Jan 01war
1947–1948 Civil War in Mandatory Palestine
civil war between the Jewish and Arab communities of Palestine which is the first phase of the 1948 Palestine War
1940.
What happened in 1940?
In 1940, World War II saw major military conflicts, including the intense air campaign of the Battle of Britain between German and British forces. During this time, the Soviet Union carried out the Katyn massacre, killing about 22,000 Polish citizens at locations across European Russia. The year included 38 significant historical events and saw the births of 37 notable individuals, while 7 prominent figures died. These events took place within the 1940s, a decade that would later involve conflicts like the 1948 Palestine war, which began the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Events
60
Births
49
Deaths
11
Era
1940s
Modern Era / World Wars
Chronology of 1940
Documented Historical Record
January
01.1940Jan 01war
Jan 01general
Jan 01war
Battle of Britain
air battle waged between German and British air forces in 1940
Jan 01culture
Katyn massacre
Soviet mass murder of ca. 22,000 Poles in several parts of European Russia, including in the Katyn forest, which became a pars pro toto name for the whole massacre
Jan 01war
1940 Summer Olympics
Games of the XII Olympiad, firstly scheduled in Tokyo, Japan, rescheduled in Helsinki, Finland, finally canceled due to World War II
Jan 01war
Operation Weserübung
1940 code name for Germany's assault on Denmark and Norway during the Second World War
Jan 01war
1940 Winter Olympics
edition of the Winter Olympics, scheduled in Sapporo, Japan, canceled due to World War II
Jan 01general
Jan 01war
Jan 01war
The Holocaust in Poland
genocide of Jews in Nazi-occupied Poland during World War II
Jan 01war
Bombing of Tokyo
1940s air raids by the United States Air Force in WWII
Jan 01politics
Jan 01politics
Jan 01war
Jan 01war
February
02.1940Feb 11politics
Feb 16war
Feb 19war
Feb 29war
March
03.1940Mar 12politics
Moscow Peace Treaty
peace treaty signed by Finland and the Soviet Union on 12 March 1940
April
04.1940Apr 01general
Apr 09war
German invasion of Denmark
German attack on Denmark on 9 April 1940
Apr 09war
Apr 09war
Apr 09war
May
05.1940May 10war
May 10war
German invasion of Luxembourg
German invasion of Luxembourg in WWII
May 10war
May 11war
May 13general
May 13war
May 14war
Rotterdam Blitz
aerial bombardment of Rotterdam by the Luftwaffe (German air force) on 14 May 1940, during the German invasion of the Netherlands in World War II
May 14war
May 17war
May 21war
June
06.1940Jun 04general
We shall fight on the beaches
Common title given to a speech delivered by Winston Churchill
Jun 18general
Jun 20war
Jun 20war
Jun 22war
Armistice of 22 June 1940
armistice between France and Nazi Germany in World War II
Jun 28war
July
07.1940August
08.1940Aug 13war
Aug 15war
Aug 19war
Italian invasion of British Somaliland
part of the East African Campaign (1940–1941)
Aug 30politics
September
09.1940Sep 01general
Operation Sea Lion
cancelled Nazi German plan for invading Britain
Sep 07politics
Sep 26war
Sep 27politics
October
10.1940November
11.1940Nov 01politics
Nov 05politics
1940 United States presidential election
39th quadrennial U.S. presidential election
Nov 10disaster
Nov 12war
Nov 27war
December
12.1940End of 1940 Record · 60 events
Historical Significance
Context & Impact
In 1940, World War II saw major military conflicts, including the intense air campaign of the Battle of Britain between German and British forces. During this time, the Soviet Union carried out the Katyn massacre, killing about 22,000 Polish citizens at locations across European Russia. The year included 38 significant historical events and saw the births of 37 notable individuals, while 7 prominent figures died. These events took place within the 1940s, a decade that would later involve conflicts like the 1948 Palestine war, which began the Arab-Israeli conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What major events happened in 1940?
1940 was marked by significant World War II events, including the Battle of Britain where the Royal Air Force defended against German air attacks. The year also saw the signing of the Tripartite Pact, which linked Germany, Italy, and Japan, forming the Axis alliance.
What was the Battle of Britain in 1940?
The Battle of Britain was a major air campaign over the United Kingdom from July to October 1940. The German Luftwaffe aimed to achieve air superiority over the RAF. Britain's successful defense prevented a German invasion and resulted in Germany's first major military defeat.
Who were some notable people born in 1940?
Notable births in 1940 included future political leaders, entertainers, and cultural figures. Among those born were individuals who would become influential in politics, music, film, and literature.
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