

Finally passes the military budget, each military budget is to last 7 years

Appointed Chair of History at the University of Berlin

Seeks to preserve relations with Russia after problems with France

Starts a war scare with France. Louis Decazes seeks support from Russia & Britain against Bismarck, war is averted. Creates tension with France whe he asks "is war in sight?" in the Berlin Post

Introduces the term cathode rays for the radiation emerging from the negative electrode in a discharge tube.

Pius dies & is replaced by the conciliatory Leo X. Falk is dismissed & most anti-Catholic laws are dismantled

Prohibition of the Socialist Party press & organisation

The SPD defends itself by conventions in London & Switzerland

Birth of Gustav Streseman, son of an innkeeper

Represents Germany at the Congress of Berlin

Opening day of the Congress of Berlin to resolve the "Eastern Question"

The Congress of Berlin redistributes back to the Ottoman Empire certain Bulgarian territories that the previous Treaty had given to the Principality of Bulgaria, most notably Macedonia.

The congress aims to revise the Treaty of San Stefano and keep Constantinople in Ottoman hands and disavow Russia's victory over the decaying Ottoman Empire in the Russo-Turkish War, 1877-78.

The congress revises or eliminates 18 of the 29 articles in the Treaty of San Stefano using as a foundation the treaties of Paris (1856) and London (1871).

The meetings are held at Chancellor Bismarck's residence, the Reichskanzlei (Chancellery), the former Radziwill Palace, from June 13, 1878 until July 13, 1878.

Opens the Congress of Berlin as host and presiding statesman for the negotiations.

The congress revisedsor eliminates 18 of the 29 articles in the Treaty of San Stefano using as a foundation the treaties of Paris (1856) and London (1871)

Presides over agreement allowing Austria-Hungary to occupy and administer Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Helps secure a compromise that replaces the large San Stefano Bulgaria with a smaller autonomous principality.

Closing day of the Congress of Berlin

Uses the congress to revise San Stefano while trying to prevent a wider conflict between Russia and Britain.

Presents Germany as an intermediary between the competing Russian, British, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman interests.

Presides over the settlement that recognizes Romanian, Serbian and Montenegrin independence, reduces Bulgaria from the San Stefano settlement, and transfers southern Bessarabia to Russia.

Signs the final Treaty of Berlin after a month of negotiations among the Great Powers.

Death of Albrecht von Roon

Opposes Bismarck's tariffs & forms the Liberal Union with National Liberals

Marries Princess Augusta Victoria of Schleswig-Holstein-Sonderburg-Augustenburg

The Septennat Law financing the Army for 7 years is passed through the Reichstag

Says the Emperor is the real Minister President of Prussia

Passes a Royal Edict proclaiming the Emperors responsibility for Government policy

Informs the Landtag that the First Minister will be the servant of the King-Emperor

Birth of Eitel Frederick, 2nd eldest son of William II

Passes the Sickness Insurance Law

Passes the Sickness Insurance Law

Passes the Sickness Insurance Law

Passes the Accident Insurance Law

Passes the Accident Insurance Law

At the Conference of Berlin Britain recognizes Germany's claims to the Cameroons

Athe the Conference of Berlin Britain recognizes Germany's claims to the New Guinea

Germany agrees to support Britains claims in Nigeria, against the French

Convenes the Berlin Conference, where European powers discuss navigation and trade rules for the Congo basin.

Appointed Deputy Secretary of State

The Reichstag turns down Bismarks proposals to increase military spending. Dissolves the Reichstag after failing to raise the budget. Calls up reserves & announces a war loan to rally patriotic voters at the election. Asks the Reichstag to increase the military budget after the end of the Dreikaiserbund

Calls up reserves & announces a war loan to rally patriotic voters at the election

Dissolves the Reichstag after it refuses his increases to the military budget

Fourth eldest son of William II

Passes a Septennial Act increasing the military budget. Creates ne taxes for liquor & sugar & increasing taxes on grains

Agreed between powers maintaining the status quo in the Mediterranean against Turkey

Birth of Oscar, 5th eldest son of William II

Says to the Reichstag, "We Germans fear God & nothing else on Earth". Introduces a measure to increase the army reserve to 3 1/4 of a million

Succeeds as German Emperor and King of Prussia.

Dies in Berlin age 90 & succeeded by his 57 year old son Friedrich Wilhelm

Succeeds after the death of his father Frederick III.

Birth of Friedrich Fromm

Passes the Old Age & Disability Insurance Law

Marries Constantine, King of the Hellenes

Passes the Old Age & Disability Insurance Law

Receives striking miners in Berlin. Criticises coal producers & demands an end to the strike on miners terms

Birth of Joachim, 6th son of William II

Dismisses Bismarck

Proposes shortening working hours & regulating Sunday work. Attributes the rise of socialism to failure of the Government to reform

Summoned to Berlin by Wilhelm II, Caprivi is informed that he is the Kaisers intended choice should Bismarck prove resistant to Wilhelms proposed changes to the Government

Criticises Bismarck for making arrangements with the Centre without his knowledge

Urges Wihelm to dismiss Bismarck for concealing declining relations with Russia

Urges Wihelm to dismiss Bismarck for concealing declining relations with Russia

Appointed Imperial Chancellor

Forces Bismarck's resignation as Imperial Chancellor

Dismissed by William II who "drops the pilot"Benjamin Harrison was inaugurated as 23rd President

Instructed by Wihelm II to renew the Reinsurance Treaty with Russia

Under the Zanzibar Treaty the British cede the island of Heligoland to Germany in exchange for control of Zanzibar

Birth of Karl Doenitz

Appointed Ambassador of Rome

Appointed Ambassador of Italy

Appointed Imperial Chancellor of Germany

Emil and Max Skladanowsky demonstrate the Bioskop projector at the Wintergarten music hall.

Max and Emil Skladanowsky demonstrate the Bioskop projector at the Wintergarten music hall.

Begins making and exhibiting films in Berlin during the first years of German cinema.

Announces Britain intends to give the Straits to Russia & refuses to allow it

Reveals the secret Reinsurance Treaty with Russia. Attacks the Emperor for trying to sacrifice Russian friendship

Congratulates Kruger after the Jameson Raid.

Says "We do not wish to put anyone in the shade, but we demand our place in the sun"

Birth of Herbert Marcuse, son of a prosperous Jewish familly

In a speech says that Germany's future "lay on the water"

Created Count Bulow

German naval expansion reflects lessons drawn during the Boer War.

Appointed Chancellor of Germany

German naval expansion reflects lessons drawn during the Boer War.

German naval expansion reflects lessons drawn during the Boer War.

Is appointed commander of the international expeditionary force.

Birth of Georg Dertinger

The Tariff Law, increases duties particularly on imported grain from Russia

The Tariff Law, increases duties particularly on imported grain from Russia

Appointed Member of Reichstag

Dismissed after the Moroccan Crisis

Created Prince

Appointed Vice Chancellor

Death of Klara Hitler, Adolf Hitler's mother

Forces Europe to accept Austrias Annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina. Forces Europe to accept Austrias annexation of Bosnia-Herzegovina

Planck promotes and develops relativistic dynamics after Einstein and helps establish special relativity among physicists

France & Germany agree to support the independence of Morocco

France & Germany agree to support the independence of Morocco

France & Germany agree to support the independence of Morocco

Appointed Imperial Chancellor of Germany

Resigns after his tax reforms are defeated in the Reichstag

Reviews German mobilization requirements amid heightened European tension.

Directs the Prussian War Ministry during army-strength planning.

Serves as inspector responsible for German field artillery.

Studies staff duties and operational planning before the First World War.

Manages federal legislative business during the Bethmann Hollweg government.

Oversees artillery readiness, organization and professional development.

Is promoted to field marshal while already retired.

Resists foreign-policy concessions that might restrict naval development.

Continues professional staff training within the Prussian Army.

Leads the Great General Staff during the Agadir crisis.

Develops deployment arrangements for a possible European war.

The revised fairy-tale opera reaches a major German stage.

Receives promotion to grand admiral in the Imperial Navy.

Receives the army's highest rank for his long military service.

Coordinates domestic administration as vice chancellor and interior secretary.

Continues directing the fleet programme as Germany's senior naval official.

His opera Konigskinder is performed at the Berlin court opera.

Leads the General Staff section responsible for mobilization planning.

Continues advocating expansion of the German battle fleet.

Is promoted to captain after joining the Great General Staff.

Is promoted to the rank of grand admiral.

Prepares military legislation connected with the 1911 quinquennial programme.

Reaches the highest naval rank while directing imperial naval policy.

Supports international adoption of the serological method bearing his name.

Begins professional military education at the Prussian War Academy.

Continues promoting the complement-fixation test for diagnosing syphilis.

Directs government policy during negotiations with France over Morocco.

Seeks territory in equatorial Africa through diplomatic pressure.

Demands French colonial territory in the Congo region as compensation for accepting French predominance in Morocco.

Seeks colonial compensation while attempting to contain the international crisis.

Uses naval pressure to strengthen Germany's colonial bargaining position.

Approves the government's naval demonstration at Agadir.

Supports an assertive attempt to obtain colonial concessions from France.

Supports sending the gunboat Panther to Agadir.

Oversees enactment of the comprehensive Reich Insurance Code.

Consolidates major German social-insurance laws within one statutory framework.

Approves territorial gains for Kamerun while abandoning claims in Morocco.

Recognizes French predominance in Morocco in exchange for African territory.

