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Major Events of July 1940: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from July 1940 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of July 1940: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Jul 1940 Establishment of Vichy France: On July 1, 1940, the French government relocated to Vichy, establishing the Vichy regime under Marshal Philippe Pétain. This collaborationist government governed the unoccupied southern part of France during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 02 Jul 1940 Kenneth Harry Clarke Birth: Kenneth Harry Clarke, a prominent British politician, was born on this date. He would later become a notable Conservative Party member and serve in multiple cabinet positions.
  • 03 Jul 1940 British bombardment of French fleet at Mers-el-Kébir: On July 3, 1940, the British Royal Navy initiated a bombardment of the French fleet anchored at Mers-el-Kébir, Algeria. This action was part of Operation Catapult, aimed at preventing the French Navy from falling into German hands after France's armistice with Germany. The attack led to the sinking of the battleship Bretagne, damage to other French ships, and the death of 1,297 French sailors. The British forces suffered minimal losses, with five aircraft downed and two crew members killed. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 04 Jul 1940 Kanalkampf: Air battles over the English Channel begin: On July 4, 1940, during World War II, the German Luftwaffe initiated the Kanalkampf, a series of air battles over the English Channel. This marked the beginning of the Battle of Britain, as German forces aimed to gain air superiority over the Channel to facilitate an invasion of Britain. The air battles involved intense engagements between German and British aircraft, with both sides suffering significant losses. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 05 Jul 1940 Death of Carl Einstein: Carl Einstein, a notable German-Jewish writer and art historian, passed away on July 5, 1940. His works contributed significantly to modern art criticism and literature, particularly in the context of the avant-garde movements of the early 20th century. source: britannica.com
  • 06 Jul 1940 German Battleships Sink HMS Glorious and Destroyers: On July 6, 1940, German battleships sank the British aircraft carrier HMS Glorious along with two destroyers. This event marked a significant naval engagement in the early stages of World War II. source: bbc.com
  • 07 Jul 1940 Luftwaffe aerial bombardment of British territories: On July 7, 1940, the Luftwaffe intensified its aerial bombardment of British territories, marking a significant escalation in the Battle of Britain. This campaign aimed to weaken British morale and military capabilities as part of Germany's broader strategy during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 08 Jul 1940 U.S. Export Control Act of 1940: The U.S. Export Control Act was enacted on July 8, 1940, to regulate the export of military and strategic materials. This legislation aimed to support allies during World War II by controlling the supply of critical resources to nations engaged in conflict. source: archives.gov
  • 09 Jul 1940 RAF bombing of Germany: On July 9, 1940, the Royal Air Force (RAF) conducted bombing raids over Germany as part of its strategic campaign during World War II. These operations aimed to disrupt German military operations and infrastructure. source: britannica.com
  • 10 Jul 1940 Battle of Britain begins: The Battle of Britain commenced on July 10, 1940, as the German Luftwaffe launched a sustained aerial campaign against the United Kingdom. This battle was crucial in preventing a German invasion and marked a significant turning point in World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 11 Jul 1940 Pétain abrogates constitutional separation of powers: On July 11, 1940, Marshal Pétain abrogated the constitutional separation of powers in France, consolidating his authority under the Vichy regime. This move marked a significant shift towards authoritarian governance in France during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 12 Jul 1940 Luftwaffe air raids on British territories: On July 12, 1940, the German Luftwaffe conducted multiple bombing raids over Britain. Targets included Aberdeen and the Scottish coast, where Heinkel He 111 bombers attacked shipyard facilities, resulting in civilian casualties. Additionally, the Solent, Portland, and Hampshire areas were bombed, causing damage to infrastructure and civilian areas. source: battleofbritain1940.com
  • 14 Jul 1940 Andrew McNaughton takes command of 7th Army Corps: On July 14, 1940, Canadian General Andrew McNaughton assumed command of the 7th Army Corps. McNaughton was a prominent figure in the Canadian military during World War II, known for his leadership and contributions to the Allied war effort. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 15 Jul 1940 Nazi library seizure in Amsterdam: On July 15, 1940, German forces seized a library in Amsterdam, reflecting the broader pattern of cultural and intellectual suppression during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 17 Jul 1940 Birth of Tim Brooke-Taylor: Timothy Julian Brooke-Taylor, an English actor and comedian, was born on July 17, 1940, in Buxton, Derbyshire, England. He was best known as a member of the comedy trio The Goodies and for his work on the radio show 'I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue.' source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 19 Jul 1940 Hitler's Field Marshal Ceremony in World War II: On July 19, 1940, Adolf Hitler held a ceremony at the Kroll Opera House in Berlin, promoting twelve generals to the rank of Generalfeldmarschall (Field Marshal) in recognition of their roles in the swift victory in the Battle of France. Hermann Göring was also promoted to the newly created rank of Reichsmarschall during this event. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 20 Jul 1940 French Indochina Leadership Change: Admiral Jean Decoux is appointed governor of French Indochina by Marshal Philippe Pétain during the early years of World War II, signaling a significant administrative shift in the French colonial administration.
