World War II before 1940 Chronology

Benito Mussolini threatens Italian newspapers with censorship if they keep reporting "false" information.

Ref: 2

Dec 12

Arthur R Hawkins US pilot/captain (WWII, downed 14 jap planes), is born.

Ref: 5

1923

Jan 13

Hitler denounces the Weimar Republic as 5,000 storm troopers demonstrate in Germany.

Ref: 2

Feb 01

Fascists Voluntary Militia forms in Italy under Mussolini.

Ref: 5

Mar 20

Bavarian minister of Interior refuses to forbid Nazi SA.

Ref: 5

Apr 10

Hitler demands "hatred & more hatred" in Berlin.

Ref: 5

May 04

Bloody street battles between Nazis, socialist & police in Vienna.

Ref: 5

Jun 13

The French set a trade barrier between occupied Ruhr and the rest of Germany.

Ref: 2

Jul 10

All non-fascist parties disolved in Italy.

Ref: 5

Sep 10

In response to a dispute with Yugoslavia, Mussolini mobilizes Italian troops on Serb front.

Ref: 2

Nov 06

As European inflation soars, one loaf of bread in Berlin is reported to be worth about 140 billion German marks.

Ref: 2

Nov 08

(and 9th) Adolf Hitler attempts a coup in Munich, the "Beer Hall Putsch," and proclaims himself chancellor and Ludendorff dictator. He fails dramatically and is sentenced to jail. This beocmes known as The Beer Hall Putsch.

Ref: 2

Nov 12

Adolf Hitler is arrested for his attempted German coup.

Ref: 2

1924

Jan 24

Mussolini disallows non-fascists work union.

Ref: 5

Feb 26

Trial against Hitler in Munich begins.

Ref: 5

Apr 01

Adolf Hitler sentenced to five years in prison for the "Beer Hall Putsch", but General Ludendorff is acquitted.

Ref: 2

Apr 06

Italian fascists receive 65% of vote of parliament.

Ref: 5

Apr 06

Völkische Block (Nazi's) receives 17.8% of vote in Bayern.

Ref: 5

May 04

German Republic election fascists & communists win.

Ref: 5

Jun 17

The Fascist militia marches into Rome.

Ref: 2

Jul 08

Adolf Hitler resumes leadership of National Socialist Party.

Ref: 10

Dec 20

Adolf Hitler is released from prison. He was supposed to serve five years for treason, but was released in less than a year.

Ref: 2

1925

Jan 03

The Italian Fascist State is officially proclaimed with Mussolini as Il Duce, or the "Leader."

Ref: 3

Feb 27

Hitler resurrects NSDAP political party in Munich.

Ref: 5

Jul 18

Adolf Hitler publishes the first volume of "Mein Kampf".

Ref: 36

1926

Jun 29

Fascists in Rome add an hour to the work day in an economic efficiency measure.

Ref: 2

Dec 10

2nd part of Hitler's Mein Kampf published.

Ref: 5

Dec 15

Facist national symbol elevated in Italy.

Ref: 5

1927

Mar 10

Prussia lifts its Nazi ban, Adolf Hitler is allowed to speak in public.

Ref: 2

Mar 10

Bavaria lifts ban on Hitler's speeches.

Ref: 5

Mar 19

Bloody battles between communists & Nazis in Berlin.

Ref: 5

Adolf Hitler holds his first Nazi meeting in Berlin.

Ref: 2

1928

Mar 05

Hitler's National Socialists win the majority vote in Bavaria.

Ref: 2

Mussolini modifies Italy electoral system (abolishes right to choose).

Ref: 5

Apr 04

Mussolini's ten commandments are promulgated to govern activities of Fascists abroad.

Ref: 17

Apr 19

Japanese troops occupy Sjantung-schiereiland.

Ref: 5

Drunken fascist Erich Wichman attacks VARA-radio transmitter.

Ref: 5

1929

May 03

Prussia bans anti-fascists.

Ref: 5

1930

Sep 14

Germans elect 107 Nazis making them the 2nd largest political party in Germany.

Ref: 36

1931

Mar 20

Bishop Schreiber warns against national-socialism in Berlin.

Ref: 5

Dec 07

A report indicates that Nazis would ensure "Nordic dominance" by sterilizing certain races.

Ref: 2

Dec 09

Japanese army attacks Chinese province of Jehol.

Ref: 5

Dec 16

German SPD begins Eiserne Front against fascism

Ref: 5

1932

Jan 01

Rasse und Siedlungshauptamt publishes Himmler's wedding laws.

Ref: 5

Jan 02

Japanese forces in Manchuria set up a puppet government known as Manchukuo.

