1936 — Nazi Threats Against Jewish Voters
The German press warns that Jews who attempt to vote in the upcoming elections will be arrested. The threat is another step in the escalating campaign of persecution against Jewish citizens under the Nazi regime, foreshadowing the far more brutal policies that would follow in the coming years.
1939 — Political Crisis in Czechoslovakia
Czech President Emil Hácha removes the pro-German Joseph Tiso as Premier of Slovakia in an attempt to preserve the unity of Czechoslovakia. The move reflects mounting pressure from Nazi Germany as Hitler prepares to dismantle the remaining independence of the country.
1940 — Britain and Italy Reach Coal Agreement
Britain and Italy reach a temporary agreement concerning coal shipments. Britain agrees to release Italian collier ships while Italy agrees to halt further imports of German coal. The arrangement reflects the complex diplomatic balancing act Italy maintained before fully committing to the Axis alliance later that year.
1941 — Italian Offensive in Albania Stalls
Italian forces launch another offensive against the Greek First Army in Albania. Despite renewed attacks, the operation makes little progress as Greek defenders continue to hold their positions in the rugged mountain terrain.
1942 — War in Europe and the Pacific Intensifies
RAF Raid on Essen
The Royal Air Force returns to bomb the German industrial city of Essen. However, the raid once again proves ineffective due to the heavy industrial haze that often covers the city and the lack of clear visual landmarks for navigators. Essen had become one of the most difficult targets for Bomber Command during the early years of the strategic air campaign.
Stilwell Assigned to China
U.S. General Joseph Stilwell becomes Chief of Staff to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek, strengthening American military cooperation with Chinese forces fighting Japan.
Fall of the Dutch East Indies
The government of the Dutch East Indies arrives in Adelaide, Australia after escaping the Japanese advance. Resistance on the island of Java collapses, and the island formally surrenders to Japanese forces, marking a major strategic victory for Japan in Southeast Asia.
1943 — U-Boat Devastation Off Brazil
U-510’s Deadly Attack
U-510’s Deadly AttackThe German submarine U-510 torpedoes eight ships in just three hours off the coast of Brazil. The attack becomes the most successful single action by a German U-boat during the war.
Rommel Leaves North Africa
General Hans-Jürgen von Arnim replaces Field Marshal Erwin Rommel as Commander-in-Chief of Axis forces in Tunisia. Hitler orders Rommel to return to Germany due to illness and the deteriorating situation in North Africa. Rommel would never return to the African theater.
1945 — The War Closes In on Germany and Japan
Remagen Bridgehead Expands
Remagen Bridgehead ExpandsThe U.S. First Army widens its bridgehead across the Rhine River at Remagen, strengthening Allied positions east of the river. Meanwhile, the U.S. Third Army captures the important Rhine town of Andernach.
German Raid on Granville
German light naval vessels operating from the still-occupied Channel Islands launch a surprise raid on the Allied supply port of Granville in Brittany. Five ships are sunk in the attack before the raiders withdraw.
Firebombing of Japanese Cities Begins
U.S. Army Air Forces B-29 bombers begin massive incendiary raids against Japanese cities including Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, and Kobe. In Tokyo alone, approximately 16.5 square miles of the city are devastated by firestorms during attacks that continue for ten days. These raids mark a new and devastating phase in the strategic bombing campaign against Japan.