Second World War

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Timeline: Second World War

Years: 1933 - 1955	Subject: History, Military History
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191737893

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BCE CE

Year	Event
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 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 Polish cryptographers succeed in breaking some of the Enigma code used by the German military Go to Enigma in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Technology War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics Commerce and industry War Germany Society Wars since 1900 Japan announces its withdrawal from the League of Nations after a resolution is passed declaring the Japanese occupation of Manchuria illegal Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 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 20th century War Germany 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 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Germany Wars since 1900
1934	Benito Mussolini plays host in Venice to Adolf Hitler, the newcomer among European dictators Go to fascism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War Venice Europe Italy Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900
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 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics Social and domestic War Germany 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900
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 20th century Politics Commerce and industry War Germany 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 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 The prototype of the Spitfire, designed by Reginald Mitchell, has its first test flight Go to Mitchell, Reginald Joseph (1895–1937) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Technology Engineering War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain 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 20th century Politics War Europe Germany 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 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Germany Wars since 1900
1937	German planes bomb the Basque capital, Guernica, in support of the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War Go to Guernica, bombing of (1937) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Europe Spain Wars since 1900 Neville Chamberlain follows Baldwin as prime minister at the head of the UK's National government Go to Chamberlain, Neville (1869–1940) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 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 Japanese troops occupy Beijing – at the start of eight years of continuous war between China and Japan Go to Sino-Japanese War (1937–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Asia East Asia China Japan Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Italy Wars since 1900 The Japanese capture the Chinese capital, Nanjing, and massacre at least 300,000 inhabitants within a few weeks Go to Nanjing, Rape of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Asia East Asia China Japan Wars since 1900
1938	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 20th century Politics War Austria Germany Wars since 1900 March 12 - Adolf Hitler, following his troops into Austria, announces the Anschluss (union of Germany and Austria) Go to Anschluss in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War Austria Wars since 1900 April 24 - the Sudeten German National Socialist Party demands secession from Czechoslovakia, in keeping with Hitler's plans for the Sudetenland Go to Sudetenland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany 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 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany 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 20th century Politics War Bohemia British prime ministers - from 1830 Czech Republic Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 30 - Neville Chamberlain returns to Britain from Munich claiming to have achieved 'peace for our time... peace with honour' Go to Chamberlain, Neville (1869–1940) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 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 30 - Poland insists that the industrial area of Teschen Silesia, largely inhabited by Poles, be ceded by Czechoslovakia Go to Silesia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Poland 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 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Germany 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 20th century Politics War Europe Germany 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 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900
1939	Two million Anderson air-raid shelters are distributed to British homes, to be constructed in the garden from corrugated steel panels Go to Anderson, John (8 July 1882) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain February 2 - de Valera declares that Eire will be neutral in any forthcoming European war Go to Neutrality in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War British Isles Europe Ireland Wars since 1900 Britain 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 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Germany Wars since 1900 March 31 - the recent fate of Czechoslovakia prompts France and Britain to guarantee the security of Poland Go to Poland, Guarantee of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics 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 May 3 - Stalin appoints Vyacheslav Molotov as People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs for the USSR Go to Molotov, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich (1890–1986) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 May 11 - an incident on the border between Japanese Manchukuo and Soviet territory sparks a four-month war with the USSR that brings heavy Japanese losses Go to Khalkin Gol, Frontier Battle of (1939) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August - helped by the results of Polish cryptographers, Bletchley Park begins to gain invaluable access to German military secrets Go to Bletchley Park in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Technology War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain August 2 - German-born US physicist Albert Einstein writes to President Roosevelt, warning of the potential of an atomic bomb Go to Einstein, Albert (1879–1955) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Wars since 1900 North America United States 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 20th century Politics War Europe Germany 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 20th century Politics War Europe Germany 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 20th century Technology Engineering War Germany 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 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Poland Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 1 - Spain and Portugal declare that they will maintain their neutrality in the European war that now seems inevitable Go to neutrality in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War Europe Portugal Spain Wars since 1900 September 1 - George Marshall becomes US Army chief of staff, a post he retains to the end of World War II Go to Marshall, George C(atlett) (1880–1959) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Wars since 1900 North America United States 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 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe France Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 3 - on the very first day of the war a U-boat sinks a British liner, the Athenia, with the loss of 112 civilian lives Go to Athenia in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe 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 20th century War Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900 French troops rush to defend France's border with Germany, along the heavily fortified Maginot Line Go to Maginot Line in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 A British Expeditionary Force (BEF) of about 150,000 infantry crosses the Channel to help defend France's border with Belgium Go to British Expeditionary Force in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain In spite of the Axis agreement of 1936, Mussolini declines to bring Italy into the war on Hitler's side Go to Axis Powers in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 September - Alan Turing joins