Ref: 2

Jan 28

The Japanese attack Shanghai, China, and declare martial law.

Ref: 2

Feb 04

Japanese troop occupy Harbin, Manchuria.

Ref: 5

Feb 18

Japan declares Manchuria Independent.

Ref: 5

Feb 20

Japanese troops occupy Tunhua China.

Ref: 5

Feb 22

Adolf Hitler is the Nazi Party candidate for the presidential elections in Germany.

Ref: 2

Feb 25

Hitler becomes a German citizen so he could run against Hindenburg in the upcoming elections.

Ref: 5

Mar 13

German elections. Hindenburg received 49.6% of the vote and Hitler 30.1%. As Hindenburg fails to win a majority a second election is called. The result of the second election gives Hindenburg 53%, Hitler 36.8%. Hitler will become Chancellor of Germany.

Mar 17

German police raid Hitler's Nazi-headquarter.

Ref: 5

Apr 09

(or 10th) German president Paul Von Hindenburg was re-elected, with Adolf Hitler coming in second.

Ref: 6

May 05

Japan & China sign a peace treaty.

Ref: 5

Jun 16

The ban on Nazi storm troopers is lifted by the von Papen government in Germany.

Ref: 2

Jul 29

Adolf Hitler's Nationalist Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazis) doubles its strength in legislative elections.

Ref: 2

Jul 31

Adolf Hitler's Nationalist Socialist German Workers' Party (Nazis) doubles its strength in legislative elections.

Ref: 2

Aug 13

Adolf Hitler rejected the post of vice-chancellor of Germany, saying he was prepared to hold out "for all or nothing."

Ref: 70

Aug 30

Nazi leader Hermann Goering is elected president of the Reichstag.

Ref: 2

Reichstag dissolved in Germany.

Ref: 10

Nov 01

Wernher von Braun named head of German liquid-fuel rocket program.

Ref: 5

Dec 08

Japan tells the League of Nations that it has no control over her designs in China.

Ref: 2

1933

Jan 03

The Japanese take Shuangyashan, China, killing 500 in the process.

Ref: 2

Jan 11

In Hamburg, Germany, the Altona Confession was issued by area pastors, offering Scriptural guidelines for the Christian life, in light of the confusing political situation and the developing Nazi influence on the State Church.

Ref: 5

Jan 30

President Hindenburg appoints Adolf Hitler Chancellor in a coalition government with Papen as Vice-Chancellor.

Ref: 35

Jan 31

Hitler promises parliamentary democracy.

Ref: 5

Feb 01

German Parliament dissolves, General Ludendorf predicts catastrophe.

Ref: 5

Two days after becoming chancellor, Adolf Hitler dissolves Parliament.

Ref: 5

Göring bans communist meetings/demonstrations in Germany.

Ref: 5

Feb 03

German minister Göring bans social-democratic newspaper Vorwärts.

Ref: 5

Feb 04

German President Von Hindenburg limits freedom of the press.

Ref: 5

Feb 06

Adolf Hitler's Third Reich begins press censorship.

Ref: 2

Feb 06

President von Hindenburg & von Papen end Prussian parliament.

Ref: 5

Feb 07

Social-Democrat meeting in Berlin "As thousands cheer" Marxism is dead.

Ref: 5

Feb 10

Hitler proclaims end of Marxism.

Ref: 5

German vice-chancellor von Papen demands Catholic aid for Nazis.

Ref: 5

Feb 15

Karl Radek praises invincible force of German communist party.

Ref: 5

Feb 15

Social-democratic newspaper "Vorwärts" banned again in Berlin.

Ref: 5

Feb 19

Prussian minister Göring bans all Catholic newspapers.

Ref: 5

Feb 22

Göring forms SA/SS-police, 40,000 SA and SS men are sworn in as auxiliary police, shoots 40-50.

Ref: 5

Feb 24

Final demonstration of German communist party in Berlin.

Ref: 5

Feb 27

The Reichstag is destroyed by fire effectively giving Hitler complete control over Germany. The Nazis, blaming the Communists, used the fire as a pretext for suspending civil liberties.The fire was almost certainly planned by the Nazis, Goebbels and Goering in particular.

Ref: 35

Feb 28

Emergency powers granted to Hitler as a result of the Reichstag fire.

Ref: 35

Feb 28

German President Von Hindenburg abolishes free expression of opinion.

Ref: 5

Feb 28

Hitler disallows German communist party (KPD).

Ref: 5

Mar 05

The Nazi Party won 44 percent of the vote in German parliamentary elections, enabling it to join with the Nationalists to gain a slender majority in the Reichstag.

