In February 1935 Hitler openly acknowledged the existence of the new German Luftwaffe (air force), in direct violation of the Treaty of Versailles that limited German military development. Under the direction of two former fighter ace comrades of the Red Baron, Ernst Udet and Hermann Goering, the Luftwaffe flourished into what could be considered the most technologically and tactically…
“This is not peace. This is an armistice for twenty years [how right you were!].” ~ Foch on the Treaty of Versailles. Winston Churchill in 1933 exclaimed to the British Parliament, “Thank God for the French Army!” Without a doubt, coming off the spectacle of the victory parade in 1919 on Quatorz Juillet it was…
Events June 28, 1914: Archduke Franz Ferdinand assassinated in Sarajevo July 5: Austria requests and receives Germany’s “blank check,” pledging unconditional support if Russia enters the war July 23: Austria issues ultimatum to Serbia July 25: Serbia responds to ultimatum; Austrian ambassador to Serbia immediately leaves Belgrade & France promises support to Russia in the event of war…