the code-breaking team working on Enigma at Bletchley Park Go to Turing, Alan (1912–54) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Science War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain September 4 - Jan Smuts defeats J.B.M. Hertzog in a vote on neutrality, and takes Hertzog's place as South African premier Go to Smuts, Jan Christiaan (1870–1950) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Wars since 1900 September 4 - Jan Smuts brings South Africa into the war in support of Britain Go to Smuts, Jan Christiaan (1870–1950) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Wars since 1900 September 17 - a German U-boat sinks the British aircraft carrier Courageous off the coast of Ireland Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Wars since 1900 Britain 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 20th century War Germany Russia Wars since 1900 September 19 - Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark jointly declare their neutrality Go to neutrality in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War Europe Denmark Finland Norway Wars since 1900 September 27 - Warsaw falls, after a brave resistance, whereupon Germany and Russia carve up Poland Go to Beck, Józef (b. 4 Oct. 1894) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 September - Nazi murder squads (Einsatzgruppen) kill Poland's elite Go to Einsatzgruppen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Poland Russia Wars since 1900 October 14 - a German U-boat sinks the British battleship Royal Oak at anchor in Scapa Flow Go to Royal Oak, sinking of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain November 30 - Soviet troops cross the borders of Finland, beginning the brief Russo-Finnish War, in keeping with the secret protocol of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact Go to Finnish-Russian War (1939–40) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Europe Finland Russia Wars since 1900 December - Phoney War, Bore War, drôle de guerre and Sitzkrieg are comments on the lack of military action from any side so far Go to Phoney War (Sept. 1939–Apr. 1940) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Wars since 1900 December 6-22 - the Finns win spectacular victories in counter-attacks against the Russian invaders, destroying four Soviet divisions Go to Finnish-Russian War (1939–40) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 December 13 - the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee is scuttled after a battle with Allied ships near the river Plate Go to Plate, Battle of the River (13 December 1939) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century War Battles Wars since 1900 Latin America Argentina South America December 14 - the USSR is expelled from the League of Nations because of the Soviet invasion of Finland Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1930s 20th century Politics War Europe Finland Russia Wars since 1900
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 20th century Performing arts War Germany Wars since 1900 January 8 - the ration book is introduced in Britain, at first just for bacon, butter and sugar, but soon also for meat, eggs, tea, milk, cheese, jam, and clothing Go to food rationing in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain February 16 - 303 captured merchant seamen are rescued in a daring British raid on the German supply ship Altmark, in use as a floating prison in a Norwegian fjord Go to Altmark in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 March 12 - the Treaty of Moscow ends the war between the USSR and Finland, after 200,000 Soviet deaths in the three months of hostilities Go to Finnish-Russian War (1939–40) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Finland Russia Wars since 1900 from April 4 - more than 4000 Polish officers are massacred at Katyń on Stalin's orders Go to Katyn Massacre in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Communism War Europe Poland Russia 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 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany 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 20th century War Europe Denmark Germany Norway Wars since 1900 April 9 - the German invasion of Norway includes the world's first airborne assault, with troops arriving by plane to attack the airports of Oslo and Stavanger Go to Norwegian campaign (1940) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 April 10 - Allied ships on patrol in the North Sea, soon followed by troops, rush to the defence of Norway Go to Narvik, naval battles at in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 May 10 - German tanks cross the borders into neutral Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium Go to Dyle Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Belgium Netherlands Wars since 1900 May 10 - after the German invasion of the Netherlands and Belgium, Winston Churchill replaces Chamberlain as the British prime minister Go to Churchill, Sir Winston (1874–1965) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 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 May 10 - German troops force their way into France through the Ardennes, launching the Battle of France Go to Maginot Line in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 May 11 - the French rely on the heavily fortified Maginot Line to keep out the Germans, but they outflank it Go to Maginot Line in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 May 12 - only two days after crossing the Netherlands border, a German division reaches the coast near Rotterdam Go to Blitzkrieg in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Netherlands Wars since 1900 May 12 - Queen Wilhelmina and the Dutch government escape just in time to Britain Go to Wilhelmina (b. 31 Aug. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Netherlands Wars since 1900 Britain May 13 - Winston Churchill, in his first speech to the House of Commons as prime minister, offers the nation nothing but 'blood, toil, tears and sweat' Go to Churchill, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer (1874–1965) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 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 May 14 - the caretaker government of the Netherlands surrenders to the German invaders Go to Rotterdam raid in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Netherlands Wars since 1900 May 14 - the Local Defence Volunteers are formed in Britain and are soon given, on Winston Churchill's suggestion, the name Home Guard Go to Home Guard in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain May - a German army races west through northern France, aiming to cut off the Allied troops in Belgium Go to Dyle Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 May - fishing smacks and private launches are enlisted from southern England's coasts and rivers for a rescue mission across the Channel Go to Dunkirk in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain May 19 - German tanks reach the French coast at Abbeville, nine days after crossing the border from Germany Go to Blitzkrieg in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 May 26 - evacuation begins from Dunkirk, and over the next ten days some 860 vessels ferry troops across the Channel Go to Dunkirk Evacuation in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain May 27 - the Belgians surrender to the German armies encircling them north and south Go to Leopold III (b. 3 Nov. 1901) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 June 4 - some 340,000 British and French troops have by now been rescued from Dunkirk, but a million Allied soldiers are now prisoners of the Germans Go to Dunkirk Evacuation in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 7 - the last Allied forces withdraw from Norway, leaving the country entirely in the hands of its German occupiers Go to Norwegian campaign (1940) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 June 10 - Mussolini declares war on a France already on the verge of defeat Go to Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Italy Wars since 1900 June 10 - German and Italian planes begin a prolonged assault on the Mediterranean island of Malta Go to Malta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 June 14 - a German army takes Paris and pushes on further south into the Rhone valley Go to Blitzkrieg in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 16 - Marshal Pétain, French hero from World War I, becomes France's prime minister Go to Pétain, Henri Philippe (1856–1951) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 16 - Marshal Pétain, as the new premier of