Ref: 70

Mar 12

The first German concentration camp opens at Oranienburg outside Berlin.

Ref: 36

Mar 12

President Paul von Hindenburg drops the flag of the German Republic and orders that the swastika and empire banner be flown side by side.

Ref: 2

Mar 20

Nazis open first concentration camp at Dachau outside Munich to incarcerate Communists.

Ref: 5

Mar 21

Hitler, Goring, Prince Ruprecht, Bruning & top army meet in Berlin.

Ref: 5

Mar 22

Nazis open Dachau concentration camp near Munich, to be followed by Buchenwald near Weimar in central Germany, Sachsenhausen near Berlin in northern Germany, and Ravensbrück for women.

Ref: 35

Mar 23

The German Reichstag adopts the Enabling Act, which effectively granted Adolf Hitler dictatorial legislative powers.

Ref: 5

Mar 24

German Parliament passes Enabling Act giving Hitler dictatorial powers.

Ref: 35

Mar 26

In a meeting with Joseph Goebbels, Adolf Hitler orders boycott of all Jewish businesses in Germany.

Ref: 10

Mar 27

Some 55,000 people stage a protest against Hitler in New York.

Ref: 2

Mar 31

German Republic gives power to Hitler

Ref: 5

Apr 08

Manchester Guardian warns of unknown nazi terror.

Ref: 5

Apr 11

Hermann Göring becomes premier of Prussia.

Ref: 5

Apr 21

Rudolf Hess is made Deputy Führer, a figurehead position with mostly ceremonial duties. Ref

Apr 26

The Gestapo is born, created by Hermann Göring in the German state of Prussia.

Ref: 35

May 02

In Germany, Adolf Hitler bans trade unions.

Ref: 5

May 10

Nazis begin burning books by "unGerman" writers such as Heinrich Mann and Erich Maria Remarque, author of All Quiet on the Western Front.

Ref: 2

May 10

Deutsche Arbeitsfront (DAF) forms.

Ref: 5

May 28

The Nazi's win election in Danzig

Ref: 62

Jun 22

Hitler bans political parties in Germany other than the Nazis.

Ref: 2

Jul 14

The Nazi Party is declared the only legal party in Germany; Also, Nazis pass Law to strip Jewish immigrants from Poland of their German citizenship.

Ref: 35

Jul 14

Nazi Germany promulgates the Law for the Protection of Hereditary Health--the begining of the Euthanasia program.

Ref: 2

Sep 21

In Germany during Hitler's rise to power, Martin Niemoeller began organizing the Pastors' Emergency League. Over 7,000 churches joined, although some 2,500 later withdrew under Nazi pressure. (The League itself gave birth to the more famous Barmen Synod, formed in May 1934.)

Ref: 5

Nov 12

Nazis receive 92% of vote in Germany.

Ref: 5

Nov 24

Nazis pass a Law against Habitual and Dangerous Criminals, which allows beggars, the homeless, alcoholics and the unemployed to be sent to concentration camps.

Ref: 35

Dec 01

Nazi storm troops become an official organ of the Reich.

Ref: 2

Dec 01

Rudolf Hess & Earnest Röhm become ministers in Hitler's government.

Ref: 5

Dec 20

The German government announces 400,000 citizens are to be sterilized because of hereditary defects.

Ref: 2

Dec 27

Josef Stalin calls tensions with Japan a grave danger.

Ref: 2

1934

Jan 03

At Barmen-Gemarke, in Germany, 320 pastors of the German Confessing Church met to draw up a theological statement opposing the Nazi German Nationalist Church. Led by Karl Barth and Martin Niem”ller, the gathering led to the formula afterward known as the Barmen Declaration.

Ref: 5

Jan 07

Six-thousand pastors in Berlin defy the Nazis insisting that they will not be muzzled.

Ref: 2

Jan 11

The German police raid the homes of dissident clergy in Berlin.

Ref: 2

Jan 20

Japan sends Henry Pu Yi as regent to emperor of Manchuria.

Ref: 5

Jan 26

Germany signs a 10-year non-aggression pact with Poland, breaking the French alliance system.

Ref: 2

Jan 30

Hitler proclamation on German unified states.

Ref: 5

Alfred Rosenberg is made philosophical chief of the Nazi Party.

Ref: 2

Dutch Roman Catholic Bishops warn against fascism/Nazism.

Ref: 5

Apr 18

Hitler names Joachim von Ribbentrop, ambassador for disarmament.

Ref: 5

Apr 20

Heinrich Himmler becomes inspector Prussian secret state police.

