Elie Wiesel and Vladek Spiegelman timeline

  • Pact

    Pact
    Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan sign the Anti-Comintern Pact, directed against the Soviet Union and the international Communist movement
  • Vladek and Anja Marry

    Vladek and Anja Marry
    They marry after Vladek moved to Sosnowiec
  • Invasion

    Invasion
    Japan invades China, initiating World War II in the Pacific
  • Security

    Security
    France and Great Britain guarantee the integrity of the borders of the Polish state
  • Vladek is drafted

    Vladek is drafted
    Vladek is drafted into the Polish army to fight Nazi's
  • Vladek is fighting in the trenches against the Germans. He is taken prisoner during a skirmish. He is first taken to a POW camp, then to a labor camp. Finally, several months later, he is released.

    Vladek is fighting in the trenches against the Germans. He is taken prisoner during a skirmish. He is first taken to a POW camp, then to a labor camp. Finally, several months later, he is released.
  • Vladek Released from Work Camp

    Vladek Released from Work Camp
    Through Orbach, a family friend, Vladek is able to escape death.
  • Second Vienna Award:

    Second Vienna Award:
    Germany and Italy arbitrate a decision on the division of the disputed province of Transylvania between Romania and Hungary. The loss of northern Transylvania forces Romanian King Carol to abdicate in favor of his son, Michael, and brings to power a dictatorship under General Ion Antonescu.
  • Slovakia

    Slovakia
    Slovakia joined the axis
  • the Hungarian government expelled Jews unable to prove their citizenship (Including Moshe)

    the Hungarian government expelled Jews unable to prove their citizenship (Including Moshe)
  • Jews in Sosnowiec Moved to Another Ghetto

    Jews in Sosnowiec Moved to Another Ghetto
    The remaining Jews in the Sosnowiec Ghetto are moved to an old village, Srodula. Richieu is taken to Zawriercie to avoid being deported.
  • Srodula Ghetto Liquidated

    Srodula Ghetto Liquidated
    All Jews remaining in the Srodula ghetto are taken to concentration camps. Vladek and Anja are still successfully hidden.
  • Vladek and Anja sent to Auschwitz

    Vladek and Anja sent to Auschwitz
    The couple tries to escape to Hungary with smugglers but are caught by Nazi soldiers while leaving on a train. They are sent to the concentration camp, Auschwitz.
  • The Germans have crossed

    The Germans have crossed
    The Germans crossed the border and were occupying Romania
  • The Wiesel family is expelled from their home

    The Wiesel family is expelled from their home
    The Wiesel family is expelled from their home in Sighet and forced to move into the ghetto
  • Elie and his dad were transferred to Buna

    Elie and his dad were transferred to Buna
  • Vladek and Anja have gone into hiding in Sosnowiec

    Vladek and Anja have gone into hiding in Sosnowiec
    Vladek and Anja have gone into hiding in Sosnowiec, first staying with a Polish woman, Mrs. Kowka, then on the farm of Mrs. Motonowa.
  • Wiesel and father evacuate Auschwitz

    Wiesel and father evacuate Auschwitz
  • Death march

    Death march
    Elie and his dad are in the death march
  • Gone

    Gone
    This was the last day Elie saw his father
  • Rumors

    Rumors
    The inmates say that there is going to be another liquidation-another death run
  • Buchenwald liberated

    Buchenwald liberated
    Wiesel was 16 when Buchenwald was liberated by the United States Army
  • Dachau Liberated

    Dachau Liberated
    The concentration camp, Dachau, is liberated by American forces. Soon after, Vladek and his friend, Shivek, meet the Americans.
  • Vladek in U.S. Refugee Camp

    Vladek in U.S. Refugee Camp
    In the summer of 1945, Vladek reaches the American run displaced persons camp, Garmisch-Partenkirchen
  • Nobel Peace prize

    Nobel Peace prize
    Elie Wiesel wins Nobel Peace Prize