France, immediately asks Germany for an armistice Go to Pétain, H. O. Philippe (1856–1951) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 18 - Charles de Gaulle broadcasts to the French nation from London, declaring himself the leader of the Free French Go to Free French, the in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 20 - Mussolini invades France in the last-minute hope of gaining some territory in the armistice settlement Go to Maginot Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Italy Wars since 1900 June 22 - Adolf Hitler attends the signing of the armistice with France, in the railway carriage used for the armistice after the German defeat in 1918 Go to Vichy government (1940–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 22 - the armistice leaves France with the southern part of the country, with a new capital at Vichy Go to Vichy government (1940–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 24 - a delegation from France, defeated and partly occupied by Germany, signs in Rome an armistice with Mussolini's Italy Go to Vichy government (1940–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Rome Europe France Italy Wars since 1900 June 26 - the British government gives recognition to Charles de Gaulle as official leader of the Free French Go to Free French in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics 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 July - increased German U-boat activity after the fall of France launches the crucial Battle of the Atlantic Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain July - Germany takes control of Romania, to secure the country's rich oil fields Go to Ploesti in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Wars since 1900 July 3 - British warships bombard the French fleet in harbour at Mers-el-Kébir, in Algeria, killing more than 1250 sailors Go to Mers el-Kebir (3 July 1940) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 July 6 - German bombers attack the barracks at Aldershot, in the first aerial raid of what becomes the Battle of Britain Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe 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 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain August 13 - the Battle of Britain reaches its most intense phase, with 1500 German planes involved in a single day's assault Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain August 20 - Churchill says of the Battle of Britain pilots that never has so much been owed by so many to so few Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 7 - the first German night-time bombing raid on London signals the start of the Blitz on British cities Go to Blitz in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 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 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Europe Germany Italy Wars since 1900 October - President Roosevelt, campaigning for a third term, assures Americans that he will not send their sons to fight in Europe's war Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States October - the US government provides 50 destroyers to boost the British escort of convoys in the Atlantic Go to convoy system in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States 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 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain October 4 - Mussolini plans a new Roman empire, reaching like the first one round the entire Mediterranean Go to Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 October 23 - Moscow appoints Tito to head the Communist Party of Yugoslavia Go to Tito, Josip Broz (1892–1980) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Wars since 1900 October 28 - Italian troops cross the Albanian border in the hope of a blitzkrieg against Greece Go to Metaxas, Ioannis (1871–1941) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Greece Italy Wars since 1900 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 November 5 - F.D. Roosevelt wins an unprecedented third US presidential term, albeit it with a considerably reduced share of the vote Go to Roosevelt, Franklin D. (1882–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States November 11-12 - British aircraft sink three Italian battleships at anchor in Taranto harbour Go to Taranto raid in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 November 14-15 - Coventry suffers a raid of such intensity that the new technique becomes known as carpet bombing Go to Coventry in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain November 20 - Hungary, Romania and Slovakia sign the Tripartite Pact, joining the war on the German side Go to Tripartite Pact in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 November 25 - the de Havilland Mosquito, a multi-purpose wooden aeroplane widely used by the RAF in World War II, makes its first flight Go to De Havilland, Sir Geoffrey (1882–1965) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Technology Engineering War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain 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 20th century War Europe Germany Russia Wars since 1900
1941	January 6 - President Roosevelt defines to Congress his concept of Four Freedoms – of speech, of worship, from want, from fear Go to Four Freedoms in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States January 22 - Archibald Wavell's Allied divisions, after a rapid desert campaign, drive the Italians from the Libyan port of Tobruk Go to Tobruk, Siege of (Apr. 1941–June 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 February 3 - Adolf Hitler sends Erwin Rommel to save the Italians from looming disaster in north Africa Go to Rommel, Erwin (1891–1944) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 March 11 - Congress passes the Lend-lease Act, enabling President Roosevelt to provide much needed help to US allies Go to Lend-Lease Act (Mar. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States March 28 - the Italian navy, defeated off Cape Matapan, ceases to be a significant factor in the Mediterranean Go to Matapan, battle of (1941) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 April 6 - the Allies recover Ethiopia from the Italians and Haile Selassie returns to his throne in Addis Ababa Go to Abyssinia, WW II campaign in (1941) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires Wars since 1900 April 6 - German troops invade and rapidly overrun Yugoslavia Go to Paul (27 Apr. 1893) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 April 7-28 - German troops move on from Yugoslavia into Greece, driving a small British force from the mainland across the sea to Crete Go to Metaxas, Ioannis (1871–1941) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Germany 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 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain May 15 - a Gloster E.28/39 air frame becomes the first craft to fly with a Whittle jet engine Go to Whittle, Sir Frank (1907–1996) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Technology Engineering War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain May 19 - the Vietminh is founded as a guerrilla force to liberate Vietnam from the Japanese, and Ho Chi Minh soon emerges as the leader Go to Vietminh in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Wars since 1900 May 27 - Germany's latest battleship, the Bismarck, is sunk in the Atlantic with the loss of nearly all her 2222 crew Go to Bismarck, sinking of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain May 27 - with Iceland as an Allied base, convoys can now be escorted by warships for the entire Atlantic crossing Go to Iceland in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 May 30 - German forces evict the British from the island of Crete after a week-long battle Go to Crete in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 June 22 - German armies cross the border to invade Russia on a front from the Baltic to southern Poland Go to Barbarossa (22 June 1941 – Dec. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 June 27 - the Communist Party of Yugoslavia appoints Tito to head a guerrilla force to resist the recent German invasion of the country Go to Tito, Josip (b. 25 May 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 July - Churchill appoints Claude Auchinleck as British commander in North Africa and the Middle East Go to Auchinleck, Sir Claude John Eyre (1884–1981) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Europe Germany Russia Wars since 1900 July - Britain's Special Air Service (SAS) is formed for unorthodox guerrilla operations in the north African desert Go to Special Air Service in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 July 16 - less than four weeks after crossing the Russian border, a German army is within 200 miles of Moscow Go to Barbarossa (22 June 1941 – Dec. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July 26 - Roosevelt appoints Douglas MacArthur commander of US forces in the Far East Go to MacArthur, Douglas (b. 26 Jan. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 North America United States 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Germany 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Germany Wars since 1900 August - British and USSR troops invade Iran to depose the oil-rich Reza Shah, fearing that he may take the side of the Germans Go to Reza Shah Pahlavi (1878–1944) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Wars since 1900 August 14 - Roosevelt and Churchill publish a joint Atlantic Charter, foreseeing a future free from 'Nazi tyranny' Go to Atlantic Charter in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States August 21 - the first of the Arctic convoys leaves Scapa Flow, in the north of Scotland, taking Hurricane fighters and raw materials to the Soviet Union Go to lend-lease in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 September - de Gaulle forms in London the French National Committee, a government in exile in London for the Free French Go to Free French, the in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 September 8 - a week or two after reaching Leningrad a Germany army establishes a siege that will last 900 days Go to Leningrad, Siege of (1941–4) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 September 16 - with British and Russian support, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi succeeds his deposed father as shah of Iran Go to Pahlavi, Muhammad Reza Shah (b. 26 Oct. 1919) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Wars since 1900 September 27 - Patrick Henry, the first of the US Liberty ships, is soon followed by more than 2700 others, built at record speed Go to Liberty ships in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Wars since 1900 North America United States October 16 - Japanese emperor Hirohito appoints Tojo Hideki as the country's prime minister Go to Tojo Hideki (1884–1948) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Germany Wars since 1900 November 13 - the British aircraft carrier Ark Royal is sunk by a U-boat in the Mediterranean Go to Ark Royal in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain December - Enigma is now being decoded fast enough at Bletchley to give the Allies advance warning of German plans Go to ENIGMA in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Technology War British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain December 5 - the German advance is held just short of Moscow as winter arrives Go to Barbarossa (22 June 1941 – Dec. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 December 7 - in three adapted vans at Chelmno, in western Poland, the Germans begin using poison gas to kill Jews Go to Chełmno in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 December 7 - without warning, 400 Japanese planes attack and destroy US warships at anchor in Pearl Harbor Go to Pearl Harbor in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 December 8 - within hours of Pearl Harbor, Japanese aircraft attack the Philippines and destroy half the available US planes Go to Clark Field, attack on in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 December 10 - Japanese planes sink the British battleship Prince of Wales and the battle cruiser Repulse off the coast of Malaya Go to Malayan campaign (Dec. 1941–Feb. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 December 13 - Bulgaria signs the Anti-Comintern Pact and joins the war on Germany's side Go to Anti‐Comintern Pact (25 November 1936) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 December 19 - Italian frogmen enter the harbour at Alexandria and cripple two British battleships Go to frogmen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Alexandria Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 December 25 - Hong Kong surrenders to an invading Japanese force Go to Hong Kong, fall of (1941) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia China Japan Wars since 1900 December 28 - Burmese politician Aung San raises a Burma Independence Army in Thailand to support the imminent Japanese invasion of his country Go to Thakin in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900
1942	January - Aung San's Burma Independence Army enters Burma as part of the Japanese invasion Go to Burma Campaigns (January 1942–August 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 January - before the end of the month the Japanese control the whole of Malaya Go to Malayan campaign (Dec. 1941–Feb. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 February - Arthur Harris is put in charge of British Bomber Command, and is later much criticized for his ruthless approach Go to Harris, Arthur Travers (b. 13 Apr. 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain February - Joseph Stilwell is appointed to head the US military mission to Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) Go to Stilwell, Gen Joseph Warren (1883–1946) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia China Wars since 1900 North America United States February - an Indian National Army is formed among Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese, with the purpose of evicting the British from India Go to Indian National Army in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 February 1 - Vidkun Quisling, founder of the Norwegian Fascist party, is appointed president of German-occupied Norway Go to Quisling, Vidkun Abraham Lauritz Jonsson (b. 18 July 1887) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 February 15 - Singapore falls to the continuing Japanese onslaught in southeast Asia Go to Singapore, fall of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 February 19 - Japanese aircraft attack Australia, bombing Darwin's harbour and air force base Go to Darwin bombing in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Australia and Oceania Wars since 1900 Australia March - the Nazis build a new style of concentration camp, at Auschwitz in Poland, in which the fit will work and the unfit will be killed Go to Auschwitz in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Poland 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900 March 8 - the Japanese invasion of Papua signals the start of the three-year New Guinea campaign Go to New Guinea Campaign in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 April - British engineer Barnes Wallis designs a bouncing and rotating bomb for use against German dams Go to Wallis, Barnes (1887–1979) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain April - Pierre Laval becomes head of the government in German-backed Vichy France Go to Laval, Pierre (1883–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 April - Germany launches a bombing campaign specifically targeting historic British cities with three stars in the Baedeker guidebook Go to Baedeker raids in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain April 15 - George VI awards the George Cross (for civilian valour) to the entire besieged island of Malta Go to Malta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 April 18 - US planes, flying from an aircraft carrier, undertake a difficult bombing raid on Tokyo Go to Doolittle Raid in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 May - after losing the Philippines to the Japanese, Douglas MacArthur declares 'I shall return' Go to MacArthur, Douglas (1880–1964) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 May - Burma becomes the last in the series of important southeast Asian territories to fall into Japanese hands Go to Pacific Campaigns (1941–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia 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 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Wars since 1900 May - William Slim gets the remaining British forces back to India from Burma, in a fighting withdrawal that lasts two months Go to Slim, William Joseph, 1st Viscount (b. 6 Aug. 1891) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 May 27 - Reinhard Heydrich is fatally wounded by Free Czech agents parachuted in from Britain Go to Heydrich, Reinhard (b. 7 Mar. 1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 May 31 - three Japanese midget submarines penetrate Sydney harbour in Australia Go to Sydney harbour, attack on in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Australia