World War II Major Events Timeline
Discover the pivotal events between 1918 and 1942 that shaped the first half of World War II. This timeline traces that path from the bitter conclusion of the First World War through the ascendancy of the Nazi party to America’s entry into the global conflict. Witness many of these events in World on Fire Seasons 1 and 2.
November 11, 1918
World War I Ends
Britain, France, the US, and other allies defeat Germany, bringing an end to World War I, billed as “the war to end all wars.”
January 30, 1933
Hitler Appointed German Leader
Adolf Hitler becomes chancellor of Germany and later assumes dictatorial powers. German rearmament takes off.
September 1, 1939
World War II Begins
Germany invades Poland, inciting Poland’s allies Britain and France to declare war on Germany.
September 17, 1939
Soviet Union Invades Poland
Working in concert with Hitler, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin orders the invasion of Poland, securing a share of Polish territory.
September 27, 1939
Warsaw Captured
Warsaw surrenders to German troops. Poland holds out for another 9 days before capitulating.
December 13, 1939
UK Wins War’s First Sea Battle
British cruisers defeat a German pocket battleship at the Battle of the River Plate, the first major naval engagement of World War II.
April 8, 1940
Norway Invaded
Germany invades Norway, ending a 6-month period of limited land operations called the “Phony War.”
May 10, 1940
Churchill Becomes Prime Minister
Winston Churchill replaces Neville Chamberlain as British Prime Minister. The same day, Germany invades Belgium.
May 26-June 4, 1940
Miracle of Dunkirk
The trapped British army evacuates to England from Dunkirk, France, surviving to fight another day.
June 14, 1940
Paris Falls to Nazis
Paris falls to German forces. France capitulates 11 days later.
July 10-October 31, 1940
Britain Fights for Its Life
The Battle of Britain pits German bombers against British fighters in a thwarted German prelude to invasion.
September 7, 1940 – May 11, 1941
The Blitz
German bombers target major cities in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, killing over 40,000 civilians and leveling over a million homes.
December 9, 1940 – February 9, 1941
Operation Compass
Armies of Great Britain and its empire defeat Italian forces for control of Egypt and eastern Libya.
February 12, 1941
The Desert Fox Arrives
German General Erwin Rommel takes command of the Afrika Korps, seeking to drive the British out of North Africa.
June 22, 1941
Hitler Launches Operation Barbarossa
Opening what will become the bloodiest front of World War II, massive German armies invade the Soviet Union.
December 7, 1941
U.S. Plunged into War
Japan attacks Pearl Harbor, starting war with the US. Sensing weakness, Hitler declares war on America 4 days later.
January 20, 1942
Wannsee Conference
High-ranking Nazi officials approve a systematic plan for the mass extermination of Jews across Europe—the “Final Solution.”
June 4–7, 1942
Battle of Midway
Japanese expansion in the Pacific is thwarted near Midway Island, as US dive bombers sink four Japanese aircraft carriers.
November 8, 1942
America Joins the War in North Africa
US troops land in French North Africa as part of Operation Torch, designed to support British forces in the region.
