ww2 timeline By nevermindfamwegood Sep 1, 1939 Germany invades Poland, World War 2 begins. Sep 3, 1939 Britain and France declare war on Germany. Sep 8, 1939 The US remains neutral but president Roosevelt declares "limited national emergency". Sep 17, 1939 Russia invades Poland Sep 27, 1939 Warsaw surrenders Oct 6, 1939 The last remaining Polish forces surrender Nov 30, 1939 Russia invades Finland