and Oceania Wars since 1900 Australia June - US physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer is appointed director of the Manhattan Project to develop a nuclear weapon Go to Manhattan Project in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Wars since 1900 North America United States June 7 - US planes sink four Japanese aircraft carriers in the battle of Midway, halting for the first time Japan's aggressive expansion Go to Midway Island, Battle of (4 June 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 June 9 - Hitler orders a massacre at Lidice, a village near Prague, in retaliation for the death of Heydrich Go to Heydrich, Reinhard (1904–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 June 21 - German general Erwin Rommel captures Tobruk, along with 33,000 British soldiers and valuable supplies Go to Tobruk, Siege of (1941–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 July - Anne Frank and her family go into hiding in an Amsterdam attic Go to Frank, Anne (1929–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Social and domestic War Europe Netherlands Society Wars since 1900 July - Treblinka is constructed, in Poland, as the Nazis' first large-scale and purpose-built death camp Go to Treblinka in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 July - a renewed German campaign eastwards in Russia results in the capture of Sebastopol and the Crimea Go to Eastern Front Campaigns in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July - Russia's new heavy industry is relocated to the east to escape the German advance Go to Urals in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July 4 - Auchinleck finally stops Rommel's advance, in the first battle of El Alamein Go to El Alamein, Battles of (1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 August - US general Dwight Eisenhower is appointed to command Allied landings in north Africa Go to North African Campaigns (June 1940–May 1943) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War US presidents Africa North Africa Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States August 7 - US and Japanese forces begin a violent six-month struggle for Guadalcanal, one of the Solomon Islands Go to Guadalcanal, battle for (1942–3) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 August 13 - Bernard Montgomery is appointed commander of the demoralized British and Commonwealth Eighth Army in North Africa Go to Montgomery, Bernard (1887–1976) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Africa North Africa Europe Wars since 1900 Britain August 19 - Canadian troops provide most of the assault force in a disastrous raid on Dieppe Go to Dieppe Raid (19 Aug. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 North America Canada August 30 - Rommel's new thrust towards Alexandria is halted by the British at Alam al-Halfa, a ridge near El Alamein Go to Alamein, El, Battle of (1942) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 September 13 - a desperate battle begins for the city of Stalingrad, with house-to-house fighting between Germans and Russians Go to Stalingrad, Battle of (1942–43) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 October 23 - Montgomery launches the second battle of El Alamein against Rommel Go to El Alamein, Battles of (1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 November - in a few weeks Montgomery and the Eighth Army push Rommel back some 1200 miles, into Tunisia Go to North African Campaigns (June 1940–May 1943) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 November 8 - American and British forces, under Dwight Eisenhower, land in Morocco and Algeria Go to Torch, Operation in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War US presidents Africa North Africa Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 November 11 - Hitler, disregarding the armistice, sends German troops to take control of Vichy France Go to Vichy government (1940–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 November 12 - after three days of resistance the French commanders in north Africa bring their troops over to the Allied side Go to North African Campaigns (June 1940–May 1943) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 November 25 - Soviet tanks complete the encirclement of 20 German divisions at Stalingrad Go to Stalingrad, Battle of (Sept. 1942 – Jan. 1943) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 November 27 - French crews in Toulon scuttle the fleet to prevent it falling into German hands Go to French fleet, scuttling of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 December 2 - Enrico Fermi and his team in Chicago achieve the first nuclear chain reaction Go to Fermi, Enrico (1901–54) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Wars since 1900 North America United States December 2 - the loss of merchant shipping to U-boats reaches a peak in the Battle of the Atlantic, with 1.5 million tons sunk in the last quarter of the year Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada United States 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany 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 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 January 12 - Roosevelt and Churchill meet in Casablanca for a strategic conference Go to Casablanca Conference in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Africa North Africa Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 January 24 - the Casablanca Conference includes the decision to insist on unconditional surrender by the Axis powers Go to Casablanca Conference in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 January 31 - with much of the German Sixth Army destroyed, the survivors led by Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus surrender at Stalingrad Go to Paulus, Friedrich (b. 23 Sept. 1890) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 February 9 - Orde Wingate and his Chindits launch a guerrilla campaign behind the Japanese lines in Burma Go to Wingate, Orde (1903–44) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 February 9 - after a six-month battle, US troops win the Pacific base of Guadalcanal from the Japanese Go to Guadalcanal, battle for (1942–3) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 March 20 - Mao Zedong becomes official leader of the Chinese Communist Party, as the elected Chairman of the Central Committee and the Politburo Go to Mao Zedong (1893–1976) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Asia East Asia China 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 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 April 19 - new Allied successes against the German U-boats provide a turning point in the battle of the Atlantic Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada United States April 19 - Jews in Warsaw resist a fierce German onslaught for a month before their ghetto is finally destroyed Go to Warsaw Ghetto in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 April-May - the Allied destruction of U-boats climbs to its highest level in the Battle of the Atlantic, with 56 sunk in two months Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 North America United States May - the victory of the Allies in north Africa brings to an end the three-year siege of Malta Go to Malta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 May 7 - the Allies capture Tunis, taking 250,000 German and Italian prisoners and winning control of North Africa Go to North African campaigns (June 1940–May 1943) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Africa North Africa 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 July 10 - British and American troops land in Sicily to begin the Italian campaign Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Sicily Europe Italy Wars since 1900 July 13 - Hitler's attempt to take Kursk (in response to Stalingrad) results in the German loss of 70,000 men and 1500 tanks Go to Kursk, Battle of (1943) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Russia 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 July 25 - the king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, has Mussolini arrested and appoints in his place a field marshal, Pietro Badoglio Go to Badoglio, Pietro (b. 28 Sept. 1871) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe Italy 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 August 3 - Italians signs a secret armistice with the Allies, as Allied troops land in Sicily Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Sicily Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 8 - British general Harold Alexander is appointed commander-in-chief of all Allied forces in the