Obtains parts of French Equatorial Africa for German Kamerun.

Accepts the agreement ending the confrontation with France.

Concludes the November settlement by which Germany accepts France's Moroccan position in exchange for territory adjoining Cameroon.

Supports the Franco-German agreement transferring parts of French Equatorial Africa to German Cameroon.

Becomes state secretary of the Imperial Colonial Office.

Assumes responsibility for Germany's overseas colonial administration.

Elected Member of Reichstag

The new Naval Law is passed by the Reichstag in order to expand the German navy

Directs Der Andere, an early German Autorenfilm.

Wins a vote of confidence after sequesting Polish lands for its peasants

Directs The Student of Prague, a landmark German silent fantasy film.

Monitors Balkan tensions after the wars.

Loses a vote of confidence in the Reichstag over the Zabern

Loses a vote of confidence in the Reichstag over the Zabern

Moves to Berlin for a senior research appointment and membership of the Prussian Academy of Sciences.

Publishes work refining the mathematical and covariance problems of his developing gravitational theory.

Ebert leads the SDP party to vote almost unanimously in favour of war appropriations, accepting that a war was a necessary patriotic, defensive measure

Ebert leads the SDP party to vote almost unanimously in favour of war appropriations, accepting that a war was a necessary patriotic, defensive measure

Appointed embassy counselor at Constantinople

Co-signs a pacifist appeal opposing wartime nationalism among European intellectuals.

With Gustav Hertz, shows that electrons transfer energy to mercury atoms in discrete amounts, confirming quantized atomic excitation.

Co-directs the first Golem film with Paul Wegener.

Asks the Tsar to spare Europe, "the most horrible war she has ever witnessed"

Proposes Germany call off her mobilization but is turned down by the General Staff

Telegrams Count Berchtold asking the Auastrians not to mobilize against Russia

Telegrams the Austrian Chief of Staff to mobilize at once against the Russians

Declares war on his cousin Tsar Nicholas II of Russia

Germany suspends the Reichsbank's obligation to redeem banknotes in gold.

Publishes experimental work with Wander de Haas linking magnetism to angular momentum.

Presents revised gravitational field equations to the Prussian Academy during his final push toward general relativity.

Presents another formulation of gravitation using a restricted coordinate condition with unit determinant.

Explains Mercury's anomalous perihelion advance using the emerging general theory of relativity.

Presents the final generally covariant gravitational field equations to the Prussian Academy.

The Party is split by Eberts opposition to the minority anti-war caucus of the SDP. Supports defending German territory, including Alsace & Lorraine, non-annexationist

Publishes a systematic presentation of the general theory of relativity and its field equations.

Serves as president of the German Physical Society during the consolidation of general relativity.

Directs Homunculus, a six-part science fiction serial.

Develops a quantum theory of radiation introducing transition probabilities later represented by Einstein coefficients.

Appointed Party Leader in the Reichstag

Predicts gravitational waves as propagating disturbances in spacetime within general relativity.

Publishes his popular introduction to special and general relativity.

Becomes founding director of the Kaiser Wilhelm Institute for Physics.

Helps draft the Reichstag Peace Resolution

Applies general relativity to the universe and introduces the cosmological constant in a static cosmological model.

Formulates stimulated emission in his quantum theory of radiation, a principle later fundamental to lasers.

Introduces the Peace Resolution to the Reichstag which is passed. Carries a resolution favoring peace free from annexations

Introduces the Peace Resolution to the Reichstag which is passed

Carries a resolution favoring peace free from annexations

The passage of the Peace Resolution by an alliance of the Social Democratic, Progressive, and Center parties, forces his resignation and replacement by the political nonentity Georg Michaelis

Appointed Foreign Minister

Calls for the dismissal of the Chancellor, Georg Michaelis

Appointed Chancellor of Germany

Universum Film AG is founded, creating a major German studio structure.

Assassinated while a member of the ruling Council of Peoples Representatives

Assassinated & a communist revolt suppressed, Bavaria joins the Weimar Republic

Appointed Member of Council of Peoples Representatives

Appointed Member of Council of Peoples Representatives

Assassinated while a member of the ruling Council of Peoples Representatives

Death of Kurt Eisner, assassinated

Refines gravitational-wave theory and derives the quadrupole form for radiated energy.

Puts down the rebellion of Spartacists

Directs The Eyes of the Mummy Ma, starring Pola Negri.

The new model Reichswehr armed forces, limited by the Treaty of Versailles to 100,000 army soldiers and 15,000 seamen, remains fully under the control of the German officer class despite its nominal re-organisation

Martial Law is declared in Berlin

The Weimar Republic is adopted. The plan to transform Germany into a constitutional monarchy similar to Britain quickly becomes obsolete as the country slid into a state of near-total chaos. The 1871 constitution is amended to make the Reich a Parliamentary democracy, which the Government had refused for half a century, the Chancellor is henceforth responsible to Parliament, the Reichstag, and no longer to the Kaiser

The Weimar Republic is adopted. The 1871 constitution is amended to make the Reich a Parliamentary democracy, which the Government had refused for half a century, the Chancellor is henceforth responsible to Parliament, the Reichstag, and no longer to the Kaiser

Resigns as Chancellor at the request of the German Generals

Appointed Chancellor of Germany in October 1918 in order to negotiate an armistice with the allies in the last days of the war

Appointed Chancellor of Germany in October 1918 in order to negotiate an armistice with the allies in the last days of the war

Appoints a Government that for the first time included representatives of the Social Democrats, Friedrich Ebert and Philipp Scheidemann. Appointed Chancellor of Germany in October 1918 in order to negotiate an armistice with the allies in the last days of the war

Germany requests an armistice

The Reichstag votes for equal suffrage

Woodrow Wilson says military rulers & autocratic monarchs are an obstacle to peace

The Kaiser signs amended constitution

Rebellion breaks out when the military command, without consultation with the Government, orders the German High Seas Fleet to sortie

The crews of two ships in Wilhelmshaven mutiny, when the military arrest about 1,000 seamen and have them transported to Kiel, the Wilhelmshaven mutiny turns into a general rebellion that quickly swept over most of Germany

Ebert leads the new Government for the next several months, notably using the army under support of Minister of Defence Gustav Noske to suppress the Spartacist uprising, commonly identified with Rosa Luxemburg and Karl Liebknecht

Uprising led by the Communist Party of Germany, KPD

Uprising led by the Communist Party of Germany, KPD

Uprising led by the Communist Party of Germany, KPD

The first day of the General Strike in Berlin

The first day of the General Strike in Berlin

supporter of the monarchy until the abdication of the Kaiser ("If the Kaiser abdicates, the social revolution is inevitable. But I do not want it, I hate it like sin", he says to Max von Baden

supporter of the monarchy until the abdication of the Kaiser ("If the Kaiser abdicates, the social revolution is inevitable. But I do not want it, I hate it like sin", he says to Max von Baden

In a legally questionable act, Reichskanzler Prince Max of Baden transfers his powers to Friedrich Ebert, leader of the MSPD, who, shattered by the monarchys fall, reluctantly accepts. Bavaria is declared a republic

The Demobilization office is setup

The Red flag is raised over the Imperial Palace in Berlin. In a legally questionable act, Reichskanzler Prince Max of Baden transfers his powers to Friedrich Ebert, leader of the MSPD, who, shattered by the monarchys fall, reluctantly accepts

The Red flag is raised over the Imperial Palace in Berlin

The revolution had reaches Munich, causing King Ludwig III of Bavaria to flee

In a legally questionable act, Reichskanzler Prince Max of Baden transfers his powers to Friedrich Ebert, leader of the MSPD, who, shattered by the monarchys fall, reluctantly accepts

Helps persuade the Kaiser to abdicate

Announces the Kaiser has abdicated

Maximilian announces the abdication without the Kaisers consent.

Maximilian, realizing that the Kaiser would not be able to retain his throne, urges him to abdicate in time to save the monarchy itself, but the Kaiser refuses to agree.

The Kaiser abdicates.

Wilhelm II refuses to abdicate, Prince Max of Baden simply announces that he had done so and frantically attempts to establish a regency under another member of the House of Hohenzollern.

