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Timeline: Germany

Years: c. 35,000 years ago - 2005	Subject: Encyclopedias, Geographical reference
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191736421

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BCE CE

Year	Event
c. 35,000 years ago	The earliest known Venus figurine, with very much emphasized sexual features, is carved near the Hohle Fels cave in Germany from the tusk of a woolly mammoth Go to Venus figurine in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Prehistory Arts Science Europe
9	The defeat of three Roman legions in the Teutoberg Forest by Arminius, establishes the Rhine as a natural boundary of the Roman empire Go to Teutoburger Wald, battle of (ad 9) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Conquest and colonization Battles Empires
98	Trajan, succeeding to the imperial throne in AD 98, is sufficiently confident to spend a year in Germany before returning to Rome Go to Trajan (c. 53–117 ad) in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1st century CE Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Italy Empires
c. 687	With a victory at Tertry, Pepin II wins effective control over all three Frankish kingdoms Go to Tertry, Battle of in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Medieval Warfare and Military Technology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 7th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe France
743	Boniface, working as a missionary among pagan Germans, makes his headquarters at Mainz Go to Boniface in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Religion Christianity
c. 750	The professional bards of the Germanic tribes give lasting life to Norse legend Go to bard in The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Literature German literature
771	On the death of his brother, Charlemagne inherits the entire kingdom of the Franks Go to Charlemagne in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Holy Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe France Empires
772	Charlemagne destroys a great Saxon shrine, the Irminsul - the start of a 30-year campaign against his pagan neighbours in what is now Germany Go to Seide (Europe) in A Dictionary of World Mythology (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Politics Conquest and colonization
781	Charlemagne, meeting the English scholar Alcuin on a visit to Italy, invites him to become head of the palace school in Aachen Go to Alcuin (c. 735–804) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century
796	Alcuin leaves the palace school at Aachen to become abbot of the monastery of Tours Go to Saint-Martin at Tours in Encyclopedia of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century Religion Christianity Europe France
c. 800	Beowulf, the first great work of Germanic literature, mingles the legends of Scandinavia with the experience in England of Angles and Saxons Go to Beowulf in A Dictionary of English Folklore (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century 9th century Literature English literature Literature in English British Isles Europe Britain The Jews prosper in the Muslim and Carolingian empires, forming strong communities in Spain and in Germany Go to Jews in The Oxford Companion to Chaucer (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 8th century 9th century Religion Judaism Social and domestic Europe Spain Society
805	Pope Leo III consecrates Charlemagne's new palace chapel in Aachen, modelled on San Vitale in Ravenna Go to Aachen in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Holy Roman empire Architecture Religion Christianity Papacy Empires
843	The central Frankish kingdom, Francia Media, becomes one of the great fault lines of European history Go to Lorraine (Australia, Canada, France, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 9th century Politics Europe France
919	Henry I is elected king of the east Frankish kingdom, consisting of four great feudal duchies - Bavaria, Swabia, Saxony and Franconia Go to Henry I (b. 1068) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century Politics Dynasties and royalty
c. 1000	A Muslim dynasty is established at Gao, on the Niger Go to Gao (Mali) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 10th century 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Islam Africa West Africa
1024	Conrad II is elected as the German king, beginning the dynasty variously known as Franconian or Salian Go to Salian in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Holy Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Empires
c. 1050	Ife emerges as a powerful kingdom in the equatorial forest of the lower Niger Go to Ife (Osun/Nigeria) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 11th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Africa West Africa
1096	Peter the Hermit, an old monk on a donkey, leads the largest of the popular groups from Germany on the first crusade Go to Peter the Hermit (d. 1115) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 11th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity Monasticism Wars and Revolutions The German crusade begins with a massacre of Jews in many of the region's cities Go to Jews, Christian attitudes to in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 11th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism Wars and Revolutions
1138	Conrad III, of the Hohenstaufen family, is elected German king - a title which remains in the family for more than a century, bringing with it that of Holy Roman emperor Go to Hohenstaufen in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Holy Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Empires
1147	The second crusade is led east by two kings, Louis VII of France and Conrad III of Germany Go to Louis VII (c.1120–80) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Crusades 12th century Politics Conquest and colonization Religion Christianity Europe France Wars and Revolutions
c. 1150	In feudal France and Germany Charlemagne is by now venerated as a saint Go to Charlemagne in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Holy Roman empire Religion Christianity Europe France Empires German merchants begin trading along the coasts of Latvia and Estonia, a region to which they give the name Livonia Go to Livonia (Estonia-Latvia, USA) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Commerce and industry Europe Society
1152	Frederick Barbarossa becomes king of Germany and Holy Roman emperor, greatly extending the power of the empire during a long reign Go to Frederick I (1123–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Holy Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Empires
1159	Henry the Lion builds a new town at Lübeck, well placed to develop as the centre of the Hanseatic League Go to Hanseatic League in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Commerce and industry Society
c. 1180	The shared memories and legends of Nordic peoples are brought together in a great German epic, the Nibelungenlied Go to Nibelungenlied in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Literature German literature
1197	The three-year old Frederick II has a claim to the thrones of both Sicily and Germany on the death of his father, the emperor Henry VI Go to Henry VI (1165–97) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century Holy Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Sicily Europe Italy Empires
c. 1200	German pressure eastwards (the Drang nach Osten) steadily brings colonists into regions previously occupied by Slavs Go to Drang nach Osten in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 12th century 13th century Migration Europe Society
c. 1205	The story of Parsifal and the Holy Grail becomes the subject of a courtly epic by Wolfram von Eschenbach Go to Wolfram von Eschenbach (1200–20) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Middle Ages (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Literature German literature
1220	Frederick II is crowned Holy Roman emperor by a somewhat reluctant pope, Honorius III Go to Frederick II (1712–86) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Holy Roman empire Politics Papacy Empires
c. 1225	The Teutonic knights undertake a new form of crusade, attempting to subdue the pagan Prussians who occupy part of the Baltic coast Go to Teutonic Knight in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Politics Conquest and colonization
c. 1250	Tannhäuser is one of the Minnesinger, the German equivalents of the French troubadours Go to Minnesinger in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama
1254	The death of the last Hohenstaufen ruler, Conrad IV, leaves a vacancy on the German throne which is not filled for nineteen years Go to Conrad IV (1228–54) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 13th century Holy Roman empire Politics Dynasties and royalty Empires
1308	The Teutonic knights seize the coastal area round Gdansk, cutting off Poland's access to the sea Go to Teutonic Knight in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Politics Conquest and colonization Europe Poland
1391	Construction begins on a canal from Lübeck south to the Elbe, linking the Baltic and the North Sea Go to Elbe in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Canals Travel and transport Technology Engineering Europe Society
c. 1397	The keyboard of the organ is adapted in Germany to strings, thus providing the harpsichord - first mentioned in a manuscript of this year Go to harpsichord in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century Performing arts Music Technology Inventions and discoveries
c. 1400	Guilds of singers and song-writers develop in German towns, calling themselves Meistersinger, or master singers Go to Meistersinger in The Oxford Dictionary of Literary Terms (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 14th century 15th century Performing arts Music
1414	A council is called at Constance, to consider the radical views of John Huss and to deal with the present excess of popes Go to Huss, John (c.1372–1415) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Reformation Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Bohemia Czech Republic
1415	John Huss, invited to Constance under a promise of safe conduct, is arrested, tried and burnt at the stake as a heretic Go to Huss, John (c.1372–1415) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity Bohemia Czech Republic
1417	The Council of Constance, having done its best to dispose of the three existing popes, elects a new one - Martin V Go to Constance, Council of (1414–18) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Religion Christianity Papacy
c. 1455	Master ES becomes the first artist to produce engravings Go to engraving in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Printing Arts Prints Technology
1456	A copy of Europe's first book printed from movable type, the Gutenberg Bible, is completed in Mainz Go to Gutenberg Bible in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Printing Prints Technology Communication
c. 1461	Albrecht Pfister publishes the first book with printed illustrations - Der Ackermann aus Böhmen ('The farmer of Bohemia') Go to Pfister, Albrecht (c.1429–c.1466) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Printing Prints Technology
1466	In the treaty of Torun the Teutonic knights finally cede Prussia to Poland Go to Teutonic Knight in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Politics Europe Poland
1492	The world's first globe is published by Martin Behaim without showing America, in the very year of Columbus' voyage Go to Behaim, Martin (1459–1507) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Printing Technology Latin America Caribbean
1493	The Nuremberg Chronicle integrates text and pictures in an ambitious history of the world Go to Nuremberg Chronicle in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century Printing Prints Technology
c. 1495	Dürer, the first great artist to tackle the complexities of printing, becomes a master of woodcut and engraving Go to Dürer, Albrecht (1471–1528) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 15th century Printing Arts Prints Technology
c. 1500	The first etchings are printed in Augsburg, from iron plates Go to Augsburg in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Printing Prints Technology The first watches, made in Nuremberg, are spherical clocks about three inches in diameter, worn usually on a ribbon round the neck Go to clocks and watches in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 15th century 16th century Technology Inventions and discoveries
1517	The local sale of indulgences by Johann Tetzel outrages a friar teaching in Wittenberg, Martin Luther Go to Tetzel, Johann (c.1464–1519) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Religion Christianity Monasticism Martin Luther nails his 95 Theses to the door of the castle church in Wittenberg Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity
1518	Philipp Melanchthon joins the Wittenberg university to teach Greek and inspires Luther to translate the New Testament Go to Melanchthon, Philipp (1497–1560) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Religion Christianity
1520	Luther's writings are burnt in Rome by order of the pope Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 16th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Papacy Rome Europe Italy
1521	Pope Leo X excommunicates Martin Luther after he has refused to recant Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Renaissance 16th century Italian Renaissance Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Luther travels to the German city of Worms to present his case to an imperial diet Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Luther bears witness to a Protestant conscience, stating at Worms: 'Here I stand, I can not do otherwise.' Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity
1522	Outlawed by the Edict of Worms, Luther lives secretly in the Wartburg as Junker Georg Go to Beveridge, William Henry, Baron (1879–1963) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Persecution and repression Religion Christianity
