Crusader

WW2 1940 events

By Calven7891
  • Mussolini and Hitler announce Italy's formal alliance.

    Mussolini and Hitler announce Italy's formal alliance.

    Germany against England and France.
  • British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlin resigns in disgrace.

    British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlin resigns in disgrace.

    He will be replaced by Winston Churchill on May 10.
  • The German Blitzkrieg ("lightning war") begins, as Rotterdam and other Dutch cities are attacked from the air.

    The German Blitzkrieg ("lightning war") begins, as Rotterdam and other Dutch cities are attacked from the air.

    By the end of the month, the Dutch armies will have surrendered, Belgium will have surrendered, and the evacuation of British and French troops from Dunkirk will be underway.
  • Italy declares war on Britain and France, and U.S. President Roosevelt announces a shift from neutrality to "non-belligerency,"

    Italy declares war on Britain and France, and U.S. President Roosevelt announces a shift from neutrality to "non-belligerency,"

    meaning more active support for the Allies against the Axis.
  • In the U.S., the Alien Registration Act (the Smith Act) passed by Congress requires aliens to register and be fingerprinted,

    In the U.S., the Alien Registration Act (the Smith Act) passed by Congress requires aliens to register and be fingerprinted,

    The Act also makes it illegal to advocate the overthrow of the US government.
  • Germany, Italy and Japan enter into a 10-year military and economic alliance

    Germany, Italy and Japan enter into a 10-year military and economic alliance

    A.k.a the axis powers.
  • Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected to an unprecedented third term as president

    Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected to an unprecedented third term as president

    With 54 percent of the popular vote. He defeats Republican Wendell L. Willke.