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

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

  • 01 May 1940 Łódź Ghetto sealed off from the rest of the city: On May 1, 1940, the German authorities formally sealed the Łódź Ghetto, isolating its Jewish population from the rest of the city. This action was part of the broader Nazi policy of segregation and persecution of Jews during World War II. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 02 May 1940 Allied Evacuation from Norwegian Ports During World War II: On May 2, 1940, German forces reached Åndalsnes, prompting the Allies to evacuate Namsos. Before dawn, 5,400 British and French troops were evacuated. Small British and French forces were also landed at Mosjøen to help block the road north to Narvik. source: onwar.com
  • 03 May 1940 Allied Withdrawal from Norway during World War II: By May 3, 1940, the Allies had withdrawn from southern Norway, leaving only forces in northern Norway to prevent the supply of iron ore to Germany. The German advance continued north to Trondheim. source: onwar.com
  • 05 May 1940 Norwegian Government establishes exile administration in London: On May 5, 1940, the Norwegian Government-in-Exile was established in London, following the German invasion of Norway. This government represented Norway's interests abroad during World War II. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 06 May 1940 1940 Summer Olympics canceled: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially canceled the 1940 Summer Olympics scheduled for Tokyo, Japan, due to the outbreak of World War II. The Games were initially rescheduled to Helsinki, Finland, but were ultimately canceled as the war escalated. source: washingtonpost.com
  • 07 May 1940 Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister of Britain: On May 7, 1940, Winston Churchill was appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, succeeding Neville Chamberlain. Churchill's leadership was pivotal during World War II, guiding Britain through its most challenging times. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 09 May 1940 Belgium declares state of emergency: On May 9, 1940, Belgium declared a state of emergency and placed its military on alert in response to the impending German invasion. This decision was made after reports indicated that Germany intended to attack Belgium, leading to the mobilization of Belgian forces. source: digital.bentley.umich.edu
  • 10 May 1940 Germany launches invasion of Western Europe: On May 10, 1940, Germany launched its invasion of Western Europe, attacking France, Belgium, Luxembourg, and the Netherlands. This marked a significant escalation in World War II, leading to the rapid fall of these countries. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 11 May 1940 Allied forces mobilize on River Dyle: On May 11, 1940, Allied forces mobilized along the River Dyle in Belgium. This was part of the Dyle Plan, which aimed to counter the German invasion by positioning Allied troops in Belgium. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 12 May 1940 German invasion of France through Ardennes Forest: On May 12, 1940, German forces initiated their invasion of France through the Ardennes Forest. This unexpected route allowed them to bypass the heavily fortified Maginot Line, leading to significant territorial gains. source: britannica.com
  • 13 May 1940 Churchill's iconic war speech: On May 13, 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered a powerful speech to the House of Commons, rallying the nation during the early days of World War II. His famous declaration, 'We shall fight on the beaches,' became a symbol of British resolve against Nazi Germany. source: bbc.com
  • 14 May 1940 Luftwaffe bombs Rotterdam despite ceasefire: On May 14, 1940, the German Luftwaffe bombed the city of Rotterdam, causing extensive destruction and civilian casualties, despite a ceasefire being in effect. This attack was part of Germany's strategy to force the Netherlands to surrender. source: britannica.com
  • 15 May 1940 Battle of Sedan ends in German victory: On May 15, 1940, the Battle of Sedan concluded with a decisive victory for German forces. This battle was crucial in the German invasion of France and marked a significant turning point in World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 16 May 1940 US Congress approves massive aircraft production funding: On May 16, 1940, the United States Congress approved significant funding for aircraft production as part of its efforts to bolster national defense. This decision was influenced by the escalating conflict in Europe and the need for military preparedness. source: archives.gov
  • 17 May 1940 German forces capture Brussels: On May 17, 1940, German forces captured Brussels, the capital of Belgium, following the withdrawal of Belgian and British forces. The Belgian Army had been ordered to retreat to the Scheldt River to avoid encirclement, allowing German General Reichenau to occupy Brussels. This marked a significant step in the German invasion of Belgium, leading to the eventual surrender of Belgian forces on May 28, 1940. source: ww2db.com
  • 18 May 1940 German 18th Army breaks through Belgian defenses: On May 18, 1940, the German 18th Army successfully breached the Belgian defenses, advancing towards the city of Antwerp. This breakthrough was part of the larger German offensive in Belgium, which led to the eventual surrender of Belgian forces on May 28, 1940. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 19 May 1940 Opening of Auschwitz Concentration Camp: Auschwitz Concentration Camp was officially opened on May 19, 1940, by the Nazis. It became one of the most notorious extermination camps during the Holocaust, where millions of Jews and others were murdered. source: britannica.com
  • 20 May 1940 First Prisoners Arrive at Auschwitz: The first prisoners arrived at Auschwitz on May 20, 1940, marking the beginning of its operation as a concentration camp. Initially, it housed Polish political prisoners before becoming a site for mass extermination. source: britannica.com
  • 21 May 1940 Battle of Arras: The Battle of Arras occurred on May 21, 1940, during World War II, as part of the Battle of France. British and French forces launched a counter-attack against German troops advancing through the Ardennes. Despite initial progress, the Allies faced strong German resistance and were eventually forced to withdraw. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 22 May 1940 British Parliament Expands War Powers: On May 22, 1940, the British Parliament passed legislation granting the government expanded powers to manage the war effort. This included increased control over the economy, resources, and civil liberties to support the ongoing conflict. source: bbc.com
  • 24 May 1940 Dunkirk evacuation begins: The evacuation of Allied troops from Dunkirk commenced on May 24, 1940, as German forces advanced. This operation, known as Operation Dynamo, aimed to rescue soldiers trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk. source: britannica.com
  • 25 May 1940 Battle of Dunkirk begins: The Battle of Dunkirk officially began on May 25, 1940, as German forces intensified their attacks on the encircled Allied troops. This battle was crucial for the survival of the British Expeditionary Force. source: britannica.com
  • 26 May 1940 Siege of Calais ends in surrender: The Siege of Calais concluded on May 26, 1940, when British and French forces surrendered to German troops. This event marked a significant moment in the Battle of France during World War II, as it allowed German forces to secure a vital port. source: britannica.com
  • 27 May 1940 Operation Dynamo: Dunkirk evacuation begins: Operation Dynamo commenced on May 27, 1940, marking the beginning of the Dunkirk evacuation. This operation aimed to rescue Allied soldiers trapped on the beaches of Dunkirk as German forces advanced. source: britannica.com
  • 28 May 1940 Belgium's surrender to Nazi Germany: On May 28, 1940, Belgium officially surrendered to Nazi Germany after a rapid invasion during World War II. The surrender marked a significant moment in the German campaign in Western Europe, leading to the occupation of Belgium. source: britannica.com
  • 29 May 1940 Churchill's defiant speech: On May 29, 1940, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered a defiant speech to the House of Commons, rallying support during World War II. His speeches were pivotal in maintaining British morale during the conflict. source: britannica.com
  • 30 May 1940 Dunkirk evacuation and German strategic adjustments: On May 30, 1940, the Dunkirk evacuation was underway, prompting German forces to adjust their strategies. The Allies were retreating to Dunkirk, leading to significant military maneuvers by the Germans to capitalize on the situation. source: britannica.com
  • 31 May 1940 Operation Dynamo peak evacuation: On May 31, 1940, Operation Dynamo reached its peak as Allied forces evacuated from Dunkirk. This operation was crucial in saving hundreds of thousands of soldiers from capture by German forces. source: britannica.com