Ref: 5

Apr 30

Austria gets "Austrian facist" constitution.

Ref: 5

May 02

Nazi-Germany begins People's court.

Ref: 5

Jun 30

"The Night of the Long Knives". Himmler's SS and Goering's special police arrest and execute the leaders of the SA, including Ernst Roehm, and many others not connected with the SA, but against whom the Nazi leaders had a score to settle.

Ref: 35

Jul 20

The SS (Schutzstaffel) is made an independent organization from the SA.

Ref: 35

Jul 25

Chancellor Englebert Dollfus of Austria is assassinated by the Austrian SS.

Ref: 52

Aug 02

President Hindenburg dies at age 86. Hitler had already agreed with the Cabinet that upon Hindenburg's death the offices of President and Chancellor would be combined.

Ref: 35

Aug 19

Hitler receives a 90 percent 'Yes' vote from German voters approving his new powers. Hitler is now the Führer of Germany.

Ref: 35

Sep 16

Anti-Nazi Lutherans stage protest in Munich.

Ref: 2

Nov 23

The United States and Great Britain agree on a 5-5-3 naval ratio, with both countries allowed to build five million tons of naval ships while Japan can only build three. Japan will denounce the treaty.

Ref: 2

Dec 03

Italian colonial Tripoli & Cyrenaica annexed to Libya.

Ref: 5

Dec 05

Italian and Ethiopian troops clash at the Ualual on disputed the Somali-Ethiopian border.

Ref: 2

American Ambassador Davis says Japan is a grave security threat in the Pacific.

Ref: 2

Dec 29

Japan renounces the Washington Naval Treaty of 1922 and the London Naval Treaty of 1930.

Ref: 2

1935

Jan 13

Plebiscite in Saar, indicates a desire (90.3%) to join Nazi Germany.

Ref: 5

Jan 20

Belgium arrests some Nazi agitators who urge for a return to the Reich.

Ref: 2

Jan 31

The Soviet premier tells Japan to get out of Manchuria.

Ref: 2

Feb 18

Rome reports sending troops to Italian Somalia.

Ref: 2

Feb 26

Germany began Luftwaffe operation, under Reichsmarshall H Goering.

Ref: 5

Mar 01

Germany officially establishes the Luftwaffe.

Ref: 2

Mar 07

Saar incorporated into Germany.

Ref: 5

Mar 11

Hermann Goering officially creates German Air Force, the Luftwaffe; it becomes an official organ of the Reich.

Ref: 5

Joseph Goebbels, German Minister of Propaganda bans four Berlin newspapers.

Ref: 2

Mar 16

Hitler violates the Treaty of Versailles by introducing military conscription.

Ref: 36

Apr 12

Germany prohibits publishing "not-Arian" writers.

Ref: 5

Jun 26

Nazis pass law allowing forced abortions on women to prevent them from passing on hereditary diseases.

Ref: 35

Jul 18

Ethiopian King Haile Selassie urges his countrymen to fight to the last man against the invading Italian army.

Ref: 2

Aug 20

Test Pilot Les Towers flies the B-17 prototype non-stop from Seattle to Dayton, Ohio and establishes an unofficial record of flying 2100 miles at 232 MPH. He credits the automatic pilot with flying most of the way.

Aug 31

President Roosevelt signed an act prohibiting the export of US arms to belligerents.

Ref: 5

Sep 15

The swastika becomes the official symbol of Nazi Germany.

Ref: 35

Oct 02

Italy invades Abyssinia (Ethiopia)

Ref: 5

Oct 19

The League of Nations imposes economic sanctions against Fascist Italy for its invasion of Ethiopia, but failed to take any further steps to dissuade Italy in Ethiopia.

Ref: 3

Oct 24

Italy invades Ethiopia.

Ref: 5

Nov 09

Japanese troops invade Shanghai, China.

Ref: 2

Nov 28

The German Reich declares all men ages 18 to 45 as army reservists.

Ref: 2

Nov 30

Non-belief in Nazism is proclaimed grounds for divorce in Germany.

Ref: 2

Dec 30

Italian bombers destroy Swedish Red Cross unit in Ethiopia.

Ref: 5

1936

Jan 05

Daggha Bur, Ethiopia, is bombed by the Italians.

Ref: 2

Jan 15

In London, Japan quits all naval disarmament talks after being denied equality.

Ref: 2

Feb 10

The German Gestapo is placed above the law.

Ref: 35

Feb 11

The German Reich arrests 150 Catholic youth leaders in Berlin.

Ref: 2

Adolf Hitler decides the time is right for Germany to re-occupy the Rhineland.

Feb 15

Hitler announces building of Volkswagens.