1523	Hans Sachs, popular poet and master singer, describes Luther as the Wittenberg nightingale Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Religion Christianity
1524	William Tyndale studies in the university at Wittenberg and plans to translate the Bible into English Go to Tyndale, William (c.1494–1536) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Literature English literature Literature in English German literature Religion Christianity British Isles Europe Britain
1525	Luther, a former friar, marries Catherine von Bora, a former nun who has just emerged from her convent Go to Luther, Martin (1483–1546) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Religion Christianity Monasticism Social and domestic Society Thomas Müntzer leads the rebels in the Peasant War, to the profound displeasure of Luther Go to Peasants' War (1524–26) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Religion Christianity War Lucas Cranach's studio in Wittenberg has a profitable line in naked female figures from mythology Go to Cranach, Lucas the Elder (1472) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Arts Painting
1529	The 'Protestation' of various princes and imperial cities at Speyer identifies them as Protestants Go to Protestant in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity Protestant reformers Luther and Zwingli disagree at Marburg on the nature of the Eucharist Go to Eucharist in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Religion Christianity
1530	The Augsburg Confession, presented by Melanchthon to the imperial diet, defines the Lutheran faith Go to Augsburg, Confession of (1530) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity German botanist Otto Brunfels publishes Living images of plants, the first serious work of natural history with printed illustrations Go to Brunfels, Otto (c.1489–1534) in The Oxford Dictionary of the Renaissance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Printing Prints Science Life sciences Technology
1531	The Protestant princes of Germany form the defensive League of Schmalkalden Go to Schmalkaldic League in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Protest and rebellion Religion Christianity
1555	The Peace of Augsburg achieves a compromise which for a while solves the religious tensions deriving from the Reformation Go to Augsburg, Peace of (1555) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 16th century Reformation Politics Dynasties and royalty Religion Christianity
1609	News sheets published in Augsburg and Strasbourg become the first known newspapers Go to newspaper in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century
1617	Albrecht von Wallenstein uses his wife's fortune to mobilize a private army in support of the emperor Ferdinand II Go to Wallenstein, Albrecht Wenzel Eusebius von (1583–1634) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century War
1631	Gustavus II and the Swedish army win a conclusive victory over the imperial forces at Breitenfeld Go to Gustavus II (Adolphus) (1594–1632) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century War Battles Europe Sweden
1632	The Swedish army wins another convincing victory at Lützen, but Gustavus II dies leading a cavalry charge Go to Gustavus II (Adolphus) (1594–1632) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Battles Europe Sweden
1634	A Passion play is performed for the first time at Oberammergau, in the spirit of the Counter-Reformation Go to Passion play noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Performing arts Theatre
1648	The Peace of Westphalia finally brings to an end the Thirty Years' War Go to Thirty Years' War (1618–48) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century War
c. 1650	A German burgomaster, Otto von Guericke, devises an air pump capable of creating a vacuum Go to Guericke, Otto von (1602–1686) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Technology Inventions and discoveries
1654	Otto von Guericke uses sixteen horses to demonstrate in Regensburg the power of a vacuum Go to Guericke, Otto von (1602–1686) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Science Physics Technology
c. 1660	The berlin, developed in Berlin, becomes the most successful carriage of the seventeenth century Go to Berlin in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society
1690	The French scientist Denis Papin, while professor of mathematics at Marburg, develops the first steam engine to use a piston Go to Papin, Denis (1647–c.1712) in The New Oxford Dictionary for Scientific Writers and Editors (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 17th century Steam Technology
1702	German chemist Georg Stahl coins the name phlogiston for the substance believed to be released in the process of burning Go to phlogiston theory in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Science Chemistry
1704	The duke of Marlborough wins a major victory over the French at Blenheim, capturing twenty-four battalions and four regiments Go to Marlborough, John Churchill, 1st Duke of (1650–1722) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century War Battles
1708	The secret of true porcelain is at last discovered in the west, at Dresden, by Johann Friedrich Böttger Go to Böttger, Johann Friedrich (4 Feb 1682) in The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Decorative arts
1714	Cosmas Damian Asam begins work on a highly theatrical creation, the Benedictine Abbey of Weltenburg (1714-1735), joined by his younger brother Egid Quirin from 1721 Go to Asam, Cosmas Damian (28 Sept. 1686) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Architecture Fahrenheit perfects the mercury thermometer and decides on a 180-degree interval between the freezing and boiling points of water Go to Fahrenheit, (Gabriel) Daniel (1686–1736) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Science Physics Technology Inventions and discoveries In his Monadology Leibniz describes a universe consisting of forceful interactive parts that he calls 'monads' Go to Leibniz, Gottfried Wilhelm in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature German literature Philosophy
1720	Johann Sebastian Bach compiles the Little Keyboard Book a set of pieces to teach his eldest son, Wilhelm Friedemann Bach Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Performing arts Music
1721	Johann Sebastian Bach writes the six Brandenburg Concertos for his employer at the court of Köthen Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Performing arts Music
1722	J.S. Bach publishes The Well-Tempered Clavier, a collection of 24 Preludes and Fugues Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Performing arts Music
c. 1727	J.S. Bach conducts the first performance of his St Matthew Passion in the St Thomas's church in Leipzig Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Performing arts Music
1735	The Asam brothers build at their own expense the tiny and brilliant baroque church of St John Nepomuk, attached to their own house in Munich Go to Asam, Cosmas Damian (28 Sept. 1686) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Architecture
1740	Frederick II, inheriting the throne in Prussia, establishes a cultured and musical court Go to Frederick II (1712–86) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Frederick II, the king of Prussia, invades the neighbouring Habsburg province of Silesia, launching the War of the Austrian Succession Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Austrian empire Habsburgs War Europe Austria Poland Empires
1741	J.S. Bach publishes his set of Goldberg Variations, supposedly written for performance by the young harpsichordist Johann Gottlieb Goldberg Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Music
1742	An Austrian army captures the Bavarian capital city, Munich Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Austrian empire War Austria Empires
1743	George II leads a British army to victory over the French at Dettingen Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century War
1744	J.S. Bach publishes another set of 24 Preludes and Fugues, as an addition to his previous Well-Tempered Clavier Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Performing arts Music
1745	The principle of the Leyden jar is discovered by an amateur German physicist, Ewald Georg von Kleist, dean of the cathedral in Kamin Go to Leyden jar in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Science Physics Frederick the Great's Prussian soldiers, advancing in shallow disciplined formation, outclass other armies of the time Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century War Austria Frederick II's three victories in 1745 cause him to be known by his contemporaries as Frederick the Great Go to Austrian Succession, War of the (1740–48) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century War Austria
1746	Frederick the Great begins to build the summer palace of Sans Souci at Potsdam Go to Sanssouci in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Architecture
1749	Shortly before his death (in 1750) J.S. Bach completes his Mass in B Minor, worked on over many years Go to Bach, Johann Sebastian (1685–1750) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Baroque Performing arts Music
1751	Giovanni Battista Tiepolo begins a series of frescoes to decorate the prince bishop's residence in Würzburg Go to Tiepolo, Giovanni Battista (1696–1770) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Painting Italian painting Italian art Europe Italy
1755	Johann Joachim Winckelmann publishes a book on Greek painting and sculpture which introduces a new strand of neoclassicism Go to Winckelmann, Johann Joachim (1717–68) in The Oxford Companion to Western Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Painting Sculpture
1756	Frederick the Great again precipitates a European conflict, marching without warning into Saxony and launching the Seven Years' War Go to Seven Years War (1756–63) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century War
1759	Frederick the Great suffers his first major defeat, by a Russian and Austrian army at Kunersdorf Go to Seven Years War (1756–63) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century War Battles
c. 1760	German painter Johann Zoffany moves to England to find work as a painter of conversation pieces and portraits Go to Zoffany, Johann (13 Mar. 1733) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1762	Johann Sebastian Bach's youngest son, Johann Christian, moves to London and becomes known as the English Bach Go to Bach, Johann Christian (1735–82) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Britain 1750-1900 Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 British Isles Europe Britain
1763	The Treaty of Hubertusburg, between Prussia and Austria, increases the power of Prussia among the many separate states of Germany Go to Hubertusburger Friede in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Austria Empires
1772	Russia, Prussia and Austria agree a treaty enabling them to divide the spoils in the first partition of Poland Go to Poland, Partitions of in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Austria Poland Russia Empires
1774	Goethe's romantic novel, The Sorrows of Young Werther, brings him an immediate European reputation Go to Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von (1749–1832) in The Oxford Companion to the Mind (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature German literature Fiction Europe Goethe's play Götz von Berlichingen, a definitive work of Sturm und Drang (Storm and Stress), has its premiere in Berlin Go to Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von (1749–1832) in The Oxford Companion to the Mind (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama
c. 1780	In developing the Haskalah, the German philosopher Moses Mendelssohn reconciles Judaism and the Enlightenment Go to Mendelssohn, Moses (RaMbeMaN) (1729–86) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Religion Judaism
1781	German philosopher Immanuel Kant publishes the first of his three 'critiques', The Critique of Pure Reason Go to Kant, Immanuel (1724–1804) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature German literature Philosophy
1782	Friedrich von Schiller's youthful and anarchic play The Robbers causes a sensation when performed in Mannheim Go to Schiller, Friedrich von in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama 12-year-old Ludwig van Beethoven publishes his first composition, Piano Variations on a March by Dressler Go to Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770–1827) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Music
1783	20-year-old John Jacob Astor emigrates from Germany to America and sets up in the fur trade Go to Astor, John Jacob (1763–1848) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Migration Society North America United States
1787	Mozart's opera Don Giovanni has its premiere in Prague Go to Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Music Opera Bohemia Czech Republic
1792	Beethoven leaves Bonn and goes to Vienna to study composition with Haydn Go to Beethoven, Ludwig van (1770–1827) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Music Austria
1793	Russia and Prussia agree on a second partition of Poland Go to Poland, Partitions of in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 Europe Poland Russia Empires
1794	Goethe and Schiller become friends, and together create the movement known as Weimar classicism Go to Weimar classicism in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre and Performance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama Fiction Poetry Europe In his Science of Knowledge Johann Gottlieb Fichte contrasts the I, or Ego, and its opposing non-I, or non-Ego See this event in other timelines: 18th century Literature German literature Philosophy