Begins preparations for drawing up an armistice with the Allies

Appointed Head of the Provisional Government. Appointed Chancellor of Germany, accepts Max von Badens offer

Begins preparations for elections to the new National Constitutional Assembly

In a legally questionable act, Reichskanzler Prince Max of Baden transfers his powers to Friedrich Ebert, leader of the MSPD, who, shattered by the monarchys fall, reluctantly accepts. Ebert continues to serve as Head of Government during the three months between the end of the German Empire in November 1918 and the first gathering of the National Assembly in February 1919, but did not use the title of Chancellor

Opposes Scheidemanns declaration of a republic, wants a constitutional monarchy

A Soviet republic was proclaimed, at the Berliner Stadtschloss by a left-wing radical named Karl Liebknecht

Resigns in favour of Ebert, followed by the proclamation of the German Republic

Proclaims the new "Free German Republic" without any Party or Government authorization

The Weimar Republic is proclaimed by Philipp Scheidemann at the Reichstag building in Berlin, to the fury of the Reichskanzler, who still hoped to preserve the monarchy. Scheidemann, concerned in the face of a possible workers revolution in Berlin, proclaims the Republic from a balcony in the Reichstag building, without consulting any of his colleagues

Begins preparations for elections to the new National Constitutional Assembly

Proclaims the new "Free German Republic" without any Party or Government authorization

Ebert continues to serve as Head of Government during the three months between the end of the German Empire in November 1918 and the first gathering of the National Assembly in February 1919, but did not use the title of Chancellor

Appointed Head of the Provisional Government

Wilhelm II refuses to abdicate, Prince Max of Baden simply announces that he had done so and frantically attempts to establish a regency under another member of the House of Hohenzollern

Ebert, supported by the "Majority" Socialists, forces von Baden to resign. Asked by Hindenburg to arrange an armistice but saved the indignity

Resigns in favour of Ebert, followed by the proclamation of the German Republic

In a legally questionable act, Reichskanzler Prince Max of Baden transfers his powers to Friedrich Ebert, leader of the MSPD, who, shattered by the monarchys fall, reluctantly accepts

In a legally questionable act, Reichskanzler Prince Max of Baden transfers his powers to Friedrich Ebert, leader of the MSPD, who, shattered by the monarchys fall, reluctantly accepts

A Soviet republic was proclaimed, at the Berliner Stadtschloss by a left-wing radical named Karl Liebknecht

Wilhelm II refuses to abdicate, Prince Max of Baden simply announces that he had done so and frantically attempts to establish a regency under another member of the House of Hohenzollern

The Weimar Republic is proclaimed by Philipp Scheidemann at the Reichstag building in Berlin, to the fury of the Reichskanzler, who still hoped to preserve the monarchy

The Weimar Republic is proclaimed by Philipp Scheidemann at the Reichstag building in Berlin, to the fury of the Reichskanzler, who still hoped to preserve the monarchy

Liebknechts proclamation ends the German Monarchy and an entirely Socialist provisional Government took power under Eberts leadership. Ebert favoured retaining the monarchy under a different ruler but Scheidemann proclaimes the German Republic, in response to the unrest in Berlin and in order to counter a declaration of the "Free Socialist Republic" by Karl Liebknecht. Calls for a National Constitutional Assembly

Liebknechts proclamation ends the German Monarchy and an entirely Socialist provisional Government took power under Eberts leadership

Appointed Member of Ruling Council, Nov 1918 to Feb 1919

Proclaims the aims of the new German regime

The National Conference of Spartacists is held in Berlin

The National Conference of Spartacists is held in Berlin

Appointed Chancellor of Germany

A President can invoke article 48 to suspend civil rights & assume dictatorial power

Votes against the constitution of the Weimar Republic

The state will consist of the Reichstag, elected Parliament & Reichsrat. Germany is to be headed by a popularly elected President. Drafts the new German Constitution. A President can invoke article 48 to suspend civil rights & assume dictatorial power

Directs the silent film Die Frau mit den Orchideen.

Becomes internationally famous after eclipse observations are widely reported as confirming general relativity.

Directs Madame Dubarry, released internationally as Passion.

Appointed first Secretary to the President of the Weimar Republic

Votes against the constitution of the Weimar Republic.

A General strike & communist uprising takes place in Berlin

A General strike & communist uprising takes place in Berlin

Murdered while under arrest

Murdered while under arrest

Death of Karl Liebknecht, murdered while under arrest

Murdered while under arrest

Scheidemann becomes Chancellor, in the Weimar Coalition with the German Democratic Party and the Catholic Center Party. Appointed Chancellor of Germany

1st Chancellor of the new Republic

Appointed Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister

Appointed Commander in Chief

Directs Different from the Others, an early film addressing homosexuality.

Scheidemann resignes along with the DDP owing to disagreement with the Treaty of Versailles

Scheidemann resignes along with the DDP owing to disagreement with the Treaty of Versailles

Resigns rather than sign the Treaty of Versailles

Says "may the hand wither that signs such a Treaty". Resigns rather than sign the Treaty of Versailles

Directs the silent comedy The Oyster Princess.

Germany loses direct administration of the Saar under Versailles.

The Treaty of Versailles is ratified by Germany

In the event of a serious threat to public safety or Reich security, the President can take measures - including the use of armed force - to restore law and order, and can suspend civil rights if necessary

In the event of a serious threat to public safety or Reich security, the President can take measures - including the use of armed force - to restore law and order, and can suspend civil rights if necessary

The Weimar constitution is accepted by the National Assembly & signed by the President. The Republics first Reichspresident ("Reich President"), Friedrich Ebert of the SPD, signs the new German constitution into law.

The fundamental tenet of the Weimar Constitution is that Germany will be a republic on the Parliamentary model with a Parliament elected using proportional representation, universal suffrage is established, with a minimum voting age of 20.

The Weimar constitution is accepted by the National Assembly & signed by the President

The fundamental tenet of the Weimar Constitution is that Germany will be a republic on the Parliamentary model with a Parliament elected using proportional representation, universal suffrage is established, with a minimum voting age of 20

The fundamental tenet of the Weimar Constitution is that Germany will be a republic on the Parliamentary model with a Parliament elected using proportional representation, universal suffrage is established, with a minimum voting age of 20

The fundamental tenet of the Weimar Constitution is that Germany will be a republic on the Parliamentary model with a Parliament elected using proportional representation, universal suffrage is established, with a minimum voting age of 20

The Republics first Reichspresident ("Reich President"), Friedrich Ebert of the SPD, signs the new German constitution into law. In the event of a serious threat to public safety or Reich security, the President can take measures - including the use of armed force - to restore law and order, and can suspend civil rights if necessary

Publicly confronts organized attacks on relativity amid growing political and antisemitic hostility.

Acts as Bavaria's plenipotentiary to the Reichsrat while serving as minister president.

Appointed Chancellor of Germany

The Government orders Ludendorf & Kapp to disband 2 Freikorps regiments. Luttwitz orders a march on Berlin. Kapp Putsch, General von Luttwitz & Kapp plan to overthrow the Republican Government

Resigns after the Kapp Putsch

Forced to resign after accusations of financial misdealing

Directs Der Januskopf, an unauthorized adaptation of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.

The Treaty of Versailles comes into effect

Directs The Cabinet of Dr Caligari, a landmark of German Expressionist cinema.

The Kapp Putsch involves a group of Freikorps troops who gained control of Berlin and installed Wolfgang Kapp (a right-wing journalist) as Chancellor

The Government of the National Association is formed headed by Kapp & Luttwitz. Seeckt refuses to defend Berlin & prevents the army firing during the Kapp Putsch. Leads a royalist coup in Berlin

Informs Noske the army will not fire on the free corps, Noske resigns

Informs Noske the army will not fire on the free corps, Noske resigns

The national Government moves to Stuttgart and calls for a general strike, the strike cripples Germany's economy and the Kapp Government collapses

The national Government moves to Stuttgart and calls for a general strike, the strike cripples Germany's economy and the Kapp Government collapses

The national Government moves to Stuttgart and calls for a general strike, the strike cripples Germany's economy and the Kapp Government collapses

The national Government moves to Stuttgart and calls for a general strike, the strike cripples Germany's economy and the Kapp Government collapses

The national Government moves to Stuttgart and calls for a general strike, the strike cripples Germany's economy and the Kapp Government collapses

The national Government moves to Stuttgart and calls for a general strike, the strike cripples Germany's economy and the Kapp Government collapses

Assassinated by rightist extremists, a symbol of "defeatism"

Death of Mathias Erxberger, assassinated

Co-directs The Golem: How He Came into the World.

Co-directs and stars in The Golem: How He Came into the World.

Appointed Chancellor of Germany, 1st term

Appointed Chancellor of Germany, 2nd term

Appointed Deputy in the Reichstag

Appointed Deputy of the Prussian Landtag

Awarded the 1921 Nobel Prize in Physics for theoretical physics, especially the law of the photoelectric effect.

Discovers an unexpected minimum in the scattering of low-energy electrons by noble-gas atoms, revealing their wave behaviour.

Directs Scherben, an influential Kammerspielfilm.

Writes the screenplay for Das indische Grabmal, directed by Joe May.

Directs Der mude Tod, released in English as Destiny.

Germany loses part of Upper Silesia after League arbitration.

Appointed Chancellor of Germany, 2nd term, Joseph Wirth (Center) forms 2nd cabinet

Serves as Defence Minister throughout 1922, responsible for civilian political oversight of the Reichswehr.

Leads the nationalist DNVP, a major parliamentary opponent of the Weimar coalition and republican protection measures.

Begins sustained attempts to combine gravitation and electromagnetism within a single field framework.

Serves as Economics Minister during the 1922 reparations and currency crisis.

Serves as Interior Minister in Wirth's government, handling domestic security and republican administration.

Serves as Justice Minister during the political-violence crisis and the passage of republic-protection legislation.

Continues as Labour Minister through both the Wirth and Cuno governments during 1922.

Serves as Postal Minister in Wirth's cabinet until the November government change.

Serves as President of the Reichstag during a year marked by political murder, emergency legislation and coalition instability.

Heads the office of Reich President Ebert and coordinates presidential business during the political crises of 1922.

Takes over the publishing house of the Eher Verlag

Directs Prussian internal security and policing during a period of political extremism and republican self-defence.

Heads the democratic Prussian government, an important institutional supporter of the Weimar Republic.

Serves as State Secretary of the Reich Chancellery under Joseph Wirth until the November change of government.

Serves as Chief of the Army Command, exercising major influence over the Reichswehr during the Weimar Republic.

Co-leads the SPD during its participation in Wirth's coalition and its return to opposition in November.

