1933 — Nazi Anti-Jewish Policies Expand
The Nazi regime orders a sweeping ban excluding Jews from businesses, professions, and schools. This directive marks one of the early steps in the systematic persecution of Jews in Germany.
These policies would soon evolve into broader economic and social isolation, ultimately forming part of the foundation for the Holocaust.
1940 — Early War Confusion and Strategic Planning
Friendly Fire Over Rotterdam
In a tragic incident, Dutch fighter aircraft mistakenly shoot down a British bomber near Rotterdam, resulting in the death of one airman. The event highlights the confusion and tension among neutral and Allied forces during the early months of the war.
Allies Plan Mining of Norwegian Waters
Britain and France agree to begin mining neutral Norwegian waters starting April 8, 1940. The operation aims to disrupt German access to vital iron ore shipments from Sweden, setting the stage for the upcoming German invasion of Norway.
1941 — Mediterranean Tensions Rise
In an effort to intercept British convoys heading to Greece, the Italian Navy deploys a powerful task force including a battleship, eight cruisers, and nine destroyers.
The fleet is spotted by an RAF flying boat, which alerts Admiral Andrew Cunningham. The British Mediterranean Fleet prepares to intercept, setting the stage for the Battle of Cape Matapan, one of the most decisive naval engagements in the Mediterranean.
At the same time, anti-Axis demonstrations erupt in Yugoslavia, reflecting widespread opposition to alignment with Germany and contributing to the region’s instability.
1942 — The St. Nazaire Raid and Strategic Bombing
Raid
RaidBritish commandos carry out one of the most daring raids of the war against the German-occupied port of St. Nazaire in France.
The destroyer HMS Campbeltown, originally an American vessel transferred under Lend-Lease, is packed with explosives and rammed into the gates of the dry dock. Hours later, it detonates, destroying the facility and denying its use to the German battleship Tirpitz.
The raid succeeds in its objective but comes at heavy cost, with many commandos killed or captured.
RAF Introduces Area Bombing
Under new directives from Air Vice Marshal Arthur “Bomber” Harris, the RAF launches a major area bombing raid against the German city of Lübeck.
Using 234 bombers, the attack devastates approximately 265 acres of the historic city center. The raid marks a shift toward saturation bombing of urban areas.
In retaliation, Adolf Hitler orders the Luftwaffe to begin bombing historic British towns and cities, leading to the so-called “Baedeker Blitz.”
German Forced Labor Program Expands
Fritz Sauckel is appointed Chief of Manpower, tasked with expanding the recruitment of forced and slave labor across occupied Europe to support German industry.
Fighting in Burma
In response to pressure on Chinese forces near Toungoo, British General Archibald Wavell orders the 1st Burma Corps to counterattack Japanese positions at Paungde and Prome in the Irrawaddy Valley.
1943 — Allied Offensive in Tunisia
The British First Army launches an offensive in northern Tunisia, continuing the Allied push to drive Axis forces out of North Africa. The campaign is entering its final phase as German and Italian forces are steadily pushed toward defeat.
1944 — Soviet Advances and Jungle Warfare
Soviets Reach Romania
The Red Army recaptures the port city of Nikolaev on the Black Sea and advances into Romanian territory, bringing the war closer to Germany’s remaining allies.
Merrill’s Marauders Fight at Nhpum Ga
American long-range penetration forces known as Merrill’s Marauders begin a ten-day defensive battle at Nhpum Ga Ridge in Burma, holding off attacks by approximately 1,300 Japanese troops under extremely harsh jungle conditions.
1945 — Final Allied Advances in Europe
Argentina Declares War
Argentina declares war on Germany, joining the Allies late in the conflict as Axis defeat becomes increasingly certain.
Allied Advance Toward the Elbe
The British Second Army begins its advance toward the Elbe River, while the U.S. First Army captures the German city of Marburg.
At the same time, the U.S. Third Army captures Limburg on the Lahn, continuing its rapid movement across central Germany.
Soviets Capture Gdynia and Gotenhafen
The Red Army captures the important Baltic port of Gdynia, taking approximately 9,000 prisoners after prolonged fighting.
Nearby, Soviet forces also capture Gotenhafen, tightening control over the region north of Danzig and further isolating German forces.
German High Command Reshuffled
Adolf Hitler removes General Heinz Guderian as Chief of the German Army High Command (OKH), replacing him with General Hans Krebs, as the military situation continues to deteriorate for Germany.