1795	Mungo Park sets off on his first expedition to explore the Niger on behalf of the African Association Go to Park, Mungo (1771–1806) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Exploration British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1796	German physician Samuel Hahnemann coins the term 'homeopathy' and describes this new approach to medicine Go to Hahnemann, Samuel (1755–1843) in A Dictionary of Dentistry (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Science Medicine
1798	After four years in Copenhagen, German artist Caspar David Friedrich makes his life-long home in Dresden Go to Friedrich, Caspar David (1774–1840) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 18th century Arts Painting
1803	The Frankfurt banker Mayer Amschel Rothschild lends 20 million francs to the Danish government Go to Rothschild Family in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Europe Denmark Society
1804	Beethoven changes the dedication of his third symphony on hearing that his hero, Napoleon, has made himself an emperor Go to Eroica Symphony in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era Performing arts Music
1806	Napoleon merges the majority of the German states into a Confederation of the Rhine with himself as its protector Go to Confederation of the Rhine (1806–13) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era Politics
1807	Part of Poland is recovered from Prussia to become the grand duchy of Warsaw, a small state dependent upon Napoleon Go to Tilsit, Treaties of (7) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Europe Poland In Phenomenology of Spirit Friedrich Hegel interprets history as the advance of the human mind, often through thesis, antithesis and synthesis Go to Hegel, Georg Wilhelm Friedrich (1770–1831) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature German literature Philosophy
1809	The Fulani establish a capital at Sokoto, from which they dominate the Hausa kingdoms of northern Nigeria Go to Fulani empire of Sokoto in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization Africa West Africa
1813	The king of Prussia, Frederick William III, changes sides and declares war on France Go to Frederick William III (1770–1840) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era War Europe France Wars and Revolutions The allies inflict a heavy defeat on Napoleon at Leipzig, in the so-called Battle of the Nations Go to Leipzig, Battle of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era War Battles Wars and Revolutions
1815	The rulers of Russia, Prussia and Austria form a Holy Alliance to preserve their concept of a Christian Europe Go to Holy Alliance (1815) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Napoleonic Wars 19th century Napoleonic era Politics Religion Christianity War Europe Austria Russia Wars and Revolutions
1817	German physicist Joseph von Fraunhofer observes and draws dark lines in the solar spectrum Go to Fraunhofer, Joseph von (1787–1826) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Physics
1818	The first Reform congregation within Judaism is established in Germany, in the Hamburg Temple Go to Reform Judaism noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Judaism The king of Prussia, Frederick William III, makes a bid for German leadership by turning his extensive lands into a custom-free zone (Zollverein) Go to Zollverein in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Commerce and industry Society In The World as Will and Idea Schopenhauer develops the bleakest possible view of the effects of the human will Go to Schopenhauer, Arthur in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature German literature Philosophy
1821	Carl Maria von Weber's opera Der Freischutz has its premiere in Berlin Go to Weber, Carl Maria von (1786–1826) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera
1826	17-year-old Felix Mendelssohn composes an overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream, amplified with huge success eighteen years later Go to Mendelssohn, Felix (1809–47) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Carl Maria von Weber's opera Oberon has its premiere (in London, at Covent Garden) Go to Weber, Carl Maria von (1786–1826) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera
1827	German physicist Georg Simon Ohm formulates his law about the proportionality of current flowing in an electric conductor Go to Ohm, Georg Simon (1787–1854) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Physics
1829	After a century of neglect, the 20-year-old Felix Mendelssohn conducts an influential revival in Berlin of J.S. Bach's St Matthew Passion Go to Bach revival in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music German composer Felix Mendelssohn visits the Hebrides and see's Fingal's Cave, later the theme of his Hebrides Overture Go to Fingal's Cave in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Britain 1750-1900 Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1830	Richard Lander and his brother John explore the lower reaches of the Niger, proving that the great river is navigable Go to Lander, Richard Lemon (1804–34) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Exploration British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1832	The full text of Goethe's Faust, Parts 1 and 2, is published a few months after the poet's death Go to Goethe, Johann Wolfgang von in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature German literature Poetry Robert Schumann's first published composition is Papillons ('Butterflies'), twelve short dance pieces for piano Go to Schumann, Robert in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music The paddle steamer Alburkah becomes the first ocean-going iron ship, completing the journey from England to the Niger Go to paddle steamer noun in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Steam Exploration Technology Engineering European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1840	Robert Schumann composes the song cycle Frauenliebe und -Leben ('Woman's Love and Life') Go to Schumann, Robert Alexander (1810–56) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Robert Schumann marries the pianist Clara Wieck, daughter of his first teacher Go to Schumann, Clara Josephine Wieck (1819–96) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music
c. 1841	Britain sends four naval ships up the river Niger to make anti-slavery treaties with local kings Go to Buxton, Thomas Fowell (1786–1845) in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Slavery British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1843	The Flying Dutchman is the first of Richard Wagner's major operas to be staged, with its premiere in Dresden Go to Wagner, Richard (1813–83) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Mendelssohn's overture to A Midsummer Night's Dream, amplified now with incidental music, is greeted as a masterpiece at a performance of the play in Potsdam Go to Mendelssohn, Felix (1809–47) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music
1848	The Prussian army is the first to adopt a breech-loading rifle, the 'needle-gun' developed by gunsmith Johann Nikolaus von Dreyse Go to needle gun in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Weapons
1849	Delegates of the German states offer the imperial crown of a united Germany to Frederick William IV, the king of Prussia, who rejects it Go to Frederick William IV (1795–1861) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty
1851	Samson Raphael Hirsch becomes rabbi of a synagogue in Frankfurt, where he develops the theme of neo-Orthodoxy Go to Hirsch, Samson Raphael in A Concise Companion to the Jewish Religion (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Religion Judaism German physicist Hermann von Helmholtz invents the ophthalmoscope, making it possible for a doctor to examine the inside of a patient's eye Go to Helmholtz, Hermann Ludwig Ferdinand von (1821–1894) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Medicine Technology Inventions and discoveries Richard Wagner writes an anti-Semitic tract, Jewishness in Music Go to Wagner, Richard (1813–83) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Judaism
1854	Robert Schumann throws himself into the Rhine, in an attempt to commit suicide, and spends the last two years of his life in an asylum Go to Schumann, Robert Alexander (1810–56) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music William Baikie, on an expedition up the Niger, protects his men from malaria by administering quinine Go to quinine in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Medicine Africa West Africa
1856	The first Neanderthal man to be discovered is unearthed by quarry workers in the Neander valley, near Düsseldorf Go to Neanderthal man in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Life sciences
c. 1860	German chemist Robert Wilhelm Bunsen and technician Peter Desdega perfect the non-luminous gas burner for use in the laboratory Go to Bunsen, Robert in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Technology Inventions and discoveries
1861	Lagos, on the coast of Nigeria, is annexed as a British colony when the royal family prove unable or unwilling to end the slave trade Go to Lagos in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization Slavery British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1862	Otto von Bismarck declares Blut und Eisen (blood and iron) to be the only policy by which Prussia can become strong Go to Bismarck, Otto von, Prince of Bismarck, Duke of Lauenburg (1815–98) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics
1864	Prussia and Austria combine forces to seize Schleswig-Holstein, but soon fall out Go to Schleswig–Holstein in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire War Austria Empires
1865	Richard Wagner's opera Tristan and Isolde has its premiere in the Munich court theatre Go to Tristan und Isolde in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera
1866	Prussia invades its neighbouring German states and launches the Seven Weeks' War Go to Austro‐Prussian War (1866) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire War Austria Empires The Prussians achieve the first blitzkrieg in their Seven Weeks' War defeat of the Austrians Go to Austro‐Prussian War (1866) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire Habsburgs War Austria Empires The terms of the treaty of Prague, ending the Seven Weeks War, make plain the transfer of German leadership from Austria to Prussia Go to Austro-Prussian War in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics War Austria Empires
1867	The first volume of Das Kapital is completed by Marx in London and is published in Hamburg Go to Kapital, Das in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Literature English literature Literature in English German literature Politics Communism Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain A revival of the Prussian Zollverein, or customs union, includes all the German states except Austria Go to Zollverein in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Commerce and industry Austria Society Empires
1868	Richard Wagner's opera The Mastersingers of Nuremberg has its premiere in Munich Go to Meistersinger von Nürnberg, Die in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera
1869	Johannes Brahms' German Requiem, setting passages from Luther's translation of the Bible, has its first complete performance in Leipzig Go to Deutsches Requiem, Ein in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Das Rheingold, with its premiere in Munich, is the first part of Richard Wagner's Ring cycle to be staged Go to Rheingold, Das in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera
1870	Otto von Bismarck adjusts the Prussian king's telegram from Ems in a way calculated to provoke the French Go to Ems telegram (13 July 1870) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics With public opinion in France outraged by the Ems telegram, the French government declares war on Prussia Go to Franco-Prussian War (1870–71) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics War Europe France Richard Wagner marries Cosima, the daughter of the Hungarian composer Franz Liszt Go to Wagner, Cosima (1837) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music
1871	The Prussian king, William I, is proclaimed emperor of a united Germany in the palace at Versailles Go to Deutsch-Französischer Krieg in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War German empire Europe France Empires
1876	Richard Wagner's sequence of four operas, The Ring of the Nibelungen, has its first complete performance at Bayreuth Go to Bayreuth Festival in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre and Performance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera Johannes Brahms' first symphony has its premiere in Karlsruhe Go to Brahms, Johannes (1833–97) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music
1878	A congress in Berlin agrees that Austria may administer the Turkish province of Bosnia-Herzegovina Go to Berlin, Congress of (1878) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Austrian empire Habsburgs Politics Turks Austria Empires
1879	George Goldie and British traders on the Niger form the United African Company (later the Royal Niger Company) to consolidate their interests Go to Concessionary Companies in Africa in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Commerce and industry British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Society Empires
1880	Johannes Brahms' Academic Festival Overture is performed first at Breslau university, which has conferred on him an honorary Ph.D. Go to Academic Festival Overture in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music
c. 1882	German bacteriologist Robert Koch announces his discovery of the bacillus that causes tuberculosis Go to Koch, Robert (1843–1910) in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Medicine Italy, previously non-aligned, signs a Triple Alliance with Germany and Austria-Hungary Go to Triple Alliance (1882) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Europe Austria Italy