Italian campaign Go to Alexander, Harold Rupert Leofric George, 1st Earl Alexander (1891–1969) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 12 - on Hitler's orders, the SS rescue Mussolini from house arrest in the mountains of central Italy Go to Skorzeny, Otto (1908–75) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 16 - all German and Italian troops are by now driven out of Sicily or captured by the Allies Go to Sicily Campaign in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Sicily Europe Italy 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 20th century War Germany 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 September - a strong Allied force lands at Salerno, south of Naples Go to Salerno landing (1943) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 September 8 - Italy, abandoning her Axis partners, surrenders unconditionally to the Allies Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 September 27 - a premature uprising against the Germans in Naples results in a massacre of the inhabitants Go to Naples rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 October - British admiral Louis Mountbatten is appointed to head the new Southeast Asia Command, with his headquarters in Delhi Go to Mountbatten, Louis, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900–79) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Wars since 1900 Britain October - British general William Slim is appointed to command the Fourteenth Army, formed specifically for the campaign to recover Burma Go to Burma Campaigns (Jan. 1942–May 1945) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 October 1 - the Allies move north from Salerno and capture Naples Go to Naples rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 October 13 - Italy changes sides and declares war on her recent ally, Germany Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 October 24 - Subhash Chandra Bose, as leader of the Indian National Army, declares war on Britain Go to Indian National Army in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 November - the Germans halt the Allied advance along the Gustav Line, which includes Monte Cassino Go to Gustav Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 November - Mussolini becomes Hitler's puppet ruler of a new Fascist republic in north Italy Go to Salò, Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 December - Carl ('Tooey') Spaatz is appointed to command the US Strategic Air Forces in Europe Go to Spaatz, Carl A. (1891–1974) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Wars since 1900 North America United States Colossus Mark I, the world's first computer, goes into decoding service at Bletchley Park in Britain Go to Colossus in A Dictionary of Computing (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Science War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain
1944	January - US general Dwight Eisenhower is appointed to command the Allied invasion of Normandy Go to Eisenhower, Dwight David (1890–1969) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 US presidents Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States January 10 - Galeazzo Ciano, Mussolini's son-in-law, is sentenced to death at the Verona trials and is executed Go to Verona trials in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 January 12 - the RAF's first jet, the Gloster Meteor, flies with a Whittle engine Go to Whittle, Sir Frank (1907–96) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Technology Engineering War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain January 22 - in Operation Shingle an Allied force lands at Anzio, on the west coast of Italy behind the German lines Go to Anzio, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 January 27 - the German siege of Leningrad is finally broken, after 900 days Go to Leningrad, Siege of (1941–4) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 February - after relieving Leningrad, the Russians begin to drive the Germans back on all fronts Go to Eastern Front Campaigns in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 February 17 - US bombers destroy Japanese warships and planes in Operation Hailstone, a radar-guided night attack on the Truk Islands Go to Truk Atoll in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 March - a volunteer force, known as Merrill's Marauders, is commanded by Frank Merrill in US operations against the Japanese in Burma Go to Merrill's Marauders in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 March-June - William Slim secures the first Allied victories in the Burma campaign, at Imphal and Kohima in northeast India Go to Imphal, battle of (1945) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 May 18 - after a campaign of four months the monastery at Monte Cassino is captured, by Polish troops Go to Cassino, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 June 4 - a multinational Allied force moves fast from Monte Cassino to capture Rome Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 June 6 - the Allies cross the Channel on D-day for the Normandy invasion Go to Normandy Campaign (1944) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 6 - British general Bernard Montgomery commands the Allied land forces in the Normandy Landing on D-day Go to D‐Day (6 June 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 9 - two pre-constructed harbours, known by the code name Mulberries, are towed across the Channel to Normandy Go to Mulberry in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 10 - German troops massacre more than 600 civilians in the French village of Oradour Go to Oradour massacre in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 13 - the first V-1 flying bombs (or doodlebugs) appear over London, numbering more than 2000 in two weeks Go to V-weapons in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain July 9 - American marines win the island of Saipan in the Marianas, bringing Japan within range of US bombers Go to Saipan, capture of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 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 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination War Germany 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 20th century Technology Engineering War Germany 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 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Germany Wars since 1900 August - the Allied advance in Italy comes to a halt at the Gothic Line of German defences, north of Florence Go to Gothic Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 1 - members of the Polish resistance rise against the Germans in Warsaw, in a conflict lasting two months and bringing massive casualties Go to Warsaw Rising in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 August 4 - the hiding place in Amsterdam of Anne Frank and her family is discovered by the Gestapo Go to Frank, Anne (1929–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Netherlands Wars since 1900 August 15 - the Seventh US army, commanded by Alexander Patch, opens another front with a landing on the French Riviera Go to French Riviera in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 19 - George Patton gets a division of his Third US Army across the Seine southeast of Paris Go to Patton, George Smith (b. 11 Nov. 1885) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 19 - barricades are built in the streets as Parisians stage an impromptu uprising against the Germans Go to Paris rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 24 - tanks of the Second French Armoured Division are the first of the Allies to enter and liberate Paris Go to Paris, liberation of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 24 - Romania changes sides to fight with the Red Army against Germany Go to Michael (1921) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 August 26 - General de Gaulle walks down the Champs Elysées, and then on to Notre Dame, to massive acclaim Go to de Gaulle, Charles (1890–1970) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 September - Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat in Budapest, saves thousands of Jews from extermination Go to Wallenberg, Raoul (1912–c. 1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Hungary Sweden Wars since 1900 September 3 - British forces liberate Brussels and on the next day reach Antwerp Go to Antwerp, Liberation of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 September 8 - the first V-2 rocket lands on London, killing three people in Chiswick Go to V-weapons in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain September 8 - the first of many thousands of