Co-leads the Social Democratic Party during the 1922 coalition disputes and reunification with most of the USPD.

Serves as Transport Minister throughout 1922 and remains in office when Cuno forms his cabinet.

Serves throughout most of 1922 as Vice Chancellor and Treasury Minister in Wirth's second cabinet.

Receives the Italian invitation for Germany to attend the international economic and financial conference planned for Genoa.

Is appointed Foreign Minister in Joseph Wirth's government.

Uses Article 48 powers to prohibit a planned strike by the national union representing railway civil servants and trainees.

Wins a Reichstag confidence vote by 220 votes to 185 after controversy over the government's handling of the railway strike.

Directs Nosferatu, one of the central works of German silent horror.

Addresses the Reichstag Main Committee, arguing that reparations remain the central problem of German foreign policy.

Takes office as Reich Finance Minister during worsening budgetary pressure, reparations obligations and currency weakness.

Addresses the Reichstag on reparations and German foreign policy shortly before the Genoa Conference.

Secures Reichstag approval of the emergency budget for 1922 while deputies debate Allied reparations demands.

Joins Wirth's cabinet as Minister for Food and Agriculture after Andreas Hermes moves to the Finance Ministry.

Meets Wirth and senior ministers to review Germany's agenda and negotiating position for the forthcoming Genoa Conference.

His government publishes documents explaining German reparations policy from May 1921 through March 1922.

Premiere of Dr Mabuse, der Spieler in Berlin.

Serves as Foreign Minister when Germany ratifies an agreement simplifying rail traffic through the Polish Corridor.

Speaks before the German Society of 1914 about foreign policy, national reconstruction and Germany's international position.

Addresses the Reichstag on foreign policy three days before his assassination.

Is assassinated by members of the right-wing Organisation Consul while travelling from his Grunewald home to the Foreign Office.

Addresses the Reichstag after Rathenau's murder and condemns the political forces encouraging anti-republican violence.

Presides over an angry Reichstag session after Rathenau's murder and repeatedly calls deputies to maintain parliamentary order.

Temporarily takes responsibility for the Foreign Office after Rathenau's assassination.

As Justice Minister, helps prepare legislation converting emergency anti-extremist measures into a permanent Law for the Protection of the Republic.

Issues emergency measures under Article 48 against anti-republican organizations, propaganda and political violence following Rathenau's assassination.

Confronts a sharp fall in the mark as confidence weakens after Rathenau's assassination and reparations uncertainty intensifies.

Sees the Reichsrat approve the government's revised protection legislation before the bill moves to the Reichstag.

Sees the Reichstag pass the Republic Protection Law with the two-thirds majority required for its exceptional constitutional provisions.

His government secures the Law for the Protection of the Republic after Rathenau's murder and a wider campaign of political violence.

Promulgates the Law for the Protection of the Republic, strengthening penalties and powers against anti-republican organizations.

Oversees transport policy as legislation implements the transfer of state railways into the national railway system.

Publishes guidance encouraging schools and universities to support civic education in the democratic republican state.

Declares the Deutschlandlied Germany's national anthem during Constitution Day celebrations.

Supports extending Friedrich Ebert's presidential term until June 1925 rather than holding a divisive election amid political instability.

His presidential term is extended until June 1925, postponing a direct presidential election during a period of political tension.

Directs Phantom.

Conducts consultations during the coalition crisis that follows the SPD refusal to join a broader government with the DVP.

Leads an SPD opposed to enlarging the governing coalition by admitting the DVP, contributing to the collapse of Wirth's cabinet.

Becomes Chancellor and forms a bourgeois minority cabinet including DDP, DVP, Centre and BVP ministers.

Remains Defence Minister under Cuno, preserving continuity in civilian oversight of the Reichswehr.

Becomes Economics Minister in Cuno's minority government.

Remains Finance Minister when Wilhelm Cuno forms his cabinet, maintaining continuity during the currency and reparations crisis.

Joins Cuno's cabinet as Foreign Minister, taking responsibility for diplomacy during the reparations crisis.

Becomes Interior Minister in the new Cuno government.

Becomes Justice Minister in Cuno's cabinet.

Remains Labour Minister under Cuno, continuing one of the longest ministerial tenures of the Weimar Republic.

Becomes Postal Minister in the Cuno cabinet.

Becomes State Secretary of the Reich Chancellery when Wilhelm Cuno forms his government.

Leaves office after the coalition crisis and the formation of Wilhelm Cuno's minority government.

Remains Transport Minister when the Cuno government takes office.

Joins Cuno's government as Treasury Minister during the worsening fiscal crisis.

Presents his government's program and adopts the previous cabinet's reparations note as the basis of policy.

Adopts the previous government's request for a three-to-four-year reparations moratorium while seeking foreign credit and currency stabilization.

Enters the Cuno cabinet as Minister for Food and Agriculture.

Meets the minister-presidents of the German states as his new government coordinates national policy.

Addresses the Provisional Reich Economic Council as the government seeks support for stabilization and reparations policy.

His government reviews a detailed memorandum on Germany's deteriorating economic position near the end of 1922.

Faces a Reparation Commission finding that Germany has failed to make required deliveries to France.

Directs foreign policy as the Reparation Commission declares Germany deficient in required deliveries to France.

Arrested for his part in the Munich Beer Hall putsch

Arrested for refusing to sell his farm near the Berghof for Hitler's mountain lair

Arrested for part played in the Beer Hall Putsch

Appointed Chancellor of Germany, 1st term

Suppresses the Hitler-Ludendorf led "beer hall putsch"

Serves as Chancellor of the Great Coalition during the national emergency.

Directs Sylvester, known in English as New Year's Eve.

Serves as Chancellor during the intense political and economic crisis of 1923.

Directs Schatten - Eine nachtliche Halluzination.

Is admitted to the Pour le Mérite for Sciences and Arts.

622,000 Marks to the pound sterling, halved in value in one month

Resigns due to the collapse of the German economy

Appointed Chancellor in the "Great Coalition"

Is appointed Chancellor at the head of the Great Coalition.

Declares a state of emergency while ending passive resistance.

Declares the resumption of reparations payments.

Declares resumption of reparations payments & a state of emergency. Declares an end to passive resistance in the Ruhr

Jodl begins a year of university study in Berlin as part of his continuing staff education.

Dr Gustav Stresemann (Peoples) forms 2nd cabinet

Creates a new cabinet on 6 October 1923.

Forms his second cabinet in October 1923.

A Rhineland Republic supported by Belgium & France is declared at Aachen

Dr Hjalmar Horace Greeley Schacht is named Reichswaehrungskommissar

The Rentenmark is introduced at one trillion paper marks, stabilising the currency without gold convertibility.

One Rentenmark equals one trillion paper marks and is valued at 4.2 Rentenmarks per United States dollar.

Is forced to resign after the Social Democrats leave the coalition.

Forced to resign after the Social Democrats leave the coalition

Leaves the chancellorship at the end of November 1923.

Dr Stresemann leaves office

Translates Satyendra Nath Bose's paper on Planck's law into German and arranges its publication.

Predicts that ideal bosonic particles can accumulate in the lowest quantum state at low temperature.

Extends Bose's statistical method from photons to particles of an ideal gas.

Directs the two-part silent epic Die Nibelungen.

Accepts election as a Foreign Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Schacht establishes the stable Reichsmark within the restored international gold-exchange system.

Germany introduces the Reichsmark with a fixed gold value after stabilisation by the Rentenmark.

Directs Michael for UFA in Germany.

Directs the expressionist anthology film Waxworks.

Directs Der letzte Mann, a landmark of moving-camera silent cinema.

Joins the administrative council of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

Engages critically with the emerging matrix and wave formulations of quantum mechanics.

Publishes further work on the quantum theory of the ideal monatomic gas.

Directs Die freudlose Gasse, known in English as The Joyless Street.

Stresemann treats improved western security and Germany's admission to the League as connected diplomatic objectives.

Germany proposes a western security pact guaranteeing its frontiers with France and Belgium as a basis for European reconciliation.

Luther's government backs the security initiative that becomes the starting point for the Locarno negotiations.

Stresemann helps frame Germany's proposal for a pact guaranteeing the western frontiers with France and Belgium.

Death of Friedrich Ebert, from the effects of an appendicitis operation

Stresemann accepts the principle of guaranteeing Germany's western frontiers while avoiding a comparable territorial guarantee in the east.

Germany favors arbitration treaties with Poland and Czechoslovakia rather than guaranteeing its eastern frontiers.

Luther's government authorizes participation in the conference intended to convert the security proposals into formal agreements.

Hindenburg reviews the Locarno settlement as the government prepares the agreements for parliamentary approval.

Directs Variete, released in English as Variety.

The Reichstag approves the Locarno treaties, allowing the German government to proceed toward ratification.

Works with Leo Szilard on safer refrigerator designs without moving mechanical parts.

Appointed Gauleiter of Berlin-Brandenburg by Hitler

Stresemann continues implementing the Locarno settlement as Germany moves toward full diplomatic rehabilitation in Western Europe.

Obtains Germany's admission into the League of Nations

Collaborates with Emil Rupp on proposed tests of whether atomic radiation behaves as waves or quanta.

Studies and discusses Schrödinger's wave mechanics while questioning its physical interpretation.

Dr Hans Luther (No party affiliation) forms 2nd cabinet

Directs Secrets of a Soul, a film influenced by psychoanalysis.

Germany and the Soviet Union sign the Treaty of Berlin, renewing the neutral relationship established after Rapallo.