1883	In Thus Spake Zarathustra Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche envisages the übermensch ('superman') enhancing human existence Go to Nietzsche, Friedrich Wilhelm (1844–1900) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature German literature Philosophy
1884	Bismarck launches the colonial scramble for Africa by suddenly annexing three territories for Germany (Togo, Cameroon and Angria Pequena) Go to Africa, partition of in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires German mathematician Gottlob Frege publishes Grundlagen der Arithmetik ('Foundations of Arithmetic'), linking mathematics and logic Go to Frege, (Friedrich Ludwig) Gottlob (1848–1925) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Literature German literature Philosophy Science Bismarck invites the European powers to a West Africa Conference in Berlin Go to Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1885	German engineer Karl Friedrich Benz builds the Tri-Star, a three-wheeled vehicle with an internal combustion that is considered the first commercial automobile Go to Benz, Karl (1844–1929) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society Bismarck pioneers in Germany state welfare policies such as sickness benefits and old-age pensions Go to welfare state in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Social and domestic Society
1886	German engineer Gottlied Wilhelm Daimler builds the first successful 4-wheel vehicle with an internal combustion engine Go to Daimler, Gottlieb (1834–1900) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society
1887	A German physiologist, Adolf Fick, grinds a pair of lenses to fit snugly in contact with a patient's eyeballs Go to Fick, Adolf Eugen (1829–1921) in A Dictionary of Zoology (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Medicine Technology Inventions and discoveries
1889	The tone poem Don Juan, by the 25-year-old Richard Strauss, has a passionately mixed response at its premiere in Weimar Go to Strauss, Richard (1864–1949) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music
1890	The new young German emperor, Wilhelm II, dismisses the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck Go to Wilhelm II (b. 27 Jan. 1859) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Politics German empire Empires
1891	Britain cedes the tiny island of Heligoland to Germany in return for vast areas of Africa Go to Heligoland (Schleswig-Holstein/Germany) in The Concise Dictionary of World Place-Names (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era Britain 1750-1900 Politics Conquest and colonization Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa German empire Africa Europe Empires Britain German aviation pioneer Otto Lilienthal achieves the first of many guided flights in a glider, from a hill near Potsdam Go to Lilienthal, Otto (1849–96) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Travel and transport Technology Inventions and discoveries Society
1893	Hansel and Gretl, an opera by German composer Engelbert Humperdinck, has its premiere in Weimar Go to Hänsel und Gretel in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Performing arts Music Opera
c. 1895	General Alfred von Schlieffen devises plans for a potential two-pronged attack against France and Russia in a swift war Go to Schlieffen-Plan in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century First World War War Wars since 1900 German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen discovers rays that can penetrate light-proof barriers, and names them x-rays because their nature is as yet unknown Go to X-rays in The Oxford Companion to Medicine (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Science Physics
1896	Otto Lilienthal dies when a wing fractures on his glider and he crashes from a height of 17 metres Go to Lilienthal, Otto (1849–96) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Travel and transport Technology Inventions and discoveries Society
1898	Germany passes the first of four Fleet Acts, reflecting the determination of Alfred von Tirpitz to build a navy equal to that of Britain Go to Tirpitz, Alfred von (1849–1930) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century First World War Politics War German empire Empires Wars since 1900
1900	Daimler cars develop a new brand using the name Mercedes, that of the ten-year-old daughter of the investor and distributor Emil Jellinek Go to Daimler, Gottlieb (1834–1900) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Technology Engineering The Bayer company in Germany sells aspirin in the form of water-soluble tablets, the first medication of its kind Go to aspirin n. in A Dictionary of Psychology (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Science Medicine Social and domestic Society Ferdinand Zeppelin's first dirigible makes its test flight from a floating hangar on the Lake of Constance Go to zeppelin in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries The British government assumes direct responsibility for the entire region of Nigeria, previously entrusted to a commercial company Go to Nigeria in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century Victorian era 1900s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires German physicist Max Planck proposes the revolutionary concept of the quantum theory Go to quantum theory in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 19th century 1900s 20th century Science Physics
1901	Thomas Mann's first novel, Buddenbrooks, brings him immediate success Go to Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Literature German literature Fiction Europe
1903	German surgeon Georg Clemens Perthes discovers, in Leipzig, that X-rays can inhibit cancer Go to radiotherapy in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Medicine
1905	Albert Einstein explains the photoelectric effect as a flow of discreet particles (quanta) of electromagnetic radiation Go to photoelectric effect in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Physics German biologists Fritz Schaudinn and Erich Hoffmann discover the micro-organism Treponema pallidum which causes syphilis Go to syphilis in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Life sciences In his special theory of relativity Albert Einstein reconciles the apparent clash between relativity and electromagnetic theory Go to special theory of relativity in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Physics Ernst Ludwig Kirchner and other Dresden students form the Expressionist group Die Brücke Go to Brücke, Die in The Oxford Companion to Western Art (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Arts Painting The first German submarine, or U-boat, is constructed in a programme to catch up with Britain and France in this area Go to Tirpitz, Alfred von (b. 18 Mar. 1849) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1900s 20th century War Weapons German empire Empires Wars since 1900 Albert Einstein relates mass and energy in the equation e = mc² Go to special theory of relativity in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Physics Richard Strauss's Salome, based on Oscar Wilde's play, has wide success in spite of censorship difficulties Go to Salome in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera
1906	German immunologist August von Wasserman develops a diagnostic test to reveal the presence of the syphilis spirochaete in the blood Go to Wasserman reaction in Oxford Dictionary of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Medicine In direct response to Britain's new Dreadnought, Germany increases the production of battleships Go to Dreadnought, HMS in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1900s 20th century War Weapons German empire Empires Wars since 1900 German physicist Walther Nernst establishes the Third Law of Thermodynamics, dealing with temperatures close to absolute zero Go to thermodynamics, laws of in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Physics The German neuropathologist Alois Alzheimer identifies physical symptoms in the brain of a dead woman who had presenile dementia Go to Alzheimer's disease in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Medicine
1907	Henkel & Cie launches in Düsseldorf the first domestic washing powder, Persil Go to detergent in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society A fossilized human jaw, probably at least 500,000 years old, is found near Heidelberg in Germany Go to Homo in A Dictionary of Biology (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science The Deutscher Werkbund is founded in Munich as an association of architects, designers and industrialists Go to Deutscher Werkbund in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Arts
1908	German physicist Hans Geiger, working in England with Rutherford, develops an instrument that can detect and count alpha particles Go to Geiger counter in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Science Physics After first being discussed at the Berlin Radiotelegraphic Conference in 1906, SOS is formally ratified as the international distress signal Go to ‘SOS’ in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Social and domestic Society
1909	The opera Elektra, the first collaboration between Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal, has its premiere in Dresden Go to Elektra in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1900s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera
1910	Gustav Mahler conducts in Munich the first performance of his Eighth Symphony, subsequently known as the 'Symphony of a Thousand' Go to Mahler, Gustav (1860) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Ferdinand Zeppelin's dirigible Deutschland provides the first commercial air service for passengers Go to Zeppelin, Ferdinand, Count von (1838–1917) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society
1911	Richard Strauss changes musical direction with his opera Der Rosenkavalier, once again with libretto by Hugo von Hoffmannsthal Go to Strauss, Richard (1864–1949) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Germany causes international alarm by sending a warship to Agadir, a port in French-controlled Morocco Go to Agadir crisis (1911) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War European empires from 1415 German empire Africa North Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 Hugo von Hofmannsthal adapts the English medieval morality play Everyman ('Jedermann') for performance in Salzburg Go to Hofmannsthal, Hugo von (1874–1929) in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama Bruno Walter conducts in Munich the first performance of Mahler's Das Lied von der Erde, a few months after the composer's death Go to Mahler, Gustav (1860) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Walter Gropius builds the Fagus Factory at Alfeld an der Leine in Germany Go to Gropius, Walter (1883–1969) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Architecture The painters Wassily Kandinsky, Franz Marc and others form Der Blaue Reiter Go to Blaue Reiter, Der in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Arts Painting
1912	The Kaiser and his advisers decide to postpone a preventive war against France and Russia Go to Wilhelm II (b. 27 Jan. 1859) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Wars since 1900 German scientist Alfred Wegener, impressed by the neat fit between the coasts of Africa and South America, proposes the theory of continental drift Go to continental drift in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Science The Social Democrats become the largest group in Germany's Reichstag Go to Germany in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent The Berlin Opera Ballet is founded to perform in the city's new opera house Go to Berlin Opera Ballet in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Dance Music Opera Walter Gropius and other architects in Germany develop the International Modern style Go to Gropius, Walter (1883–1969) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Architecture The opera Ariadne auf Naxos, by Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal, has its first premiere in Stuttgart Go to Strauss, Richard (1864–1949) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera
1913	German author Thomas Mann publishes the novella Death in Venice Go to Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Literature German literature Fiction Venice Europe
1914	British rule is consolidated in Nigeria by the merging of north and south as a single colony Go to Nigeria in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires A building by Walter Gropius for the Deutscher Werkbund exhibition in Cologne brings him international attention Go to Gropius, Walter (1883–1969) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Architecture Germany promises to support Austria-Hungary if a strike against Serbia provokes war with Russia Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War German empire Austria Empires Wars since 1900 August 1 - in response to the tsar's mobilization of his troops, Germany declares war on Russia Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War German empire Europe Austria Russia Empires Wars since 1900 August 2 - Germany and the Ottoman empire sign a secret treaty of alliance Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War Turks Muslim empires Ottoman empire Asia West Asia Turkey Empires Wars since 1900 August 2 - German troops move into Luxembourg and demand passage through neutral Belgium Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 August 3 - with her troops already poised to attack, Germany declares war on France Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War German empire Europe France Empires Wars since 1900 August 4 - bound by treaty to defend Belgium, Britain declares war on Germany Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British empire German empire British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Empires Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain October - British planes, taking off from Dunkirk, bomb Cologne railway station and destroy Germany's latest Zeppelin in its great shed at Düsseldorf Go to Zeppelin in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain
1915	Einstein submits a paper, The field equations of gravitation, containing the sums required to explain the general theory of relativity Go to relativity in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Science Physics June - Dutch aircraft designer Anton Fokker, working for the Germans, vastly improves the Roland Garros technique for firing machine guns through the propellers of fighter planes Go to air power in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries Weapons July 30 the Germans make their first effective use of a new weapon, the flame thrower, in an attack on the British in the second battle of Ypres Go to flame-throwers in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Battles Europe Belgium Wars since 1900
1916	Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg found the radical Spartacus League, named after the gladiator Go to Spartacists in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Dogs are trained in Germany, by Dr Gerhard Stalling, to guide soldiers blinded in the war Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Social and domestic Society May 31 - the German and British fleets clash off Jutland, in a hard-fought but inconclusive encounter Go to Jutland, battle of (1916) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Battles Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain August 20 - a brief success in the front line against Austria prompts Italy to declare war on Germany Go to Italy in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 September 17 - Baron von Richthofen, the 'Red Baron', shoots down the first of many Allied aircraft Go to Richthofen, Manfred Freiherr von (1892–1918) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900
1917	Otto Klemperer starts a seven-year spell as music director of Cologne opera, and begins to acquire an international reputation Go to Klemperer, Otto (1885–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Performing arts Music March - German troops on the western front begin withdrawal to the recently constructed defences of the Hindenburg Line Go to Hindenburg Line in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Wars since 1900 April - the German authorities allow Lenin to travel home from Switzerland through Germany, hoping for Communist disruption of the Russian war effort Go to Lenin, Vladimir Ilich (22 Apr. 1870) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics Communism War Russia Wars since 1900 April - German U-boats sink 430 Allied and neutral merchant ships in this month alone Go to submarine in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada United States
1918	March 3 - at Brest-Litovsk Lenin signs a peace treaty with Germany and Austria, ceding vast territories and valuable resources Go to Brest‐Litovsk, Treaty of (3 Mar. 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Communism War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 April 21 - the German air ace Baron von Richthofen is finally shot down, after himself destroying 80 Allied planes Go to Richthofen, Manfred Freiherr von (1892–1918) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 July 8 - Hermann Goering, a fighter ace who has shot down 22 Allied aircraft by the end of the war, becomes commander of the Richthofen Squadron Go to Goering, Hermann (b. 12 Jan. 1893) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Wars since 1900 August 4 - Adolf Hitler is awarded the Iron Cross, First Class, a decoration rarely given to a corporal Go to Hitler, Adolf (b. 20 Apr. 1889) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Wars since 1900 October 4 - the Kaiser appoints a new chancellor, Prince Max von Baden, to negotiate an end to the war Go to Max von Baden, Prinz (1867–1929) in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War German empire Empires Wars since 1900 October 5 - the new German chancellor, Prince Max of Baden, sends a message to President Wilson requesting an immediate armistice Go to Max von Baden, Prinz (1867–1929) in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 October 5 - the British, under Douglas Haig, break through Germany's heavily defended Hindenburg Line Go to Hindenburg Line in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Wars since 1900 October 30 - a mutiny in Germany's fleet in Kiel sparks uprisings in several German cities Go to Schleswig-Holstein in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 November 8 - the Allied commander-in chief, Marshal Foch, meets a German delegation in a railway carriage in the forest of Compiègne to discuss an armistice Go to Foch, Ferdinand (1851–1929) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 November 9 - Friedrich Ebert, leader of the Social Democrats, becomes the first chancellor of the newly proclaimed German republic Go to Ebert, Friedrich (4 Feb. 1871) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 November 9 - the Spartacus League proclaims a rival German republic on soviet lines Go to Spartacists in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion November 10 - Kaiser Wilhelm II abdicates and goes into exile in the Netherlands Go to Wilhelm II (b. 27 Jan. 1859) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Wars since 1900 November 11 - the Allies and the Germans finally agree the terms of an armistice at 5 a.m. Go to World War I (1914–18) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900
1919	Adolf Hitler joins the tiny German Workers' party, the members of which share his own virulent anti-Semitism Go to Hitler, Adolf (b. 20 Apr. 1889) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Walter Gropius becomes director of the newly formed Bauhaus in Weimar Go to Bauhaus in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Architecture January 1 - the Spartacus League transforms itself into the Communist party of Germany Go to Spartacists in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion January 6 - a vast crowd, assembling in Berlin, calls for a revolution and begins to seize public buildings Go to Spartacists in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion January 15 - after ten days of street fighting in Berlin, Spartacus leaders Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg are captured and shot Go to Luxemburg, Rosa (1871–1919) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion February - Hitler returns to Munich and in the prevailing mood of post-defeat resentment begins to take an interest in extremist politics Go to Hitler, Adolf (b. 20 Apr. 1889) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 February - the German assembly meets in Weimar and elects Ebert as president of the new republic Go to Ebert, Friedrich (b. 4 Feb. 1871) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1910s 20th century Politics June 28 - the Versailles Treaty declares that Germany must pay reparations for wartime damages, with the precise amount to be decided by May 1921 Go to reparations in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War German empire Empires Wars since 1900 June 28 - the peace-makers in Paris assign the Sudetenland, with its 3.5 million German-speaking inhabitants, to the new republic of Czechoslovakia Go to Sudetenland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 June 28 - the Versailles Treaty provides a corridor of land to give Poland access to Danzig and the Baltic, thereby dividing two parts of Germany Go to Polish Corridor in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 1910s 20th century Politics War Europe Poland Wars since 1900
1920	A right-wing military putsch seizes power for a few days in Berlin Go to Kapp Putsch in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion A plebiscite in Schleswig establishes the border between Denmark and Germany Go to Schleswig–Holstein in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Europe Denmark A Communist uprising in the Ruhr is suppressed with difficulty by the German army Go to Spartakist Movement in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent The German Workers' Party, with Adolf Hitler as one of its leading members, changes its name to the Nazi party Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion
1921	The commission considering the level of Germany's war reparations to the Allies decides on $33 billion Go to reparations in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: First World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 Paul Klee becomes a teacher at the Bauhaus in Weimar Go to Klee, Paul (1879–1940) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Adolf Hitler becomes leader of the Nazi party, which now has about 3000 members Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent
1922	Wassily Kandinsky takes up a teaching post at the Bauhaus in Weimar Go to Kandinsky, Wassily (22 Nov. [4 Dec.] 1866) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Arts Painting Germany is the first nation to re-establish full diplomatic relations with Russia Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Europe Russia Thomas Mann publishes a fragment of his Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man Go to Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature German literature Fiction Europe The German conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler is appointed to the Berlin Philharmonic, and spends most of the rest of his life with the orchestra Go to Furtwängler, Wilhelm (1886–1954) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Music
1923	France, with Belgian support, occupies Germany's industrial heartland in the Ruhr Go to Ruhr district in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics War Europe France German inflation reaches fantasy levels, at 242 million marks to the dollar Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Society Germany's communists organise uprisings in Saxony, Thuringia and Hamburg Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion Adolf Hitler, launching a putsch in a Munich beer cellar, announces the birth of a new national government Go to Munich ‘beer-hall’ putsch (8 November 1923) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Adolf Hitler's beer-cellar putsch ends in ignominious failure, as he turns and flees under fire Go to Hitler, Adolf (1889–1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Hermann Goering is wounded in the aftermath of the Munich beer hall putsch, but unlike Hitler manages to escape Go to Goering, Hermann Wilhelm (1893–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Rainer Maria Rilke publishes his Duino Elegies and his Sonnets to Orpheus Go to Rilke, Rainer Maria (1875–1926) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature German literature Poetry Adolf Hitler dictates Mein Kampf to Rudolf Hess in their shared prison cell after the failed Munich putsch Go to Mein Kampf in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Rudolf Hess suggests to Hitler the policy of Lebensraum or 'living space' for the German people Go to Lebensraum in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society Paul Hindemith sets Rainer Maria Rilke's song-cycle Das Marienleben Go to Hindemith, Paul (16 Nov. 1895) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Music
1924	German author Thomas Mann publishes his novel The Magic Mountain Go to Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature German literature Fiction Europe German scientist Felix Wankel builds a model of a rotary engine, thirty years before the first prototype is manufactured Go to Wankel rotary engine in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries A new German currency, the Reichsmark, is launched with the value of a trillion old marks Go to Germany in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Economic History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Society
1925	The first volume of Adolf Hitler's Mein Kampf is published Go to Mein Kampf in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics 23-year-old German physicist Werner Heisenberg publishes his ground-breaking theory of quantum mechanics Go to Heisenberg, Werner Karl (1901–1976) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Science Physics Field marshal Paul von Hindenburg is elected president of the Weimar Republic in Germany Go to Hindenburg, Paul von (2 Oct. 1847) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics The German navy adapts a civilian encryption machine, Enigma, for military purposes Go to ENIGMA in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Technology War Treaties signed at Locarno, in Switzerland, aim to stabilize and guarantee Germany's borders with France and Belgium Go to Locarno Pact (1925) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Europe Belgium France Switzerland Alban Berg's opera Wozzeck has its premiere in Berlin Go to Berg, Alban (1885) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Austria
1926	The Hitler Youth (Hitlerjugend) is established by the Nazi party for teenage boys Go to Hitler Youth in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society Germany joins the League of Nations, with a permanent seat on the council Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Rudolf von Laban publishes a new system of dance notation, which becomes known in English as Labanotation Go to Labanotation in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Dance Mies van der Rohe designs a monument in Berlin for the Spartacus leaders Karl Liebknecht and Rosa Luxemburg Go to Mies van der Rohe, Ludwig (1886–1969) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Architecture Politics Protest and rebellion Walter Gropius designs buildings in Dessau as a new home for the Bauhaus Go to Gropius, Walter (1883–1969) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Architecture