Ref: 5

Feb 27

The French chamber ratifies the Franco-Soviet pact.

Mar 02

Adolf Hitler issues final orders for troops to re-occupy their former garrison posts in Rhineland towns. If French forces take action, the troops are instructed to withdraw.

Mar 07

Hitler breaks theTreaty of Versailles and the Locarno Pact of 1925. German representatives inform foreign ministers and ambassadors of the German re-occupation of the Rhineland, and outline a peace plan including 25-year non-aggression pacts for all countries bordering on Germany.

Ref: 5

Mar 07

A small force of German troops marches across the Rhine bridges into the demilitarized areas of Germany towards Aachen, Trier and Saarbruecken. Once again neither the French nor British make any move to counter the flagrant breach of the Locarno Pact of 1925, which had been signed willingly by Germany and was supposed to keep these areas west of the Rhine free from German military units.

Ref: 35

Mar 14

Adolf Hitler tells a crowd of 300,000 that Germany's only judge is God and itself.

Ref: 2

Mar 19

The Soviet Union signs a pact of assistance with Mongolia against Japan.

Ref: 2

Mar 29

Nazi propaganda claims 99% of Germans voted for Nazi candidates

Ref: 5

Mar 29

Italy firebombs the Ethiopian city of Harar.

Ref: 2

Mar 30

Britain announces a naval construction program of 38 warships. This is the largest construction program in 15 years.

Ref: 2

(or 2nd) Emperor Haile Selassie leaves Ethiopia as Italian invades.

Ref: 5

May 05

Italian troops occupy Addis Ababa.

Ref: 5

Adolf Hitler orders his troops to march into the Rhineland, thereby breaking the Treaty of Versailles and the Locarno Pact.

Ref: 6

May 09

Fascist Italy captures the city of Addis Abba, Ethiopia and annexes the country.

Ref: 2

May 24

Dutch bishops forbid membership of Nazi party.

Ref: 5

Sep 21

The German army holds its largest maneuvers since 1914.

Ref: 2

Nov 01

Italian Fascist leader Benito Mussolini announces the Rome-Berlin axis after Count Ciano's visit to Germany, coining the term "Axis".

Ref: 2

Nov 18

Germany & Italy recognized Spanish government of Francisco Franco.

Ref: 5

Nov 22

1,200 soldiers are killed in a battle between the Japanese and Mongolians in China.

Ref: 2

Nov 27

Great Britain's Anthony Eden warns Hitler that Britain will fight to protect Belgium.

Ref: 2

Dec 12

Chinese leader Chiang Kai-shek declares war on Japan.

Ref: 5

Dec 28

Benito Mussolini sends planes to Spain to support Francisco Franco's forces.

Ref: 2

1937

Apr 26

This was a tragic day in history as German planes attacked the Basque town of Guernica in Northern Spain. Without warning, the planes swooped down on the sleepy village, subjecting the citizens to three hours of continuous bombing. The village was left in flames; those who survived the bombs and tried to escape to surrounding fields were shot down by machine-gun fire from the air.

Ref: 4

Apr 27

German bombers of the Condor Legion devastate Guernica, Spain.

Ref: 2

President Franklin Roosevelt signs an act of neutrality, keeping the United States out of World War II.

Ref: 2

The German Condor Legion arrives in Spain to assist Fransico Franco's forces.

Ref: 2

May 31

German battleships bomb Almeria Spain.

Ref: 5

Jun 11

Soviet leader Josef Stalin begins a purge of Red Army generals.

Ref: 36

Jun 29

In Berlin, Germany, Canada's Prime Minister Mackenzie King meets with German chancellor Adolf Hitler.

Jul 07

Japanese & Chinese troops clash, which will become WW II.

Ref: 5

Jul 15

Japanese attack Marco Polo Bridge, invade China.

Ref: 5

Aug 01

The Buchenwald concentration camp in Germany becomes operational.The Nuremberg Trial brought high-ranking Nazis to justice.

Ref: 2

Aug 08

The Japanese Army occupies Beijing.

Ref: 2

Sep 06

The Soviet Union accuses Italy of torpedoing two Russian ships in the Mediterranean.

Ref: 2

Sep 25

German Chancellor Adolf Hitler meets with Italian Premier Benito Mussolini in Munich.

Ref: 2

Oct 05

President Franklin D. Roosevelt calls for a "quarantine" of aggressor nations.

Ref: 70

Nov 05

Hitler reveals his war plans during the Hossbach Conference.

Ref: 36

Nov 17

Britain's Lord Halifax visits Germany, beginning of appeasement.