Stresemann signs the Treaty of Berlin with the Soviet Union while maintaining Germany's western Locarno policy.

Dr Luther leaves office over flag dispute

Marx cabinet of the Center, BVP, DDP, DVP, 2 term

His government secures Germany's admission to the League.

Germany enters the League of Nations, the vote is unanimous

Directs Faust, one of the last major German silent fantasy films.

Wins the Nobel Peace Prize jointly with Aristide Briand.

Shares the Nobel Peace Prize with French statesman Aristide Briand.

Writes to Henry Ford asking for 200,000 Marks to fly from Europe to America, refused

The paper is founded to rally NSDAP members during the nearly two-year ban on the party in Berlin. Der Angriff is conceived as a mass circulation paper that fought the hated "System" with rude and aggressive language with antiparliamentarism and antisemitism as its self-defining themes. Der Angriff (in English "The Attack") is founded the Berlin Gau of the Nazi Party

Investigates with Jakob Grommer whether particle motion can follow directly from gravitational field equations.

Metropolis premieres in Berlin.

Appointed Chancellor of Germany, 3rd term

Der Angriff is published by the Angriff Press, its motto "For the oppressed against the exploiters"

Directs Berlin: Symphony of a Great City.

Patent work with Leo Szilard advances an absorption refrigerator using electromagnetic pumping concepts.

Signs the Kellogg-Briand Pact.

Signs the Kellog-Briand Pact

Puts Schleicher in charge of the Ministry Bureau for relations with the media

Appointed Member of Reichstag

Signs the Kellog-Briand Pact

Develops a unified-field approach using distant parallelism, also called teleparallel geometry.

Directs Spione, released in English as Spies.

Employs Helen Dukas as his secretary and assistant, beginning a long professional association.

Appointed Chancellor

Makes on open air speech in Berlin

Accepts the Young Plan

Publishes a widely publicized unified-field theory based on teleparallel geometry.

Accepts the Young Plan.

Directs Pandora's Box starring Louise Brooks.

Germany accepts the Kellogg-Briand Pact.

Germany accepts the Kellog-Briand Pact

Directs Asphalt, a late silent film of the Weimar period.

Receives the inaugural Max Planck Medal for outstanding achievement in theoretical physics.

Death of Gustav Stressman

Dies in Berlin on 3 October 1929.

Directs Diary of a Lost Girl starring Louise Brooks.

Directs Frau im Mond, an influential German science fiction film.

Passes the Finance Bill by Presidential decree, cannot win a majority in the Reichstag

Bruening is defeated & an election is called for September

Appointed Hitler's Political Agent in Berlin

The Reichstag rejects Bruenings actions in passing the finance bill. Bruening is defeated & an election is called for September

Co-directs People on Sunday, a key late-Weimar film.

resigns over unemployment insurance funding

Directs The Blue Angel, starring Marlene Dietrich and Emil Jannings.

Goering founds a mausoleum in memory of his former wife

Works with Ernst Ruska to construct an early transmission electron microscope using magnetic lenses.

Germany imposes exchange controls after its banking crisis, ending effective gold convertibility.

Adopts an expanding cosmological model and abandons the need for his earlier static-universe construction.

Demonstrates that a magnetic coil can focus an electron beam, establishing the basic lens principle of electron optics.

Goering founds a mausoleum in memory of his former wife

Removes the prohibition on Nazi enlistment. Allows Nazis to work in arsenals & supply depots

Directs the film version of The Threepenny Opera.

Directs M, his first sound film.

Appointed Chancellor of Germany

Directs Kameradschaft, a drama about Franco-German mine rescue.

Appointed Pastor of the Berlin Congregation

Tries to split the NAZIs by appointing Strasser as his Vice Chancellor

Appointed Commander of Group I in Berlin

Declares martial law ending the resistance of the left & overthrowing democracy

Demands equality of rights in disarmament negotiations.

Declares martial law ending the resistance of the left & overthrowing democracy

Jodl transfers to the Truppenamt in Berlin and works in its operations department under Ludwig Beck.

Directs Kuhle Wampe, a politically engaged Weimar film.

The emergency decrees carried fail to help the Papen plan stimulate the economy. Loses a vote of confidence in the Reichstag

The SPD-led Prussian Government in Berlin, headed by Otto Braun, is ousted by Franz von Papen, the new Chancellor, by means of a Presidential decree, proves to be a significant factor contributing to the downfall of the Weimar Republic. Otto Braun his Social Democratic Administration are deposed by Chancellor Papen

Elections yield 33.1% for the Nazis, dropping 2 million voters, Franz von Papen steps down, and is succeeded by General Kurt von Schleicher as Reichskanzler

Elections yield 33.1% for the Nazis, dropping 2 million voters, Franz von Papen steps down, and is succeeded by General Kurt von Schleicher as Reichskanzler

Schleicher hopes to attain a majority in the Reichstag by forming a so-called Querfront, meaning "cross-front," whereby he would unify Germany's fractious special interests around a non-parliamentary, authoritarian but participatory regime. Appointed Chancellor of Germany

Schleicher hopes to attain a majority in the Reichstag by forming a so-called Querfront, meaning "cross-front," whereby he would unify Germany's fractious special interests around a non-parliamentary, authoritarian but participatory regime

Appointed Ambassador of Austria

Appointed Ambassador of Russia

Founds the Austrian Legion which remains mobilized in Bavaria on the Austrian border

Dismisses all the police in Prussia who are not Nazi sympathisers

Unknown to Schleicher, Papen was holding secret meetings with both Hitler and Hindenburg, who then refused Schleichers request for emergency powers and another dissolution of the Reichstag. The President dismisses Schleicher, calling Hitler into power on 30 January 1933. Resigns when Hindenburg refuses to proclaim a national emergency & call elections

Resigns when Hindenburg refuses to proclaim a national emergency & call elections

Builds an electron microscope with magnification exceeding that of contemporary light microscopes.

Bans kosher food

Calls up SA & SS members as "police auxiliaries"

Allows Hitler to accelerate the banning of the Communist Party & confirm Nazi claims of a pending Communist revolution

Has the Marxist Press banned. Has 4,000 Communists & Social Democrats arrested

Appointed SS-Gruppenfuehrer, on the day Hitler comes to power

Appointed Vice Chancellor to Hitler

Becomes Chancellor after Hindenburg appoints him to lead a coalition cabinet with Nazi and German Nationalist ministers.

Appoints Adolf Hitler Chancellor at the head of a Nazi DNVP coalition, ending the last Weimar attempt to contain the Nazi movement through conservative cabinet politics.

Represents the German Nationalist coalition partners in Hitler's first cabinet as Minister of Economics and Agriculture.

Receives a cabinet post and gains increasing authority in Prussia, allowing Nazi control over Germany's largest police apparatus.

Enters Hitler's first cabinet as Reich Interior Minister, giving the Nazis direct influence over internal administration and police policy.

Joins Hitler's cabinet as Vice Chancellor, believing conservative ministers can control the new Chancellor from inside the Government.

The "National Revolution" is followed by a "Lawful Revolution". The Government rules by Presidential decree as a coalition of "National accord"

Appointed Vice Chancellor

Dissolves the Reichstag & calls an election

Dissolves the Reichstag & calls an election

Der Angriff appears as the "Daily Newspaper of the German Labor Front" from the Eher Press, with Goebbels remaining publisher

Dissolves the Reichstag after Hitler requests a new election intended to strengthen the Nazi-led coalition.

Uses the new Reichstag election campaign to present the Nazi movement as the force of national renewal and anti-communist order.

Constitutional rights are suspended by decree, "to protect the German people"

Constitutional rights are suspended by decree, "to protect the German people"

Signs a decree restricting press freedom and public meetings, giving the Government more power over election campaigning.

Constitutional rights are suspended by decree, "to protect the German people"

Authorizes SA, SS and Stahlhelm members as auxiliary police in Prussia, strengthening Nazi street power before the election.

Declares a state of emergency

Launches a raid on the Communist Party HQ

Launches a raid on the Karl Liebknecht Haus

The Nazis burn down the Reichstag & blame a communist plot

Suspected of being involved because a tunnel leads from his office to the Reichstag

Leads an SA detachment from the Presidents Palace through a tunnel

Uses the Reichstag fire politically, presenting it as evidence of a communist threat to the state.

Constitutional rights are suspended by Presidential decree. After the Reichstag fire constitutional rights are suspended by Presidential decree

Allows Hitler to use emergency powers under Article 48 of the Weimar Constitution

Constitutional rights are suspended by Presidential decree

Claims van der Lubbe was a pawn in in Communist Plot to lunch a campaign of terror

Persuaded by Hitler to suspend civil liberties because of a communist threat

Signs the Reichstag Fire Decree, suspending civil liberties and permitting detention without normal constitutional protection.

Helps implement emergency powers that allow the Nazi Government to suppress communist and socialist organisations.

As a consequence of the Reichstag Fire Decree, the Communist Party of Germany KPD is banned

As a consequence of the Reichstag Fire Decree, the Communist Party of Germany KPD is banned

The NSDAP wins only 44% of the vote but are able to use it to gain total power

Directs propaganda during the Reichstag election, presenting the Nazi campaign as a defence against Marxism and national collapse.

Fails to win an outright Nazi majority, but uses coalition support and repression to move toward dictatorial authority.

Is appointed Reich Minister for Public Enlightenment and Propaganda, centralising Nazi control over political messaging, press, radio and culture.