1927	Ernst Krenek's jazz opera Jonny Strikes Up has its premiere in Leipzig Go to Krenek, Ernst (1900–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Werner Heisenberg publishes his Uncertainty Principle, declaring that it is impossible to define precisely the position and momentum of a sub-atomic particle Go to uncertainty principle in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Science Physics Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill write Mahagonny Songspiel for the Baden-Baden music festival Go to Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Theatre Hermann Hesse publishes a mystical novel, Steppenwolf, based on the concept of a double personality Go to Steppenwolf, Der in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature German literature Fiction Europe In Being and Time German philosopher Martin Heidegger makes an existentialist case with Dasein ('Being There') as the central theme Go to Heidegger, Martin (1889–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature German literature Philosophy Stuttgart's Weissenhofsiedlung, designed by Mies van der Rohe, le Corbusier, Gropius and others, sets a defining standard for International Modernism Go to Weissenhofsiedlung in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Architecture
1928	Marcel Breuer, working at the Bauhaus, designs the classic version of his tubular-steel cantilever chair Go to Breuer, Marcel (1902–81) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Arts Decorative arts The Threepenny Opera, by Bertolt Brecht and Kurt Weill, opens to great acclaim in Berlin Go to Threepenny Opera, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Theatre
1929	The SS, which has evolved from Hitler's personal bodyguard, is put under the command of Heinrich Himmler Go to SS in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Politics Erich Maria Remarque publishes All Quiet on the Western Front, a novel based on his wartime experiences in the German army Go to Remarque, Erich Maria (1898–1970) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Literature German literature Fiction Europe Mies van der Rohe designs his famous Barcelona Chair for the German pavilion at the Barcelona World Fair Go to Mies van der Rohe, Ludwig (27 March 1886) in The Grove Encyclopedia of Decorative Arts (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1920s 20th century Arts Decorative arts Europe Spain
1930	Joseph von Sternberg directs Marlene Dietrich in the film The Blue Angel, shot in both German and English, making her an immediate international star Go to Dietrich, Marlene (?1901–1992) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States The opera Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, opens in Leipzig Go to Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Adolf Hitler puts Joseph Goebbels at the head of the Nazi party's propaganda campaign Go to Goebbels, Joseph (1897–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent The Allies withdraw their occupying forces from Germany's Rhineland, five years ahead of schedule Go to Versailles, Treaty of (1919) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics The Nazis become the second largest party in the Reichstag, winning 107 seats Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent
1931	Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels makes Der Führer a compulsory term for Hitler in the Nazi party Go to Führer in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics
1932	Adolf Hitler finally exchanges Austrian for German nationality, just in time to run for the German presidency Go to Hitler, Adolf (1889–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Europe Austria Adolf Hitler stands for election as president of the German republic and wins 36% of the vote Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Winning 230 seats in the election, the Nazis become the largest party in the Reichstag (albeit not with a majority) Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Unemployment in Germany rises during the world-wide depression to the unprecedented level of 6 million Go to Depression, the Great (1929–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Commerce and industry Society
1933	President Hindenburg appoints Adolf Hitler chancellor of the German republic Go to Hindenburg, Paul Ludwig Hans von Beneckendorf und von (1847–1934) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 German chancellor Adolf Hitler orders the sterilization of carriers of hereditary mental diseases, in one of his government's first pieces of legislation Go to eugenics in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression The electoral campaign for a new Reichstag, demanded by Hitler, is conducted with escalating Nazi violence Go to Reichstag in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent The burning of the Reichstag during the German election enables Adolf Hitler to introduce emergency measures restricting liberty Go to Reichstag in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Heinrich Himmler sets up the first Nazi concentration camp, at Dachau near Munich Go to Dachau in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 Adolf Hitler puts a bill before the first meeting of the newly elected Reichstag, giving himself unrestricted powers Go to Enabling Act (Ermächtigungsgesetz) (23 Mar. 1933) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Gustav Krupp and his son Alfried, Germany’s main manufacturers of armaments, join the Nazi party Go to Krupp in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics Commerce and industry War Society Wars since 1900 Adolf Hitler passes a law forcing the 'retirement' of all Jews working in the civil service, schools and universities Go to anti‐Semitism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism The new Nazi government closes down Germany's distinguished school of modern art and architecture, the Bauhaus Go to Bauhaus in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Arts The Nazi government dismisses Konrad Adenauer from all his appointments, included that of Lord Mayor of Cologne Go to Adenauer, Konrad (1876–1967) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Arabella, by Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal, is first performed four years after von Hofmannsthal's death left it incomplete Go to Arabella in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Germany becomes a one-party state, with only the Nazis allowed to engage in political activity Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Thomas Mann leaves Germany and moves to Switzerland, where he engages in a steady polemic against the Nazis Go to Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Switzerland Adolf Hitler, the new German chancellor, pulls Germany out of the League of Nations and its disarmament conference Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 Adolf Hitler wins massive referendum support for his withdrawal of Germany from the Disarmament Conference and the League of Nations Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Wars since 1900 Fritz Lang's film The Testament of Dr Mabuse is banned in Germany because of implicit criticism of Nazi thugs Go to Lang, Fritz (1890–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Film Arnold Schoenberg leaves his teaching post in Germany, now under Nazi control, and in 1934 settles in Los Angeles Go to Schoenberg, Arnold Franz Walter (1874–1951) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States
1934	Nazi architect Albert Speer designs a spectacular new setting for the party's annual Nuremberg rally Go to Speer, Albert (1905–81) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Architecture German photographer Leni Riefenstahl glorifies Hitler and the Nuremberg rally in her film Triumph of the Will Go to Riefenstahl, Leni (1902–2003) in A Dictionary of Marketing (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Film Politics Erich Korngold, one of Austria's most admired composers, moves to Hollywood Go to Korngold, Erich Wolfgang (29 May 1897) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States Adolf Hitler visits his SA commander, Ernst Roehm, in his hotel before having him shot Go to Night of the Long Knives (1934) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Multiple murders are carried out on Hitler's orders during the Night of the Long Knives Go to Night of the Long Knives (1934) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics In addition to the SS, Heinrich Himmler is given command of the state secret police, or Gestapo Go to Gestapo in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Paul von Hindenburg dies, enabling Adolf Hitler to combine the roles of president, chancellor and supreme commander of the German armed forces Go to Hitler, Adolf (1889–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics In a referendum 38 million German voters say yes to Adolf Hitler becoming Führer, Germany's supreme leader Go to Hitler, Adolf (1889–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Hitler tells the party faithful in a Nuremberg rally that their new third Reich will last for 1000 years Go to Third Reich in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 Paul Hindemith's opera Mathis der Maler is banned by the Nazis and is not performed until 1938 in Zurich Go to Mathis der Maler in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Openly hostile to the Nazis, the architect Walter Gropius moves to England and three years later makes the USA his home Go to Gropius, Walter (1883–1969) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Architecture
1935	Adolf Hitler informs Britain and France that he is building up the German armed forces, in contravention of the Versailles treaty Go to Versailles, Treaty of (1919) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 The German composer Kurt Weill moves to New York, where he writes Broadway musicals Go to Weill, Kurt (1900–1950) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States Adolf Hitler reinstates Germany's airforce, the Luftwaffe, putting Hermann Goering in command Go to Luftwaffe in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 The people of the rich mining district of the Saar vote to merge with Germany Go to Saarland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Adolf Hitler gets away with a calculated international risk when he reintroduces conscription in Germany Go to Reichswehr in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics Social and domestic War Society Wars since 1900 Adolf Hitler gives Karl Dönitz, a submarine commander from World War I, responsibility for Germany's U-boat programme Go to Dönitz, Karl (1891–1981) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 Adolf Hitler promulgates a law prohibiting any sexual relationship between Jews and 'Aryans' Go to Nuremberg Laws (15 Sept. 1935) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism New Nazi laws announced at Nuremberg strip Jews of their German citizenship Go to Nuremberg Laws (15 Sept. 1935) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Religion Judaism Social and domestic Society
1935-1938	Adolf Hitler's rearmament programme begins to reduce German unemployment, and by 1938 eliminates it entirely Go to Depression, the Great (1929–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics Commerce and industry War Society Wars since 1900
1936	The rest of Europe offers no effective objection when Adolf Hitler moves his troops into the demilitarized Rhineland Go to appeasement in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 German architect Werner March designs spectacular buildings for the Berlin Olympics Go to March, Werner (1894–1976) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Architecture Membership of the Hitler Youth (for boys) or the League of German Maidens is made compulsory Go to Hitler Youth in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Hitler gives Reinhard Heydrich control of the Gestapo Go to Heydrich, Reinhard (1904–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics At the Berlin Olympics, attended by Hitler, the African-American athlete Jesse Owens sets three new Olympic records and equals a fourth Go to Owens, Jesse (1913–80) in A Dictionary of Sports Studies (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States Carl Orff's cantata Carmina Burana has its premiere in Frankfurt Go to Carmina Burana in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music Hitler and Mussolini form an axis, or alliance, causing Germany and Italy to become known as the Axis powers Go to Axis Powers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 Germany and Japan establish an Anti-Comintern Pact against their common enemy, the USSR Go to Anti-Comintern Pact (25 Nov. 1936) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1937	Pope Pius XI issues an encyclical, Mit Brennender Sorge, condemning the Nazi ideology of racism Go to Mit brennender Sorge in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Under Nazi influence the University of Bonn deprives Thomas Mann of his honorary doctorate, which is restored to him in 1946 Go to Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller is arrested for defying the Nazis and spends the next eight years in concentration camps Go to Niemöller, Martin (1892–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Religion Christianity A Nazi exhibition of 'degenerate art' opens in Munich, and visitors are invited to mock the avant-garde works on show Go to Degenerate art in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Arts Painting Buchenwald, near Weimar, is set up as a concentration camp providing forced labour for local arms manufacturers Go to Buchenwald in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 Rocket engineer Wernher von Braun is appointed director of Germany's weapon research centre at Peenemünde Go to Braun, Wernher von (b. 23 Mar. 1912) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Technology Engineering Adolf Hitler, entertaining Mussolini in Germany, puts on spectacular demonstrations of German military and industrial might Go to Axis Powers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900