Ref: 5

Dec 12

Japanese aircraft sank the US gunboat "Panay" on China's Yangtze River. (Japan apologized, and paid $2.2 million in reparations.)

Ref: 70

Dec 13

The Japanese army occupies Nanking, China in the undeclared Sino-Japanese War leading to so-called rape of Nanking.

Ref: 2

Dec 14

Japanese troops conquer/plunder Nanjing.

Ref: 5

Dec 23

London warns Rome to stop anti-British propaganda in Palestine.

Ref: 2

Dec 28

German immigration officials with no explanation bar Juan Carlos Zabala (Argentina), 1932 Olympic marathon champion, from entering Germany.

Ref: 5

1938

Feb 04

Hitler seizes control of German army & puts Nazi in key posts.

Ref: 5

Japan refuses to reveal naval data requested by the U.S. and Britain.

Ref: 2

Austrian chancellor Schuschnigg visits Hitler in Berchtesgaden.

Ref: 5

German troops entered Austria.

Ref: 5

Feb 20

Hitler demands self-determination for Germans in Austria and Czechoslovakia.

Ref: 2

Feb 23

Twelve Chinese fighter planes drop bombs on Japan.

Ref: 2

Mar 11

German troops enter Austria.

Ref: 5

Mar 12

(and 13th) Nazi troops enter Austria, which has a population of 200,000 Jews, mainly living in Vienna. Hitler announces Anschluss (union) with Austria.

Ref: 35

Mar 13

Anschluß-Austria annexed by Nazi Germany.

Ref: 5

Mar 24

The United States asks that all powers help refugees fleeing from the Nazis.

Ref: 2

Apr 06

The United States recognizes Nazi Germany's conquest of Austria.

Ref: 2

Apr 07

The United States recognizes Nazi Germany's conquest of Austria.

Ref: 2

Apr 10

Austria becomes a state of Germany.

Ref: 5

May 03

Concentration camp at Flossenbürg goes into use.

Ref: 5

May 06

Dutch writer Maurits Dekker sentenced to 50 days for "offending a friendly head of state" (Hitler).

Ref: 5

Dutch Minister of Justice Goseling calls fugitives of Nazi-Germany "undesired strangers".

Ref: 5

May 10

Banning speech on anti-fascism demonstration in Amsterdam.

Ref: 5

Jun 03

The German Third Reich votes to confiscate so-called "degenerate art."

Ref: 2

Aug 12

The German military mobilizes.

Ref: 36

In a speech in Nuremberg, Adolf Hitler demanded self-determination for the Sudeten Germans in Czechoslovakia.

Ref: 70

H.V. Kaltenborn made broadcasting history by covering a crisis in Czechoslovakia for CBS radio beginning on this day. Kaltenborn was so devoted to his work that he slept in the studio for 18 days while bringing updates to his appreciative audience.

Ref: 4

Sep 15

British PM Chamberlain visits Hitler at Berchtesgarden to discuss the future of Czechoslovakia.

Ref: 5

Sep 25

President Franklin Roosevelt urges negotiations between Hitler and Czech President Benes over the Sudetenland.

Ref: 2

Sep 30

The Munich Agreement is signed, by Great Britain, France, Italy, and Germany, allowing Germany to annex the Sudentenland portion of Czechoslovakia.

Ref: 36

Oct 01

Germany annexes Sudetenland (1/3 of Czechoslovakia).

Ref: 5

Oct 10

Germany completed its annexation of Czechoslovakia's Sudetenland.

Ref: 70

Oct 15

German troops occupy the Sudetenland. The Czech government resigns.

Ref: 35

Nov 26

Poland renews nonaggression pact with the Soviet Union to protect against a German invasion.

Ref: 2

French/German non-attack treaty drawn (Ribbentrop-Bonnet Pact).

Ref: 5

1939

Jan 22

A Nazi order erases the old officer caste, tying the army directly to the Party.

Ref: 2

Jan 27

President Franklin D. Roosevelt approves the sale of U.S. war planes to France.

Ref: 2

Feb 10

The Japanese occupy island of Hainan in French Indochina.

Ref: 2

Feb 14

The German battleship Bismarck is launched. Christened by Dorothea von Loewenfeld, granddaughter of the German chancellor Otto von Bismarck.

Ref: 2

Mar 14

The Republic of Czechoslovakia was dissolved, opening the way for Nazi occupation.

Ref: 70

(and 16th) German troops take over Czechoslovakia.

Ref: 35

German troops invade Bohemia and Moravia.

Ref: 17

Mar 16

Hungary annexes republic of Karpato-Ukraine.

