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Major Events of March 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 March 1940 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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

  • 01 Mar 1940 Nazi Germany plans invasion of Denmark and Norway: On March 1, 1940, Nazi Germany finalized plans for the invasion of Denmark and Norway, known as Operation Weserübung. This strategic move aimed to secure shipments of Swedish iron ore and control the North Sea. source: britannica.com
  • 02 Mar 1940 Soviet conquest of Tuppura Island during Winter War: On March 2, 1940, the Soviet Union successfully captured Tuppura Island as part of the Winter War against Finland. This conflict highlighted the intense military engagements during the harsh winter conditions. source: britannica.com
  • 03 Mar 1940 Soviet offensive on Viipuri during Winter War: On March 3, 1940, the Soviet forces launched an offensive on Viipuri, a key city in Finland, during the Winter War. This offensive was part of the larger conflict between the Soviet Union and Finland. source: britannica.com
  • 04 Mar 1940 Death of Hamlin Garland, notable American author: Hamlin Garland, an American novelist, poet, and essayist, died on March 4, 1940, at his home in Hollywood, California. He was 79 years old at the time of his death. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 05 Mar 1940 Katyn Massacre order signed: On March 5, 1940, the Soviet Politburo signed an order for the execution of approximately 22,000 Polish military officers and intelligentsia, known as the Katyn Massacre. This event marked a significant atrocity during World War II, reflecting the brutal tactics employed by the Soviet regime against perceived enemies. source: britannica.com
  • 06 Mar 1940 Winter War armistice: The armistice that ended the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union was signed on March 6, 1940. This conflict lasted from November 1939 to March 1940, resulting in significant territorial losses for Finland but showcasing its resilience against a larger Soviet force. source: britannica.com
  • 07 Mar 1940 Diplomatic mission: Sumner Welles in Paris: On March 7, 1940, U.S. Under Secretary of State Sumner Welles arrived in Paris on a diplomatic mission. His visit aimed to strengthen relations with European nations amid the growing tensions leading up to World War II. source: archives.gov
  • 08 Mar 1940 Nazi reprisal killings in the Netherlands: On March 8, 1940, Nazi forces carried out reprisal killings in the Netherlands as part of their occupation strategy. These actions were aimed at suppressing resistance and instilling fear among the local population during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 09 Mar 1940 Raúl Juliá birth: Raúl Juliá, the acclaimed Puerto Rican actor, was born on March 9, 1940. He became known for his roles in film, television, and theater, earning recognition for his performances in various productions throughout his career. source: britannica.com
  • 10 Mar 1940 Ribbentrop's diplomatic mission to Rome: On March 10, 1940, German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop embarked on a diplomatic mission to Rome. This visit aimed to strengthen the Axis alliance between Germany and Italy during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 11 Mar 1940 Finland cedes territory to Soviet Union in Moscow Treaty: On March 11, 1940, Finland and the Soviet Union signed the Moscow Treaty, which concluded the Winter War. Finland ceded significant territories to the Soviet Union, marking a pivotal moment in Finnish history. source: britannica.com
  • 12 Mar 1940 Finland and Soviet Union sign Moscow Peace Treaty: On March 12, 1940, Finland and the Soviet Union officially signed the Moscow Peace Treaty, concluding the Winter War. This treaty formalized the territorial changes and established a fragile peace between the two nations. source: britannica.com
  • 13 Mar 1940 Winter War ends with Moscow Peace Treaty: On March 13, 1940, the Moscow Peace Treaty was signed, officially ending the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. The treaty stipulated that Finland cede the Karelian Isthmus, including the city of Viipuri, and other territories to the Soviet Union. The ceasefire took effect at noon Moscow time on March 13, 1940. source: britannica.com
  • 14 Mar 1940 Mass displacement of Finnish Karelia: Following the Moscow Peace Treaty, approximately 430,000 Finns were evacuated from the ceded territories, including the Karelian Isthmus and Ladoga Karelia. This mass displacement was one of the largest in Finnish history, as residents were relocated to other parts of Finland. source: valtioneuvosto.fi
  • 18 Mar 1940 First Bombe machine installed at Bletchley Park: On March 18, 1940, the first Bombe machine, code-named 'Victory', was installed at Bletchley Park. Designed by Alan Turing and his team, the Bombe was an electromechanical device used to decrypt German Enigma messages, playing a crucial role in Allied codebreaking efforts during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 21 Mar 1940 Paul Reynaud becomes Prime Minister of France: On March 21, 1940, Paul Reynaud was appointed Prime Minister of France, succeeding Édouard Daladier. Reynaud, a lawyer and politician, was known for his opposition to Nazi Germany and his advocacy for a strong alliance with Britain during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 22 Mar 1940 Soviet military deployment in Hanko, Finland: On March 22, 1940, Soviet military personnel began arriving in the Finnish port of Hanko, which had been leased to the Soviets for 30 years as part of the Moscow Peace Treaty. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 23 Mar 1940 Lahore Resolution proposed: On March 23, 1940, the Lahore Resolution was proposed by the All-India Muslim League. This resolution called for separate states for Muslims in the north-western and eastern zones of India, leading to the creation of Pakistan. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 24 Mar 1940 French destroyer La Railleuse sunk by accidental torpedo explosion: On March 24, 1940, the French destroyer La Railleuse was sunk due to an accidental torpedo explosion during a naval exercise. This incident highlighted the dangers of naval operations during World War II and the challenges faced by the French Navy. source: britannica.com
  • 25 Mar 1940 US allows military aircraft sales to allies: On March 25, 1940, the United States government approved the sale of military aircraft to allied nations. This decision was part of a broader strategy to support allies during World War II, marking a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy. source: archives.gov
  • 26 Mar 1940 Notable births on March 26, 1940: March 26, 1940, saw the birth of several notable individuals who would go on to make significant contributions in various fields, including entertainment and politics. This day is remembered for its impact on cultural history. source: britannica.com
  • 27 Mar 1940 Peter Fraser becomes New Zealand Prime Minister: Following the death of Prime Minister Michael Joseph Savage on March 27, 1940, Peter Fraser was elected leader of the New Zealand Labour Party. Fraser assumed the role of Prime Minister, leading the country through the majority of World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 29 Mar 1940 Joe Louis defeats Johnny Paychek in heavyweight boxing match: On March 29, 1940, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Joe Louis successfully defended his World Heavyweight Championship by defeating Johnny Paychek via technical knockout in the second round. The bout lasted just 41 seconds into the second round, with Paychek being knocked down three times in the first round and ultimately unable to continue. The fight drew a crowd of 11,620 spectators, with gate receipts totaling $62,481.41. source: digital.bentley.umich.edu
  • 31 Mar 1940 Fascist sympathizers interned in the UK: On March 31, 1940, 33 individuals with fascist sympathies were interned in the United Kingdom. This action was part of the government's efforts to secure national security during World War II. source: en.wikipedia.org