1938	February 4: Adolf Hitler appoints Joachim von Ribbentrop as Germany's foreign minister Go to Ribbentrop, Joachim von (1893–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics March 12 - German tanks cross the border into Austria, on the official invitation of Austrian Nazis Go to Anschluss in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Austria Wars since 1900 Voters in both Germany and Austria give massive approval for Hitler's annexation of Austria Go to Anschluss in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Austria September 15 - Neville Chamberlain makes the first of three flights to Germany, this time to negotiate with Adolf Hitler at Berchtesgaden Go to appeasement in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 29 - Neville Chamberlain and édouard Daladier fly to Munich to discuss Hitler's designs on the Czech Sudetenland Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 29 - Chamberlain and Daladier agree at Munich that Hitler may annexe the Czech Sudetenland, with its largely German population Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia British prime ministers - from 1830 Czech Republic Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 October - the Sudetenland is transferred from Czechoslovakia to Germany, in accordance with the Munich agreement Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 October - Adolf Hitler makes unacceptable demands upon Poland, including the transfer of the free port of Danzig to Germany Go to Danzig in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 October - Adolf Hitler demands a strip of territory through the Polish corridor to reunite Germany with East Prussia Go to Polish Corridor in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 November 9 - Nazi gangs smash the premises of Jews throughout Germany and Austria in a night that becomes known as Kristallnacht, the night of cut glass Go to Kristallnacht in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Persecution and repression Religion Judaism
1939	German physicists, led by Otto Hahn, announce their discovery of nuclear fission Go to fission, nuclear in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Science Physics Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan becomes music director of the Berlin State Opera Go to Karajan, Herbert von (1908–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera March - Hungary aligns itself with the Axis powers, signing Germany and Japan's Anti-Comintern Pact Go to Anti-Comintern pact in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Europe Hungary March 15 - Hitler's armies smash their way into Czechoslovakia and enter Prague, against all his previous promises Go to Munich Agreement (September 1938) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 August 21 - Ribbentrop flies to Moscow to sign a Nonaggression Pact with Molotov, depriving Britain and France of an ally Go to Nazi–Soviet Pact (23 August 1939) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 August 21 - a secret protocol, attached to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, divides Poland and the Baltic states between Germany and Russia Go to Nazi–Soviet Pact (23 August 1939) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 August 27: the He-178, designed by Hans von Ohain, becomes the first jet engine to fly, with a test flight lasting five minutes Go to von Ohain, Hans Joachim Pabst (1911–1998) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century Technology Engineering War Wars since 1900 September 1 - Adolf Hitler launches a massive attack on Poland, with tanks crossing the border and air raids on Warsaw Go to Polish campaign (1939) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Poland Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 3 - Britain and France, receiving no answer from Hitler to their ultimatum over his attack on Poland, declare war on Germany Go to World War 2 (1939–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain The new German technique of blitzkrieg ('lightning war') is demonstrated with devastating effect against Poland Go to Blitzkrieg in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 September 17 - a Russian army invades Poland from the east, fulfilling the secret protocol of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact Go to Nazi–Soviet Pact (23 August 1939) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s Second World War 20th century War Russia Wars since 1900 November - Adolf Hitler orders the 'mercy killing' of all those with specified categories of infirmity, beginning with newborn babies and young children Go to euthanasia programme in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression
1940	William Joyce, broadcasting in English from Germany, becomes notorious in Britain as Lord Haw-Haw Go to Joyce, William (b. 24 Apr. 1906) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Performing arts War Wars since 1900 April 5 - inactivity during the Phoney War prompts Neville Chamberlain to assure the House of Commons that Hitler has 'missed the bus' Go to Phoney War (Sept. 1939–Apr. 1940) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April 9 - German ships and marines occupy the harbours of neutral Denmark and Norway Go to Narvik, naval battles at in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Denmark Norway Wars since 1900 July 16 - Hitler orders preparations for the invasion of England, under the codename Operation Sea Lion Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain September 27 - Germany, Italy and Japan form a Tripartite Pact as a military alliance Go to Tripartite Pact in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Europe Italy Wars since 1900 October 2 - after the summer's losses in the air, Hitler orders the effective cancellation of operation Sea Lion, the planned invasion of Britain Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain October 31 - the castle at Colditz, adapted as a high-security prisoner-of-war camp, receives 140 Polish officers as its first inmates Go to Colditz in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 December 18 - Adolf Hitler orders preparations to be made for Operation Barbarossa, his planned invasion of the Soviet Union Go to Barbarossa (22 June 1941 – Dec. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900
1941	May - in preparation for the invasion of Russia, Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler set up Special Task Commandos (Einsatzkommando) to exterminate Communists and Jews Go to Einsatzgruppen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Wars since 1900 May 10 - Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy in the Nazi party, flies to Britain on a bizarre secret mission Go to Hess, Rudolf (b. 26 Apr. 1894) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain July - the systematic shooting of Russian Jews by German Einsatzgruppen is the first step in the development of the Holocaust Go to Einsatzgruppen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July 31 - Goering orders Reinhard Heydrich to prepare plans for the 'final solution of the Jewish question' Go to Final Solution in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Wars since 1900 August - Nazi experiments are carried out on Jews and Soviet prisoners of war to find effective means of murder by gas Go to zyklon-B in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Wars since 1900 October 16 - Adolf Eichmann, in an official letter about policy in relation to the Jews, uses the phrase 'the final solution' Go to Eichmann, Karl Adolf (b. 19 Mar. 1906) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Wars since 1900
1942	January 20 - Reinhard Heydrich convenes a meeting at Wannsee to discuss the practical details of the 'final solution' Go to Wannsee conference in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 February - Hitler's chief architect, Albert Speer, is put in charge of Germany's armaments programme Go to Speer, Albert (b. 19 Mar. 1905) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 from March - German industrial enterprises are moved from the vulnerable Ruhr valley to the slave labour facilities of Auschwitz Go to Auschwitz in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 May - German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer flies to neutral Sweden to contact the British on behalf of conspirators against Hitler Go to Bonhoeffer, Dietrich (1906–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Wars since 1900 October 3 - the German V-2 rocket is successfully tested by Wernher von Braun and his team at Peenemünde Go to V-weapons in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Technology Engineering Weapons December 17 - an international declaration condemns Germany's 'bestial policy of cold-blooded extermination' Go to Karski, Jan (1914–2000) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900
1943	January - Hitler appoints Karl Dönitz as commander of the German navy Go to Dönitz, Karl (b. 16 Sept. 1891) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 April - Martin Bormann, previously head of the party secretariat, becomes Hitler's personal secretary Go to Bormann, Martin (1900–?1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 May 16 - two hydroelectric schemes in the Ruhr valley are destroyed by the RAF's Dam Busters and their bouncing bombs in Operation Chastise Go to Dam Busters in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 July - Belsen, used as a prisoner-of-war camp since 1940, is turned into a concentration camp Go to Bergen-Belsen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 July 28 - the Hamburg Fire Department coins the word Feuersturm ('firestorm') to describe the unprecedented effects of an RAF raid on the city Go to firestorms in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 August 17 - the RAF bomb the German V-2 rocket research station at Peenemünde Go to Peenemünde raid in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 August 23 - Allied bombers begin four months of night-time raids on Berlin Go to Berlin air offensive in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900
1944	Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in Buchenwald, writes his Letters and Papers from Prison Go to Bonhoeffer, Dietrich (1906–45) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century July 20 - Adolf Hitler narrowly escapes death from a bomb placed by Claus von Stauffenberg Go to Stauffenberg, Claus, Graf Schenk von (1907–1944) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination War Wars since 1900 July 25 - the Messerschmitt Me 262 fighter-bomber flies into combat, introducing the jet era in aerial warfare Go to Messerschmitt in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Technology Engineering War Wars since 1900 from July - more than 5000 Germans, among them Rommel, die because of the Stauffenberg plot Go to July Plot (20 July 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Wars since 1900
1945	January - Allied bombing of Berlin forces Hitler to take refuge in his underground bunker Go to Hitler, Adolf (b. 20 Apr. 1889) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 February 13 - British bombers launch a devastating raid against Dresden, killing tens of thousands in a firestorm Go to Dresden raid (February 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 March 22 - Patton's Third US Army is the first Allied force to cross the Rhine, at Oppenheim, south of Mainz Go to Rhineland, battle of (1945) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 March 23 - Montgomery's Twenty-First Army Group crosses the Rhine at several points in the north Go to VERITABLE in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 April - Adolf Hitler orders a scorched earth policy within Germany, in the path of the advancing Allies Go to Germany, Battle for in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April 5 - Dietrich Bonhoeffer is executed in a Nazi concentration camp just a month before the end of the war in Europe Go to Bonhoeffer, Dietrich (1906–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 April 11 - American troops discover the German concentration camp at Buchenwald Go to Buchenwald in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 April 15 - the British reach Belsen and reveal appalling Nazi atrocities, worse even than at Buchenwald Go to Bergen-Belsen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 April 25 - American and Soviet troops join up at Torgau, 70 miles south of Berlin Go to Torgau in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 April 25 - Soviet armies form a complete circle around Berlin to isolate the city Go to Berlin, battle of (May 1945) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April 29 - Adolf Hitler marries Eva Braun in his bunker, and holds a champagne reception with Goebbels as the principal guest Go to Braun, Eva (1912–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 April 30 - Hitler chooses Admiral Dönitz as his successor and appoints his cabinet Go to Doenitz, Karl (1881–1980) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 April 30 - Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun retire to their marital quarters in the Berlin bunker and commit suicide Go to Hitler, Adolf (1889–1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 April 30 - Soviet troops storm the Reichstag in the centre of Berlin on the day when Adolf Hitler commits suicide in his bunker below them Go to Berlin, fall of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Cold war Wars since 1900 April 30 - Anglo-US Fascist William Joyce ('Lord Haw Haw') makes his final English broadcast from Hamburg Go to Joyce, William (1906–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Performing arts War Wars since 1900 May 1 - in the Berlin bunker, on the day after Hitler's death, Goebbels arranges for his six children to be lethally injected, and himself and his wife to be shot Go to Goebbels, Josef (1897–1945) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War Society Wars since 1900 May 2 - the German general commanding Berlin, Karl Weidling, surrenders the city to the Allies Go to Berlin, fall of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 May 7 - the unconditional surrender of all German forces is accepted at Eisenhower's headquarters Go to unconditional surrender in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 May 23 - Heinrich Himmler, escaping in disguise, takes poison when he is identified Go to Himmler, Heinrich (7 Oct. 1900) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 July 3 - the four Allied powers (USA, UK, France, USSR) provide occupation forces for separate zones of Austria, Germany and Berlin Go to Occupation of Germany in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Cold war Austria Wars since 1900 July 17 - Truman, Stalin and Churchill meet for a summit conference in Potsdam Go to Potsdam Conference (July–August 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Cold war Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 July 26 - Winston Churchill, losing the postwar general election in Britain, has to yield his seat at Potsdam in mid-conference to Clement Attlee Go to Potsdam Conference (July–August 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain [1939-1945] - in addition to 6 million Jews, the Nazi death camps have killed some 400,000 Gypsies and 100,000 'useless defectives' Go to Eugenics in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Wars since 1900 November 20 - twenty-two German defendants are put on trial in Nuremberg, charged with war crimes Go to Nuremberg Trials (1945–46) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900