Ref: 5

Mar 16

Germany occupies the rest Czechoslovakia.

Ref: 2

Mar 18

The Soviet Commisar for Foreign Affairs, Maxim Litvinov, suggests to British Ambassador Sir William Seeds that delegates from the UK, Soviet Union, France, Poland, and Romania should meet to discuss collective action in the event of war with Germany.

Mar 18

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain tells the Cabinet that continuing negotiations with Adolf Hitler is impossible.

Mar 19

British Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax replies to Soviet Commisar Litinov, saying they were examining an alternative scheme to a five-country pact in the event of war with Germany.

Mar 21

Nazi-Germany demands Gdansk (Danzig) from Poland.

Ref: 5

Mar 22

Lithuania state, forced to give Memel territory to Germany.

Ref: 5

Mar 23

Poland partially mobilizes its armed forces.

Mar 27

At a Foreign Policy Committee meeting of the British Cabinet, the Ministers decide to side with Poland, rather than try for a multi-nation agreement involving the Soviet Union.

Mar 28

Dutch hunter shoots English bombers down

Ref: 5

Mar 30

The British and French governments guarantee Poland's independence.

Mar 31

Britain and France agree to support Poland if Germany threatens to invade.

Ref: 2

Apr 03

Adolf Hitler issues a directive to the German armed forces to prepare for an attack on Poland, to be ready to implement by September 1.

Apr 05

Membership in Hitler Youth becomes obligatory.

Ref: 5

Apr 07

Italy invades Albania. (Less than a week later, Italy annexed Albania.)

Ref: 5

Apr 08

Italy invades Albania. King Zog I of Albania, flees.

Ref: 2

Apr 10

Grens mobilization due to Italian invasion in Albania.

Ref: 5

Apr 16

Stalin requests British, French & Russian anti-nazi pact.

Ref: 5

Apr 17

Stalin signs British-France-Russian anti-nazi pact.

Ref: 5

Apr 18

Franz von Papen becomes German ambassador in Turkey.

Ref: 5

Apr 28

Hitler claims German-Polish non-attack treaty still in effect.

Ref: 5

Germany and Italy announced a military and political alliance known as the Rome-Berlin Axis.

Ref: 70

May 22

Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini signed a "Pact of Steel" committing Germany and Italy to a military alliance.

Ref: 70

May 23

Hitler proclaims he wants to move into Poland.

Ref: 5

Aug 10

A trial black-out is ordered for London, England, in preparations for war.

Aug 23

Joseph Stalin and German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop sign a non-aggression pact between the Soviet Union and Germany, freeing Hitler to invade Poland and Stalin to invade Finland.

Ref: 36

Aug 24

England's Lord Halifax (the foreign secretary) reiterated Britain's resolve to stand by Poland in case of a German attack.

Aug 25

Britain and Poland sign a Mutual Assistance Treaty.

Ref: 36

Aug 26

In Canada, the Irish Regiment of Canada is called to active duty.

Aug 29

Chaim Weizmann informs England that Palestine Jews will fight in WW II.

Ref: 5

Aug 31

The British fleet mobilizes; Civilian evacuations begin from London.

Ref: 36

Sep 01

World War II begins as Nazi Germany invades Poland. German battleship Schleswig-Holstein opens fire on Danzig, as German soldiers move into Polish territory; German Reinhard Heydrich dresses concentration camp inmates in Polish uniforms, drives them to the German - Polish frontier, shoots them, then presents the bodies as evidence of a Polish attack; the Canadian government puts armed forces on active service; Norway's King Haakon VI proclaims the neutrality of his country; Switzerland mobilizes its army; Portuguese Prime Minister Ant¢nio de Oliveira Salazar declares the neutrality of his country; London, England, begins black-out conditions for the duration of the war; Canadian Prime Minister Mackenzie King holds a seance session, on which he reports spirits told him Adolf Hitler had been shot dead by a Pole.

Ref: 35

Sep 03

Britain’s Prime Minister, Neville Chamberlain, announced the declaration of war against Germany at 11:15 a.m. The British ultimatum to halt the German invasion of Poland had expired at 11:00 a.m. (GMT). France follows 6 hours later quickly joined by Australia, New Zealand, South Africa & Canada.

Ref: 5

Sep 03

The British passenger ship Athenia is sunk by a German submarine in the Atlantic, with 30 Americans among those killed. American Secretary of State Cordell Hull warns Americans to avoid travel to Europe unless absolutely necessary.Captain Johnnie Walker was the Royal Navy's most effective weapon against the German U-boat menace.