"The day of Potsdam", Parliament is deprived of its powers

The Centre Party votes for the Enabling Law, the "legal" basis of dictatorship. Legislative power is transferred to the executive. All political parties other than the NSDAP are banned. A dictatorship in all but name is established

441 in the Reichstag vote for the Enabling Bill, only 94 against

The title of Fuhrer and Chancellor is soon understood to mean Head of State & Head of Government & given by propaganda the title of Fuhrer des deutschen Reiches und Volkes (Leader of the German Reich and People), the name the soldiers had to swear

The title of Reichspresident however was not taken by Hitler; instead, he wanted to let his title remain Fuhrer und Reichskanzler, for respect of Hindenburgs achievements as a WWI hero who became Germany's President.

to.

Supports the Centre Party line in favour of the Enabling Act after negotiations with Hitler's Government.

Presents the Enabling Act to the Reichstag as a law to remove distress from people and Reich, demanding cabinet power to legislate without Parliament.

Promises that the Government will respect the churches and states, using reassurance to win conservative and Centre Party support for the Enabling Act.

Backs the Enabling Act as Hitler's nationalist coalition partner, expecting conservative influence to remain inside the Government.

Commands SA power that intimidates political opponents during the period in which the Enabling Act is forced through.

Is unable to oppose the Enabling Act in the Reichstag because the KPD has been suppressed and he is under arrest.

Cannot vote against the Enabling Act because he is imprisoned after being accused in connection with the Reichstag fire.

Serves as Justice Minister as the Enabling Act enables laws that bypass normal constitutional and parliamentary limits.

Supports Hitler's cabinet as Labour Minister when the Enabling Act destroys parliamentary checks on legislation.

Supports the Enabling Act from inside the conservative coalition, helping give Hitler dictatorial powers through legal procedure.

Supports the Enabling Act with Catholic conservative deputies, helping provide the two-thirds majority Hitler needs.

Votes with the Centre Party for the Enabling Act, a decision later criticised as helping destroy parliamentary government.

Benefits from the emergency atmosphere surrounding the Enabling Act as SS and police power expand under Nazi rule.

Uses control of Prussian police and auxiliary forces to reinforce Nazi dominance before the Enabling Act vote.

Presides over the Reichstag session in the Kroll Opera House while SA and SS pressure surrounds the vote on the Enabling Act.

Represents the armed Nazi presence around Hitler as the Enabling Act is passed under conditions of coercion.

Promotes the Enabling Act as a national rescue measure while Nazi propaganda attacks Marxists and parliamentary opposition.

Remains in Hitler's cabinet as the Enabling Act transforms the Government into a dictatorship with legal form.

Votes with the Social Democratic deputies against the Enabling Act despite Nazi intimidation around the Reichstag session.

Leads Centre Party support for the Enabling Act after Hitler offers assurances on church rights and federal institutions.

Continues as Finance Minister while the Enabling Act transfers legislative authority from Parliament to Hitler's cabinet.

Speaks against the Enabling Act, declaring that freedom and life can be taken, but honour cannot be taken.

Votes for the Enabling Act with the German State Party after pressure and misjudgement about Nazi intentions.

Opposes the Enabling Act with the Social Democrats, rejecting the transfer of legislative power to Hitler's cabinet.

Votes for the Enabling Act with his party delegation, a decision he later regarded as a grave political mistake.

Supports the Enabling Act as Interior Minister, giving the cabinet authority to override ordinary constitutional safeguards.

Votes against the Enabling Act as part of the Social Democratic opposition to Hitler's dictatorship.

Represents the excluded communist opposition, whose deputies are absent after arrests, flight and repression following the Reichstag fire.

Nazi Germany cultivated the Fuhrerprinzip (leader principle), and Hitler was generally known as just der Fuhrer ("the Leader")

The Kroll Opera House, where the voting will be held, is surrounded by SA & SS. The Centre Party votes for the Enabling Law, the "legal" basis of dictatorship

Thw Kroll Opera House, where the voting will be held, is surrounded by SA & SS. Hitler tells Wels that his death-knell had sounded

The Reichstag convenes in the Kroll Opera House

Uses the Enabling Act after its approval to govern by cabinet law and accelerate the coordination of Germany under Nazi rule.

Signs the Enabling Act after the Reichstag vote, allowing Hitler's cabinet to enact laws without Reichstag approval.

Bishops withdraw their ban on membership of the Nazi party

The Nazi regime bans The Testament of Dr Mabuse after its release is blocked.

Oversees the first coordination law that reshapes state parliaments according to the Reichstag election result.

Goering is placed in charge of the Reich Air Ministry and the secret development of German air power

The Nazis seize Jewish bank accounts

Approves a national boycott of Jewish businesses, lawyers and doctors as an early public act of antisemitic Nazi policy.

Introduces the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service, removing Jews and political opponents from public posts.

Becomes Minister President of Prussia, consolidating Nazi control over Germany's largest state.

Creates the Gestapo in Prussia, establishing a secret police instrument for surveillance and repression.

Stages May Day as the Day of National Labour before the regime destroys the independent trade unions.

The "Joy of Victory" celebrations take place

Trades Union leaders are put in concentration camps

Dissolves the Trades Unions, their leaders are put in concentration camps

Takes a leading role as SA and police occupy trade union offices, seize funds and arrest union leaders.

Addresses the Berlin book burning, where works by Jewish, liberal, socialist and anti-Nazi writers are publicly destroyed.

Forms the German Labour Front to replace independent trade unions with a Nazi-controlled labour organisation.

Decadent books are burnt in a purge by the Nazis

Tollers books are burnt as part of a Nazi purge of decadent literature

Gives a Reichstag speech claiming Germany seeks peace while demanding equality of rights in armaments.

Policy change of the "National revolution" combining Nationalism & Socialism

Hitler visits Hindenburg where Blomberg threatens to crush the SA with the Army

Bans the Social Democratic Party, removing the last major organised parliamentary opposition to Nazi rule.

Resigns from the cabinet as the German Nationalist partners lose leverage inside the Nazi-dominated Government.

Resigns from the Government

Appointed Chief of Staff

Accepts the dissolution of the Centre Party after pressure from the Nazi regime and negotiations around the Reich Concordat.

Papen & Cardinal Pacelli sign the German concordat with Rome

The world learns of the concordat signed between Germany & the Holy See

The National Socialist German Workers Party becomes the only political party

Dismisses all members of the Cabinet who are not Nazi sympathisers

The National Socialist German Workers Party becomes the only political party

Approves the Law Against the Formation of New Parties, making the NSDAP Germany's only legal political party.

The NSDAP becomes the political party allowed in Germany

A law is passed "for the prevention of the propogation of hereditary illness"

Sponsors hereditary health legislation authorising compulsory sterilisation under Nazi racial and eugenic policy.

The Catholic Church agrees not to become involved in Germany if Catholicism is allowed

The concordat is formally signed

Directs SOS Eisberg, a German adventure film shot in Greenland.

Establishes the Reich Chamber of Culture to control writers, artists, musicians, theatre, press, radio and film.

Promotes the Reich Hereditary Farm Law, tying Nazi rural policy to race, landholding and peasant ideology.

Jodl is promoted to Lieutenant Colonel while serving in the Truppenamt.

Withdraws Germany from disarmament talks and the League.

Announces Germany's withdrawal from the League of Nations and the Geneva Disarmament Conference.

Germany leaves the League of Nations, because it cannot fully rearm

Advises Hitler to withdraw from the League of Nations

Handles the diplomatic consequences as Germany leaves the League of Nations and the disarmament negotiations.

Holds a one-party Reichstag election and referendum after opposition parties have been destroyed or forced to dissolve.

Directs propaganda for the referendum endorsing withdrawal from the League of Nations and the one-party Reichstag election.

Consolidates his control of the Prussian police apparatus after months of emergency arrests and political repression.

The NSDAP becomes the party of the state

Approves the law declaring the Nazi Party and state inseparable, formalising one-party rule after the destruction of opposition.

Gains institutional importance as the Law to Secure the Unity of Party and State binds the NSDAP to the German state.

Appointed head architect of the Nazi Government

Appointed head architect of the Nazi Government

Orders the Army to increase its strength from 100,000 to 300,000 by October 1 1934

Appointed Commander of the Prussian Secret Police

"Anti-social members of society into useful members by the most humane means possible"

Abolishes the title & office of the President

Appointed Department Chief on Rudolf Hess Staff

Announces to a Daily Mail reporter that "war will not come again"

Germany leaves the League of Nations

97% of all teachers are enrolled in the NS-Lehrerbund

The Reichstag retrospectively makes the plot both "legal & statesmanlike"

The Reichstag retrospectively makes the plot both "legal & statesmanlike"

Hitler makes Rohm sign an agreement with Blomber restricting the activity of the SA

The Council of the League of Nations places on its agenda the Saarland Plebiscite. Hitler's position as President of Germany is confirmed by a plebiscite of 88%

Hitler makes Rohm sign an agreement with Blomber restricting the activity of the SA

Hitler makes Rohm sign an agreement with Blomber restricting the activity of the SA

Begins uranium neutron research with Hahn and Strassmann.

Investigates neutron-bombarded uranium with Meitner and Strassmann.