1946	Germany's former foreign minister, Joachim von Ribbentrop, is sentenced to death at Nuremberg and is hanged Go to Ribbentrop, Joachim von (1893–1946) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century German conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler is acquitted of the charge of collaborating with the Nazis Go to Furtwängler, (Gustav Heinrich Ernst Martin) Wilhelm (25 Jan. 1886) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Performing arts Music October 1 - twelve of the defendants at Nuremberg are sentenced to death by hanging Go to Nuremberg Trials in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 October 15: Hermann Goering, sentenced to death at Nuremberg, kills himself with a potassium cyanide capsule the night before he is due to be hanged Go to Goering, Hermann Wilhelm (1893–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900
1947	Bertolt Brecht's play The Life of Galileo has its premiere in Los Angeles with Charles Laughton in the lead Go to Life of Galileo in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English German literature Drama North America United States
1948	Richard Strauss completes his Four Last Songs in the year before his death Go to Vier letzte Lieder in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Performing arts Music June 24 - the Soviet Union imposes a blockade on Berlin by denying the other powers access through the land corridor to the city Go to Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Russia Wars since 1900 June 26 - the Western powers respond to the Soviet blockade by launching the Berlin airlift, flying in necessary provisions of every kind Go to Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900
1949	Karl von Frisch demonstrates that bees make use of the polarized light of the sun to calculate direction Go to Frisch, Karl von (1886–1982) in A Dictionary of Zoology (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Science Life sciences Austria The Christian Democrats win the first elections in Germany since 1933, and Konrad Adenauer becomes chancellor of West Germany Go to Adenauer, Konrad (b. 5 Jan. 1876) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Bertolt Brecht establishes a new theatrical company, the Berliner Ensemble, in East Germany Go to Berliner Ensemble in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Performing arts Theatre May 12 - the Soviet Union lifts the blockade on Berlin and the airlift ends, after providing for nearly a year a lifeline to the city Go to Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 May 25 - the Federal Republic of Germany is formed from the British, French and US zones of occupation Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 May 30 - the USSR grants nominal independence to east Germany as the newly established German Democratic Republic Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Wars since 1900
1950	Kirsten Flagstad sings the posthumous premiere, in London, of Richard Strauss's Four Last Songs Go to Flagstad, Kirsten (1895) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1952	Hans Werner Henze's first full-length opera, Boulevard Solitude, has its premiere in Hanover Go to Henze, Hans Werner (1926– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera
1954	The German firm NSU builds the first working example of the rotary engine invented in 1924 by Felix Wankel Go to Wankel rotary engine in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Technology Engineering Relations are normalized between West Germany and the USA, France and Britain, ending the postwar period of occupation Go to Occupation of Germany in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900
1955	Thomas Mann publishes a longer but still incomplete version of his novel Confessions of Felix Krull, Confidence Man Go to Bekenntnisse des Hochstaplers Felix Krull. Der Memoiren erster Teil in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature German literature Fiction Europe Konrad Adenauer negotiates the release of the last 10,000 German prisoners of war held in the USSR Go to Adenauer, Konrad (b. 5 Jan. 1876) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Europe Russia
1956	Karlheinz Stockhausen's Song of the Children combines electronic sounds and the human voice Go to Stockhausen, Karlheinz (1928–2007) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Music Hans Werner Henze's opera The Stag King has its premiere in Berlin Go to König Hirsch in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera
1957	Six founding nations (Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, West Germany) establish the European Economic Community (EEC) Go to Rome, Treaty of (25 May 1957) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Europe France Italy Society German composer Karlheinz Stockhausen uses three separate orchestras to achieve acoustic space in Gruppen Go to Stockhausen, Karlheinz (1928–2007) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Music
1958	Nigerian dramatist Wole Soyinka's play The Swamp Dwellers is produced in London Go to Soyinka, Wole (1934– ) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English German literature Drama Africa West Africa
1959	German novelist Günter Grass has an immediate success with his first novel, The Tin Drum Go to Grass, Günter Wilhelm (1927– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Literature German literature Fiction Europe
1960	Niger becomes independent, with Hamani Diori as the new nation's first president Go to Niger in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa West Africa Europe Empires
1961	British choreographer John Cranko becomes director of the Stuttgart Ballet Go to Cranko, John (15 Aug. 1927) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Dance The drug Thalidomide, synthesized in West Germany, is shown to have been the cause of severe defects in about 12,000 children born in 46 countries Go to thalidomide in The Oxford Companion to the Body (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Science Chemistry Medicine The East German government erects the Berlin Wall to prevent an exodus of its citizens Go to Berlin Wall in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Communism Terrorism and assassination War Cold war Wars since 1900
1963	President Kennedy, in divided Berlin, makes the dramatic declaration: Ich bin ein Berliner ('I am a Berliner') See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics War US presidents Cold war Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States Konrad Adenauer resigns after 14 years as Chancellor of West Germany and is succeeded by his economics minister, Ludwig Erhard Go to Erhard, Ludwig (4 Feb. 1897) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics
1965	Footballer Franz Beckenbauer plays his first international for West Germany Go to Beckenbauer, Franz (1945– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Sports and games Society German performance artist Joseph Beuys walks round a gallery demonstrating How to Explain Pictures to a Dead Hare Go to Beuys, Joseph (12 May 1921) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Arts
1967	The Ibo of eastern Nigeria claim independence for their region – as the republic of Biafra Go to Biafra in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Africa West Africa
1968	Karlheinz Stockhausen's Stimmung ('Tuning') employs six unaccompanied voices for 75 minutes Go to Stimmung in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Performing arts Music
1969	Willy Brandt, leader of the SPD (Social Democratic Party), becomes chancellor of Germany Go to Brandt, Willy (1913–1992) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1960s 20th century Politics
1970	The breakaway province of Biafra surrenders after three years of devastating civil war in Nigeria Go to Biafra in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century War Africa West Africa
1971	With support from Moscow, Erich Honecker takes Walter Ulbricht's place as leader of East Germany Go to Honecker, Erich (b. 25 Aug. 1912) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Wars since 1900
1972	Eleven Israeli athletes are killed by Palestinian 'Black September' terrorists at the Munich Olympic Games Go to Black September in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel
1974	Willy Brandt resigns and is succeeded by Helmut Schmidt, as leader of the SDP and chancellor of Germany Go to Schmidt, Helmut (b. 23 Dec. 1918) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics
1975	Yakubu Gowon, who united Nigeria after the Biafran war, is thrown out in a military coup Go to Gowon, Yakubu (19 Oct. 1934) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Politics Africa West Africa
1977	German author Botho Strauss's play Three Acts of Recognition wins him an international audience Go to Strauss, Botho (1944) in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1970s 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature German literature Drama
1981	Karlheinz Stockhausen's Thursday from Light, the first of a seven-part opera cycle, is performed in Milan Go to Stockhausen, Karlheinz (22 Aug. 1928) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera
1982	CDU leader Helmut Kohl follows Helmut Schmidt as chancellor of Germany Go to Kohl, Helmut (b. 3 Apr. 1930) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics
1984	British architects James Stirling and Michael Wilford complete a new art gallery for Stuttgart Go to Stirling, Sir James Frazer (1926–92) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Luciano Berio's opera Un re in ascolto has its premiere in Salzburg Go to Berio, Luciano (1925–2003) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Italy US choreographer William Forsythe becomes director of the Frankfurt Ballet Go to Forsythe, William (30 Dec. 1949) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Performing arts Dance
1985	17-year-old German tennis-player Boris Becker becomes the youngest ever to win the men's singles at Wimbledon Go to Becker, Boris (1967– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain
1987	18-year-old German tennis player Steffi Graf deposes Martina Navratilova as world no. 1 Go to Graf, Steffi (1969– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Sports and games Society US architect Daniel Libeskind designs the City Edge project in Berlin, building it up from startlingly fragmented forms Go to Libeskind, Daniel (1946– ) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Architecture
1989	Erich Honecker, leader of East Germany since 1971, is forced to resign after massive popular demonstrations Go to Honecker, Erich (25 Aug. 1912) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Cold war Wars since 1900 Citizens of East Berlin demolish the Berlin Wall, in what proves a symbolic end to the Cold War Go to Berlin Wall in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1980s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Cold war Wars since 1900
1990	East and West Germany are united in a new Federal Republic of Germany Go to Germany, Federal Republic of in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics
1994	German racing driver Michael Schumacher wins his first world championship title in Formula One Go to Schumacher, Michael (1969) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Sports and games Society
1995	Ken Saro-Wiwa, playwright and pro-democracy campaigner in Nigeria, is among a group hanged by the ruling junta Go to Saro-Wiwa, Ken(ule) Beeson (1941–95) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Africa West Africa
1998	Nigerian forces expel Johnny Koroma from Freetown and reinstate Sierra Leone's elected civilian president, Ahmad Kabbah Go to Sierra Leone in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics Africa West Africa SPD leader Gerhard Schröder replaces Helmut Kohl as German chancellor, in a coalition with the Green party Go to Schröder, Gerhard (1944– ) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Politics
1999	Buena Vista Social Club, a nostalgic documentary by Wim Wenders, triggers a cult for Cuban music Go to Buena Vista Social Club in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1990s 20th century Film Latin America Cuba
2000	Mao Zedong inspires German artist Anselm Kiefer's Let a Thousand Flowers Bloom Go to Kiefer, Anselm (8 Mar. 1945) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Arts Painting
2005	Angela Merkel, leader of the CDU, replaces Gerhard Schröder and becomes Germany's first woman chancellor Go to CDU in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 21st century Politics

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date: 07 October 2024

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