Ref: 2

German U-boat U-30 torpedos and sinks Cunard liner Athenia. 118 passengers die; the British Admiralty orders convoys be organized for all merchant ships, with naval escorts.

Ref: 36

British Royal Air Force attacks the German Navy.

Ref: 36

Warsaw is cut off by the German Army.

Ref: 35

The Polish ghetto of Mir is exterminated.

Ref: 5

Sep 05

American president Franklin Roosevelt asks Canadian prime minister Mackenzie King if Canada is at war. King replies "no", which is a relief to Roosevelt, as the United States is sending war supplies to Canada. Under the American Neutrality Act, it cannot send supplies directly to Great Britain.

Ref: 36

Sep 05

The United States proclaims its neutrality; German troops cross the Vistula River in Poland.

Ref: 36

Sep 06

South Africa declares war on Germany.

Ref: 70

Sep 08

President Franklin Roosevelt declares a "limited national emergency" in response to the outbreak of war in Europe. (XDG, p 4A, 9/8/2000)

Ref: 83

Sep 09

Canadian Parliament approves support to Great Britain and France in the war against Germany.

Sep 10

King George VI announces that Canada has declared war on Germany.

Ref: 5

In response to the invasion of Poland, the French Army advances into Germany. On this day they reach their furthest penetration-five miles. Operation Saar.

Ref: 2

Sep 15

The Polish submarine Orzel arrives in Tallinn, Estonia, after escaping the German invasion of Poland.

Ref: 2

Sep 16

The first transatlantic convoy of the war, HX-1, sails from Halifax, Canada, escorted by RCN destroyers Saguenay and St. Laurent for 350 miles at sea; Convoy HX-1, the first east-bound transatlantic convoy of the war, sails from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, with escorts RCN destroyers St. Laurent and Saguenay.

Sep 17

With the German army already attacking western Poland, the Soviet Union launches an invasion of eastern Poland.The Polish submarine Orzel escaped from internment and went on to fight the Germans against long odds.

Ref: 2

Sep 18

A German U-boat sinks the British aircraft carrier Courageous, killing 500 people.

Ref: 2

Sep 19

Canada's cabinet approves a program to construct 110 ships for the war effort. Two types of small warships are approved: flower-class corvettes, and bangor-class minesweepers.

Sep 27

Germany occupies Warsaw as Poland falls to Germany and the Soviet Union.

Ref: 2

Sep 28

Soviet-German treaty agree on 4th partition of Poland (WW II) & gives Lithuania to the USSR.

Ref: 5

Sep 29

Nazis and Soviets divide up Poland. Over two million Jews reside in Nazi controlled areas, leaving 1.3 million in the Soviet area.

Ref: 35

Sep 30

The French Army is called back into France from it's invasion of Germany. The attack, code named Operation Saar, only penetrated five miles.

Ref: 2

Sep 30

Germany & Russia agree to partition Poland.

Ref: 5

Oct 01

Winston Chruchill refers to Soviet policy as "a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma"

Ref: 5

Oct 06

In an address to the Reichstag, Adolf Hitler denied having any intention of war against France and Britain.

Ref: 70

Oct 08

Germany annexes Western Poland

Ref: 5

Oct 18

President Franklin D. Roosevelt bans war submarines from U.S. ports and waters.

Ref: 2

Oct 21

As war heats up with Germany, the British war cabinet holds its first meeting in the underground war room in London.

Ref: 2

Oct 30

USSR & Germany agree on partitioning Poland.

Ref: 5

Nov 04

Two months after England and France declared war on Nazi Germany, Congress passes the Neutrality Act of 1939, repealing the prohibition of arms exports to belligerent powers as specified in the Neutrality Act of 1937.

Ref: 3

Nov 04

The United States modified its neutrality stance in World War II, allowing "cash and carry" purchases of arms by belligerents, a policy favoring Britain and France.

Ref: 70

Nov 24

In Czechoslovakia, the Gestapo execute 120 students who are accused of anti-Nazi plotting.

Ref: 2

Nov 25

Germany reports four British ships sunk in the North Sea, but London denies the claim.

Ref: 2

Nov 25

The Soviet Union charges Finland with artillery attack on border.

Ref: 2

Nov 26

The Soviet Union charges Finland with artillery attack on border.

Ref: 2

Nov 28

The Soviet Union scraps its nonaggression pact with Finland.

Ref: 2

Nov 29

Soviet planes bomb an airfield at Helsinki, Finland. Soviet planes bomb an airfield at Helsinki, Finland.

Ref: 2

Nov 30

The Russo-Finnish War began as Soviet troops invaded Finland. (XDG, p 4A, 11/30/2002)

Ref: 83