Desgns the Zeppelintribune, the Nuremberg parade grounds seen in Leni Riefenstahls propaganda film

Desgns the Zeppelintribune, the Nuremberg parade grounds seen in Leni Riefenstahls propaganda film

Sterilization measures come into effect to prevent hereditary illness

Signs a pact of non-aggression with Poland

Hitler makes Rohm sign an agreement with Blomber restricting the activity of ths SA

Hitler makes Rohm sign an agreement with Blomber restricting activity of the SA

Hitler makes Rohm sign an agreement with Blomber restricting the activity of ths SA

Hitler makes Rohm sign an agreement with Blomber restricting activity of the SA

Himmler has control over the SS, Gestapo (political police) & SD (secret police). Goering hands over the Gestapo to Himmler

Goering hands over the Gestapo to Himmler

Hitler has a meeting with Rohm for 5 hrs & warns him not to start a 2nd revolution

Hitler meets Rohm, the SA is asked to take 1 months leave. Hitler has a meeting with Rohm for 5 hrs & warns him not to start a 2nd revolution

Hitler has a meeting with Rohm, the SA has to take 1 months leave

Promises General Blomber that he will suppress the SA leadership. Meets with Lutze & declares that the SA must go

Meets with Lutze & declares that the SA must go

Meets with Lutze & declares that the SA must go

Assassinated during the Night of the Long Knives

Assassinated during the Night of the Long Knives

Gives the codeword, "Kolibri" & triggers off a massacre in Berlin. Assassinations against the SA & ideas of Ernst Roehm who wants a Socialist revolution

Assassinations against the SA & ideas of Ernst Roehm who wants a Socialist revolution

Plays a leading part in eliminating many leaders of the SA who are a threat to Hitler

Executed by a group of Nazis

A group of Nazis attempt to kill Papen but he persuades them not to

Executed by a group of Nazis

Goering & Himmler organize the arrest of the SA in Berlin

Has a list of those who are executed. Goering & Himmler organize the arrest of the SA in Berlin

Executed by one of Goerings death squads in Berlin

More than 150 SA leaders are arrested & executed

Assassinated during the Night of the Long Knives

Death of Erich Klausener, assassinated

Hitler instructs Wilhelm Frick to draft a law making the killings legal. Defends his actions in the Reichstag which "belonged to a higher justice". Defends himself in the Reichstag as "the Supreme Justiciar of the German People". Announces Rohm, von Schleicher & Gregor Strasser plotted against the Reich

Assassinated during the Night of the Long Knives

Hitler instructs Wilhelm Frick to draft a law making the killings legal

Broadcasts to the nation announcing the merger of the offices of Fuhrer & President

Appoints himself as President of Germany after the death of President von Hindenburg

Broadcasts to the nation announcing the merger of the offices of Fuhrer & President

After Reichspresident Paul von Hindenburg dies, personally orders all soldiers in the army to pledge the Reichswehreid Oath of allegiance not to Volk and Fatherland, but to the new Reichspresident and Fuhrer Adolf Hitler

After Reichspresident Paul von Hindenburg dies, personally orders all soldiers in the army to pledge the Reichswehreid Oath of allegiance not to Volk and Fatherland, but to the new Reichspresident and Fuhrer Adolf Hitler

The armed forces swear an oath of allegiance to the "Fuhrer & Chancellor Adolf Hitler"

After Reichspresident Paul von Hindenburg dies, personally orders all soldiers in the army to pledge the Reichswehreid Oath of allegiance not to Volk and Fatherland, but to the new Reichspresident and Fuhrer Adolf Hitler

After Reichspresident Paul von Hindenburg dies, personally orders all soldiers in the army to pledge the Reichswehreid Oath of allegiance not to Volk and Fatherland, but to the new Reichspresident and Fuhrer Adolf Hitler

After Reichspresident Paul von Hindenburg dies, personally orders all soldiers in the army to pledge the Reichswehreid Oath of allegiance not to Volk and Fatherland, but to the new Reichspresident and Fuhrer Adolf Hitler

On the death of Hindenburg proclaims himself Fuhrer, a position created by himself

Issues a decree compelling all workers have to join the Deutsche Arbeits Front

Appointed Ambassador General

Appointed Commander in Chief of the Airforce

When conscription is reintroduced Hitler had himself promoted to the new title Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht (Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces)

Law for the Protection of German Blood & Honour. Decrees full "racial purity" by forbidding mixed blood co-habitation

Marries Emmy Sonnemann, an actress, 2nd wife

Develops high-frequency techniques used in German radar work.

When conscription is reintroduced Hitler had himself promoted to the new title Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht (Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces)

"the most murderous legislative instrument known to European history"

When conscription is reintroduced Hitler had himself promoted to the new title Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht (Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces)

Negotiates the Anglo-German Naval Treaty

When conscription is reintroduced Hitler had himself promoted to the new title Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht (Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces)

When conscription is reintroduced Hitler had himself promoted to the new title Oberster Befehlshaber der Wehrmacht (Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces)

Hitler restores conscription. Announces the peace time strength of the German army will be 1/2 million

Hitler restores conscription

Hitler restores conscription. Founds the Ministry of Church Affairs

The Allies are informed about the existence of a German airforce

The Allies are informed about the existence of a German airforce

The existence of the German Luftwaffe is publicly revealed

The Nazis decree compulsory military service in defiance of the Treaty of Versailles. Announces expansion of the Army to 36 Divs. Announces abrogation of the Treaty of Versailles

The Nazis decree compulsory military service in defiance of the Treaty of Versailles

The Nazis decree compulsory military service in defiance of the Treaty of Versailles

German rearmament challenges League and Versailles authority.

Meets Eden to discuss the London Communique issued by Britain & France

Hitler rejects a proposed Eastern Pact and favors separate agreements rather than an eastern extension of the Locarno system.

Releases Triumph of the Will, a major Nazi propaganda film.

A Jewish tenant can be evicted if an alternate lodging is available

Prepared to restrict the tonnage of the German Navy to 35% of the British

Agrees to restrict the fleet to 35% of the Royal Navys & to parity in submarines

Men aged between 19 & 25 are conscripted for 6 months, prior to military service

The Reichsarbeitsdienst law is passed

Placed in charge of enforcing the Reichsarbeitsdienst law

Jodl takes charge of the new National Defence Section under the Reich War Ministry.

Jodl is promoted to Colonel while serving in the Reich War Ministry.

Can claim that unemployment had fallen from 6 million to 1 million

Announces the 1st of the Nuremberg Laws

Creates Reichsburger of "pure German blood"

Jews lose legal equality as Germany is divided into "subjects"& "citizens"

The Reichstag passes further anti-Semitic & Nuremberg laws. Jews are stripped of German citzenship

Jews lose legal equality as Germany is divided into "subjects"& "citizens"

Jews are issued with new passports identified with the letter J

Orders abortion if either partner suffers from hereditary disease

Orders abortion if either partner suffers from hereditary disease

17,000 Polish Jews are expelled

The Condor Legion is used to test weapons during the Spanish Civil War. Forms the Condor Legion which transports troops from Morocco

Invents the field emission microscope, using electrons emitted from a sharp metal tip to image surface structure.

Introduces Hitler to Dr Morell

Cures Hitler of a leg rash, from that moment becomes Hitler's most trusted physician

Jodl develops inter-service planning within the National Defence Section as German rearmament accelerates.

The German government notifies the Locarno powers that it considers the treaty no longer binding.

Hitler declares Germany no longer bound by the Locarno Treaty while restoring German military control in the Rhineland.

Neurath supports the Rhineland move and expects that France will not answer the German action with military force.

Remilitarises the Rhineland despite League-era security commitments

Hitler announces restored German sovereignty in the demilitarized Rhineland while repudiating the Locarno system.

A Nazi May Day rally is held in Berlin merged with an ancient Spring festival

A Nazi May Day rally is held in Berlin merged with an ancient Spring festival

Germany confirms Austrias sovereignty & promises not to interfere in internal affairs

Confirms Austrias sovereignty & promises not to interfere in its internal affairs

Confirms Austrias sovereignty & promises not to interfere in its internal affairs

Germany hosts the Olympics, the most ceremonial up to that time

Commissioned by Hitler to film the Olympic games, called Olymia & completed 1 yr later

Directs the 4 year economic plan in preparation for War

Hitler announces the 2nd 4 Year Plan with Goring as plenipotentiary. Directs the 4 year economic plan in preparation for War

All Jewish passports must be stamped with the letter "J"

Signs a secret protocol with Ciano outlining a common policy for Germany & Italy

The Anti-Comintern Pact was an anti-communist pact concluded between Nazi Germany and the Empire of Japan (later to be joined by other, mainly fascist, Governments) on November 25, 1936 and was directed against the 3rd (Communist) International

Directed to make plans to rebuild Berlin, which was to become the capital of a "Greater Germany"

Directed to make plans to rebuild Berlin, which was to become the capital of a "Greater Germany"

Presides over the first four year plan

Founds the Hermann Goering Reichswerke, the biggest industrial enterprise in Europe

Builds a scanning electron microscope in which a finely focused electron beam is rastered across a specimen.

Proclaims to the Reichstag Germany's withdrawal from the Treaty of Versailles

Hitler publicly repeats an assurance of neutrality and territorial inviolability for Belgium and the Netherlands.

Hitler says Germany is prepared to recognize and guarantee the inviolability and neutrality of Belgium and the Netherlands.

After repudiating Locarno in 1936, Hitler presents bilateral neutrality guarantees as an alternative western security policy.

Hitler uses a Reichstag speech to offer neutrality guarantees to Belgium and the Netherlands after Locarno's collapse.