war brides arrive in Canada, mainly from Great Britain Go to war brides in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada September 8 - Bulgaria changes to the Allied side and Communists take control in Sofia Go to Bulgaria in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Communism War Europe Wars since 1900 September 20 - Douglas MacArthur lands US troops on Leyte as the first step in recovering the Philippines Go to Philippines Campaign (1944–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 September 25 - 7500 British troops, trapped on the far side of the Rhine at Arnhem, are captured by the Germans Go to Arnhem in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Belgium Netherlands Wars since 1900 October 7 - delegates from 39 nations meet at Dumbarton Oaks, near Washington DC, to plan the future United Nations Go to Dumbarton Oaks Conference (1944) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 North America United States October 11 - Hungary signs an armistice with the USSR Go to Horthy de Nagybánya, Admiral of the Fleet Miklós (1868–1957) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Hungary Russia Wars since 1900 October 18 - Athens is liberated and the Greek government-in-exile returns, with George Papandreou at its head Go to British expedition to Greece in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 October 25 - Japanese pilots fly the first of World War II's suicide or kamikaze missions Go to kamikaze in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Weapons Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 October 25 - victory over Japan in a massive 2-day battle at Leyte Gulf assures US recovery of Philippines Go to Leyte Gulf, Battle of (Oct. 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 November - Tito and his partisans, with Soviet assistance, liberate Belgrade Go to Tito (1892–1980) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Communism War Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 November 7 - President Roosevelt, although seriously ill, is elected for a fourth term with Harry S. Truman as his vice-president Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States November 24 - American B-29 bombers take off from the newly captured Saipan on the long trip to bomb Tokyo Go to Superfortress in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 November 28 - Allied bombs destroy the strategic bridge in Thailand over the River Kwai, built by the Japanese using prisoners of war as slave labour Go to Burma–Thailand railway in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 December 3 - civil war breaks out in Greece between rival groups of partisans resisting demobilization Go to Greek civil war (1944–5) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 December 16 - the Germans stage a counter-attack in the Ardennes region before being pushed back in the Battle of the Bulge Go to Ardennes offensive (1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 December 21 - with Budapest still in German hands, the Soviets set up a provisional Hungarian government, at Debrecen Go to Rakosi, Matyas (1892–1971) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 December 26 - the Soviet army surrounds the Hungarian capital, Budapest Go to Budapest, siege of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Communism War Cold war Europe Hungary 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 January 17 - after Soviet troops liberate Hungary, Raoul Wallenberg is abducted and vanishes Go to Wallenberg, Raoul (1912–c. 1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 January 27 - the Red Army liberates the surviving prisoners at Auschwitz, who include the Italian novelist Primo Levi Go to Auschwitz in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 February 4 - Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill meet at Yalta to discuss Allied post-war plans Go to Yalta Conference (February 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Communism War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Cold war Europe Russia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 February 11 - Stalin agrees at Yalta to declare war on Japan after the end of the European war Go to Yalta Conference in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 February 11 - Stalin, at Yalta, promises free elections in post-war eastern Europe Go to Yalta conference (11 February 1945) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Cold war Europe Russia 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 February 13 - the Germans surrender Budapest to the Soviets after a costly siege Go to Budapest, siege of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 February 19 - American marines land on Japanese-occupied Iwo Jima, a volcanic island 650 miles southeast of Tokyo Go to Iwo Jima, Battle of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 March 3 - after a four-month siege of the city Douglas MacArthur returns to Manila, from which he was ejected in 1942 by the Japanese Go to Philippines campaign (Oct. 1944–July 1945) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 March 6 - the Soviets install a puppet government in Romania while the fight continues against Germany Go to Groza, Petru (1884) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 March 7 - Tito becomes head of a provisional government in newly liberated Yugoslavia Go to Tito, Josip (b. 25 May 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 March 9 - napalm, used to bomb a crowded part of Tokyo, creates a firestorm in which 80,000 die Go to napalm in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Weapons Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 March 20 - William Slim drives the Japanese from Mandalay and moves on south to take Rangoon Go to Mandalay, battle of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia 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 20th century War Germany 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 March 24 - at a cost of 20,000 dead, US marines win full control of the small strategic island of Iwo Jima Go to Iwo Jima, Battle of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 March 27 - Aung San's army, now named the Burma National Army, changes sides in a surprise move and attacks the Japanese Go to Aung San (1914–47) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia 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 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April 5 - US troops land on the island of Okinawa, only 300 miles from the main islands of Japan Go to Okinawa, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Asia East Asia Japan 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 April 6 - thousands of Japanese kamikaze pilots die in massed suicide attacks in defence of the island of Okinawa Go to kamikaze in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 April 12 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies and is succeeded by his vice-president, Harry S. Truman Go to Truman, Harry S. (1884–1972) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States April 12 - a US destroyer is sunk by a baka, a rocket-propelled version of a kamikaze attack Go to Baka bomb in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Weapons Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 April 13 - Russian forces reach and capture the Austrian capital, Vienna Go to Allied Control Commissions in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Austria 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany 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 20th century War Germany 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 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April 28 - Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, are shot by partisans and their bodies are hung from a gibbet in Milan Go to Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 April 29 - against Hitler's specific orders, the commander of the German army in Italy surrenders to the Allies Go to Argenta Gap, battle of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Italy 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany 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 20th century Politics War Germany 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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany 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 20th century War Cold war Germany 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 20th century Performing arts War Germany 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 20th century Social and domestic War Germany 