The First Month of World War II: A Timeline of Events

The First Month of World War II: A Timeline of Events

World War II was a global war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. The first month of the war was a time of rapid and dramatic change, as Germany invaded Poland and France, and Britain declared war on Germany.

September 1, 1939:

Germany invades Poland, marking the beginning of World War II.

September 3, 1939:

Britain and France declare war on Germany.

September 10, 1939:

Canada declares war on Germany.

September 17, 1939:

The Soviet Union invades Poland from the east.

September 27, 1939:

Warsaw, the capital of Poland, surrenders to Germany.

October 2, 1939:

The Polish government goes into exile in London.

October 6, 1939:

The first British troops arrive in France.

October 28, 1939:

Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania sign non-aggression pacts with the Soviet Union.

November 30, 1939:

The Soviet Union invades Finland, beginning the Winter War.

December 13, 1939:

The Battle of the River Plate begins between British and German warships.

December 17, 1939:

The Graf Spee, a German warship, is scuttled in the River Plate.

Conclusion:

The first month of World War II was a time of great upheaval and change. Germany's invasion of Poland triggered a chain of events that led to a global war. The war would last for six years and would claim the lives of millions of people.