Proclaims to the Reichstag "withdrawal of the German signature" from Versailles. Addresses the Reichstag proclaiming "withdrawal" from the Treaty of Versailles

The Condor Legion bomb rebel lines & civilian centres during the Spanish Civil War

Calls an end to the Treaty of Versailles

Hitler accepts Schachts resignation after he disagrees with Goerings policies

Hitler accepts Schachts resignation after he disagrees with Goerings policies

Witzleben is associated with senior army officers who oppose Hitler and fear the consequences of Nazi military policy

Sets up a Secret Cabinet Council, probably to impress Chamberlain, but it never meets

With Hitler's approval the CAbinet can promulgate decrees which have the status of law. The last Cabinet meeting of the 3rd Reich

Appointed Commander in Chief, Wehrmacht

Appointed Commander in Chief

Conservatives such as Blomberg, Fritsch & Neurath appointed by Hindenburg are removed

Dismissed by Hitler as Foreign Minister

Dismissed by Hitler as Ambassador of Austria

Assumes the leadership of the Ministry of War. Appoints von Ribbentrop Foreirgn Minister

Appointed Commander in Chief, Wehrmacht

Informs the Austrian Chancellor to hand control over to the Nazis. Hitler orders the Austrian Chancellor to to hand over control of his Government

Schuschigg is forced by Hitler to agree an amnesty for imprisoned Austrian Nazis

Jodl records and supports military pressure used during the crisis leading to the annexation of Austria.

Promises to support the rights of Germans not living in the Reich in the Reichstag

Decides on military occupation before Schuschnigg's plebiscite of March 13th

Makes an ultimatum to Schuschnigg forbidding his referendum on union with Germany

Jodl initials and supplements directives connected with Case Otto during the Austrian crisis.

German troops are prepared to invade Austria

Decides to issue an ultimatum to annex Bohemia & Moravia

Makes an ultimatum to Schuschnigg forbidding his referendum on union with Germany

Orders Wihelm Stuckart to Vienna to draft a law making him President of Austria

Ordered by Hitler to Vienna to organize a total anshcluss

Makes a triumphal entry into Vienna, where he had lived so long as a tramp. Chamberlain anounces in the Commons that nothing could have stopped the anshcluss

Advises the German population in Czech to demand enough to break-up the Cezh state

Releases Olympia, her two-part documentary on the 1936 Olympic Games.

The Sudeten Germans demands for autonomy is rejected by the Prague Government

"It is my unalterable intention to smash Czech by military action in the near future"

"It is my unalterable intention to smash Czech by military action in the near future"

Says he will only take action against Czech if Britain & France do not intervene

Says he will only take action against Czech if Britain & France do not intervene

Consults the Army to occupy The Netherlands & Belgium & how long it would take

Jodl participates in detailed planning connected with a possible German attack on Czechoslovakia.

Jodl discusses operational timing requirements for a manufactured incident before any planned attack on Czechoslovakia.

Pays a State visit to Mussolini in Rome

Weizsacker helped manage diplomatic communications after Chamberlain departed from Godesberg.

Weizsacker helped manage diplomatic communications after Chamberlain departed from Godesberg.

Hitler publicly repeated his territorial demands and threatened action if the Sudetenland was not transferred.

Hitler rejected Horace Wilson’s attempt to reopen negotiations on terms less severe than the memorandum.

Hitler publicly repeated his territorial demands and threatened action if the Sudetenland was not transferred.

Hitler rejected Horace Wilson’s attempt to reopen negotiations on terms less severe than the memorandum.

Hitler told a Sportpalast audience that the Sudetenland was his final territorial demand in Europe.

Hitler maintained the Godesberg demands while German military preparations continued near Czechoslovakia.

Hitler maintained the Godesberg demands while German military preparations continued near Czechoslovakia.

Troops pass before Hitler to the indifference of the Berliners, in contrast to 1914

Mussolini sends his Ambassador of agree the action Hitler wants in the Sudetenland

Hitler postponed the invasion deadline and invited Chamberlain, Daladier, and Mussolini to Munich.

After Munich, Jodl records approval of Hitler's success in neutralising Czechoslovakia without immediate war.

Agrees German-Italian arbitration to settle a frontier between Hungary & Slovakia

Assures the Slovak leader, Durcansky, that Germany will support Slovak independence

Hosts the Polish Ambassador, Jozef Lipski & demands the return of Danzig

Hosts the Polish Ambassador, Jozef Lipski & demands the return of Danzig

Orders the Gestapo to target wealthier Jews, more than 20,000 are taken into custody

Instructs the Gestapo to liaise with the police to ensure Jewish property is destroyed

At Weimar makes a speech denouncing Churchill, Eden & Cooper as warmongers

26,000 male Jews arrested

After the assassination of von Rath by a Jewish Pole Hitler provokes anti-Jewish riots

Synagogues are set on fire, cemeteries violated & Jewish buildings destroyed. 30,000 Jews are sent to concentration camps. 26,000 male Jews arrested

The US Ambassador is withdrawn from Berlin after the events of "crystal night"

Authorities arrested 22 Germans who tried to stop the violence.

German and Austrian Jews suffer 1 billion Marks of damage and forced to wear the Star of David.

Nazi leaders heard that a Jew had shot a German diplomat in Paris and ordered reprisals, Nazis kill 35 Jews, arrest thousands and destroy Jewish synagogues, homes and stores throughout Germany and Austria.

Nazis destroyed 7,600 Jewish businesses, and 236 people died.

The violence burned 191 synagogues and 177 Jewish apartments.

Issues a directive to the Commanders in Chief of the Armed Forces to occupy Danzig

Poland renews a non-aggression pact with the USSR to protect against a German invasion

Jewish property is "legally" confiscated

Signs a declaration to hold talks on mutual relations. Signs a declaration renouncing Germany's claim to Alsace-Lorraine

Visits the French Premier, George's Bonnet, & signs a German-French agreement. Signed declaration renouncing Germany's claim to Alsace-Lorraine

Helps identify barium as a uranium fission product.

Finds barium among products of neutron-bombarded uranium.

Appointed Defence Commissioner for Defence District VI

Appointed Hitler's successor

Recieves the Czech Foreign Secretary Chvalkovsky & threatens the breakup of Czech. Sets up an independent Ruthenia rather than agree its annexation by Hungary

Negotiates the Russo-German Non Aggression Pact

Uses electron microscopy to visualize virus particles beyond the resolving power of optical microscopes.

Recieves the Czech Foreign Secretary Chvalkovsky & threatens the breakup of Czech

All women under 25 are required to do 1 year labour service

Jews have to add the name Israel to their signature

Makes a speech praising the Italian Government & its leader Mussolini

The Slovak leader Tuka visits Hitler & "lays the future of my people in your hands"

The Czech President Hacha dismisses the Ruthenian Government from office

The Czech President Hacha dismisses the Slovak Government from office

Slovakia proclaims its independence

Slovakia proclaims its independence

Announces Hungarian troop movements on the Slovak-Hungarian border

Visited by Tiso & Durcansky, Hitler demands the separation of Slovakia from Czech

When Slovak deputies meet Tiso reads out a declaration of independence

Visited by Tiso & Durcansky, Hitler demands the separation of Slovakia from Czech

When Slovak deputies meet Tiso reads out a declaration of independence

Visited by Tiso & Durcansky, Hitler demands the separation of Slovakia from Czech

A Treaty between Germany & Slovakia to establish a German Protectorate is signed

Hosts Polish Ambassador Jozef Lipski & demands the return of the Free City of Danzig

Issues "Case White", secret plans to be carried out from 1st September 1939

Takes minutes at a Chancellery conference when Hitler declares war is inevitable

Takes the salute of the Condor Legion after their return from the Spanish Civil War

Shortly before war begins, Jodl returns to the OKW to head the Wehrmachtführungsamt.

Jodl returns from troop command to senior operational work at OKW shortly before the invasion of Poland.

Sends a message to Molotov outlining the Russo-German Non-Aggression Pact

Cables Stalin accepting the draft for the pact & urges ratification of the Treaty

Signs a trade agreement with Russia

Announces a probable invasion of Poland on 26th August

Addresses generals saying that "Might is right"

Flies to Moscow to sign the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact with Stalin

Receives news from Stalin the Soviets will sign the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact

Signs the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact. Russia & Germany will not attack each other for 10 yrs with an option for 5 more yrs

The invasion begins one week after the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, and ends October 6, 1939, with Germany and the Soviet Union occupying the entirety of Poland

Jodl serves in the OKW operations leadership as Germany begins the invasion of Poland.

The invasion begins one week after the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, and ends October 6, 1939, with Germany and the Soviet Union occupying the entirety of Poland

The Soviet Germany Boundary & Friendship Treaty is signed

Jodl participates in planning for a German offensive through the Low Countries and France.

Makes a speech in the Reichstag appealing to the west for peace

Gives the armed forces orders for the liquidation of Czech

Gives the armed forces orders for the invasion of Memel

Gives the armed forces orders for the defence of Germany

Jodl works on plans as Hitler considers whether the western offensive should include the Netherlands.

Geor Elser plants a bomb which nearly kills Hitler

Oster warns the Dutch military attache about an invasion

The armed forces are ordered to be ready for the occupation of Danzig

The armed forces are ordered to be ready for the occupation of Danzig

Jodl's operations staff develops military preparations for the planned invasion of Norway and Denmark.