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 May 4 - British general Bernard Montgomery receives the surrender of German forces in the north and west of Europe Go to Montgomery, Bernard Law, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein (b. 17 Nov. 1887) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 May 5 - the citizens of Prague, and other cities in Czechoslovakia, rise against the Germans as the Red Army approaches from the east Go to Prague rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Bohemia Czech Republic 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 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 May 8 - World War II ends in Europe on V-E day (Victory in Europe day) Go to V-E Day in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Social and domestic War British prime ministers - from 1830 Society 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 June 21 - the Sudetenland is restored to Czechoslovakia, seven years after its transfer to Germany under the Munich Agreement Go to Sudetenland in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 June 22 - after a ferocious three-month battle, Okinawa is in US hands Go to Okinawa, capture of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Battles Asia East Asia Japan 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 20th century Politics War Cold war Austria Germany Wars since 1900 July 16 - US scientists succeed in exploding an atom bomb at Alamogordo, a test site in the New Mexican desert Go to Nuclear Weapons. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Science Physics War Weapons US presidents Cold war Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States 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 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Cold war Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 July 26 - the Japanese emperor Hirohito argues the case for surrender but fails to persuade the military Go to Hirohito (b. 29 Apr. 1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 July 26 - the British electorate dismisses Winston Churchill, giving the Labour party and Clement Attlee a landslide victory Go to Attlee, Clement, 1st Earl Attlee (1883–1967) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain 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 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain August 6 - an atom bomb is dropped on Hiroshima, destroying four square miles of the city and killing 80,000 people Go to Hiroshima in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Science Physics War Weapons US presidents Asia East Asia Japan Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 August 8 - the USSR declares war on Japan, two days after an atom bomb has been dropped on Hiroshima Go to Japanese–Soviet campaigns and relations, 1939–45 in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Europe Russia Wars since 1900 August 9 - a second atom bomb is dropped from a US plane, this time over Nagasaki Go to Nagasaki in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Weapons Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August 12 - the Japanese in Korea surrender to the Russians in the north and to the Americans in the south Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Cold war Asia East Asia Korea Wars since 1900 August 14 - the emperor Hirohito, on the first occasion that his people have heard his voce, declares on radio that defeat must be accepted Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Performing arts Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August 15 - the Allies celebrate V-J Day – victory over Japan and the end of the war Go to V-J Day in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Japan Australia and Oceania Europe France Society Wars since 1900 Australia Britain North America Canada United States August 15 - a death sentence for the 89-year-old Vichy leader Philippe Pétain is commuted by de Gaulle to life imprisonment Go to Pétain, Philippe (b. 24 Apr. 1856) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 19 - with the surrender of the Japanese, Vietminh guerrillas seize the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi Go to Vietminh in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Wars since 1900 August 29 - Douglas MacArthur – in his role as Supreme Commander, Allied Powers – is appointed to administer postwar Japan Go to Japan, Occupation of (1945–52) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 September 2 - Ho Chi Minh proclaims the democratic republic of Vietnam, independent of the colonial power, France Go to Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Europe Empires Wars since 1900 September 2 - World War II ends officially with the surrender of Japan, formally accepted by Douglas MacArthur Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Asia East Asia Japan Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 [1939-1945] - the death toll in World War II, double that of World War I, includes 17 million Russians and 8 million Chinese Go to World War II in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Wars since 1900 [1939-1945] - by the end of the war the total number of Jews killed by the Nazis is around 6 million Go to Holocaust, the (1933–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Wars since 1900 [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 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 October 15 - Vichy leader Pierre Laval, sentenced in a French court as a collaborator, is executed Go to Laval, Pierre (1883–1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 October 24 - Vidkun Quisling, Fascist president of occupied Norway from 1942, is tried and executed for treason Go to Quisling, Vidkun Abraham Lauritz Jonsson (1887–1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 October 24 - fifty-one states agree the Charter of the United Nations, thus establishing the UN Go to United Nations in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics 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 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900
1946	January 1: the Japanese emperor Hirohito renounces his traditional divine status and declares that he is mortal Go to Hirohito in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 January 5: William Joyce, widely known as Lord Haw-Haw, is hanged by the British as a traitor Go to Joyce, William (1906–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain March 5: Winston Churchill, in a speech in Fulton, Missouri, expresses the harsh truth that an iron curtain has descended across Europe Go to ”Iron Curtain” speech in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Cold war Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain March 27: twenty-five Japanese defendants are put on trial in Tokyo, charged with war crimes Go to Tokyo War Crimes Trial in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 April 18 - the discredited League of Nations is finally disbanded Go to League of Nations in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 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 20th century War Germany 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 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 December - John D. Rockefeller Jr. gives land along the East River in New York for a permanent United Nations headquarters Go to UN in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 North America United States
1948	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 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Germany 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 20th century Politics War Cold war Germany Wars since 1900 December 23 - Japanese premier Tojo Hideki is convicted in the Tokyo war crimes trial and is hanged Go to Tojo, Hideki (1885–1948) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1940s 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1949	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 20th century Politics War Cold war Germany 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 20th century Politics War Cold war Germany 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 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Germany Wars since 1900
1955	Austria achieves a much delayed return to nationhood after the Soviet Union finally agrees to withdraw from the country Go to Austrian State Treaty (15 May 1955) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 1950s 20th century Politics War Cold war Austria Wars since 1900

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date: 08 December 2023

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