  • 21 Jul 1940 Baltic States incorporated into Soviet Union: On July 21, 1940, the puppet parliaments of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania declared their countries as Soviet Socialist Republics and requested incorporation into the Soviet Union. This followed rigged elections and was part of the Soviet occupation of the Baltic states. source: britannica.com
  • 23 Jul 1940 Welles declaration on Baltic states: On July 23, 1940, U.S. Undersecretary of State Sumner Welles issued a declaration regarding the Baltic states, asserting that the United States would not recognize the Soviet annexation of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. This declaration was significant in U.S. foreign policy during World War II. source: history.state.gov
  • 24 Jul 1940 First illegal newsletter in occupied Netherlands: On July 24, 1940, the first illegal newsletter was published in the occupied Netherlands, marking a significant act of resistance against Nazi occupation. This newsletter aimed to inform the public about the realities of the occupation and encourage resistance efforts. source: dutchnews.nl
  • 25 Jul 1940 Swiss Army's National Redoubt Strategy: On July 25, 1940, General Henri Guisan addressed the Swiss Officer Corps at the Rütli Meadow, emphasizing Switzerland's commitment to resist any Nazi invasion. He outlined the National Redoubt strategy, which involved retreating into the Alps and destroying key infrastructure to impede enemy progress. This plan effectively ceded the lowlands to the Axis powers but aimed to preserve Swiss independence through guerrilla warfare in the mountainous regions. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 26 Jul 1940 US Export Restrictions on Japan Escalate Tensions: On July 26, 1940, the United States imposed export restrictions on Japan, including the embargo of aviation gasoline and high-grade scrap iron. This move significantly heightened tensions between the two nations, contributing to the deterioration of diplomatic relations that would eventually lead to Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 28 Jul 1940 Radio Oranje begins broadcasting in London: On July 28, 1940, Radio Oranje, a Dutch radio program, began broadcasting from London to the German-occupied Netherlands during World War II. The inaugural broadcast featured a rendition of the nationalist song 'Merck toch hoe sterck' followed by a speech by Queen Wilhelmina. The program aimed to provide news and commentary to the Dutch population under occupation. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 29 Jul 1940 Birth of civil rights leader Bernard Lafayette: Bernard Lafayette, an American civil rights activist and Baptist minister, was born on July 29, 1940, in Tampa, Florida. He played a significant role in the Civil Rights Movement, notably in the Selma Voting Rights Movement and the Nashville Student Movement. Lafayette was also a member of the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 31 Jul 1940 Hitler plans Operation Barbarossa: On July 31, 1940, Adolf Hitler finalized plans for Operation Barbarossa, the code name for the invasion of the Soviet Union. This operation was intended to be a decisive campaign to eliminate the Soviet threat and secure German dominance in Eastern Europe. source: britannica.com