Germans occupy Rhineland. Italy annexes Ethiopia.

Rome-Berlin Axis proclaimed (Japan to join in 1940).

Trotsky exiled to Mexico.

King George V dies; succeeded by son, Edward VIII, who soon abdicates to marry an American-born divorcée, and is succeeded by brother, George VI.

Spanish civil war begins. Hundreds of Americans join the "Lincoln Brigades."

(Franco's fascist forces defeat Loyalist forces by 1939, when Madrid falls.)

War between China and Japan begins, to continue through World War II.

Japan and Germany sign anti-Comintern pact; joined by Italy in 1937.