19th May 1935
Elections in Czechoslovakia reveal overwhelming support for the Sudeten Party by the ethnic German population.
Introduction to a World at War
Before the first shots were fired, the foundations of global conflict were laid during the Road to War (1933–1939). Following the rise of the Nazi Party and the collapse of international diplomacy, the world was set on an inevitable path toward War.
On 1st September 1939, World War II officially began with Germany’s invasion of Poland. France and the United Kingdom honoured their commitments to Poland, declaring war two days later, followed by Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and South Africa. The Second World War became the most destructive conflict in human history, fought across Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Pacific, drawing more than 50 nations into the conflict and causing some 60 million deaths.
During the first three years, Germany and Italy scored sweeping victories in Poland, France, Norway, the Balkans, Russia, and North Africa, while Japan won early successes at Pearl Harbor, Singapore, and the Philippines. By mid to late 1942, however, the Axis had suffered decisive defeats at Midway, El Alamein, and Stalingrad.
These setbacks, described by Churchill after El Alamein as ‘the End of the Beginning’, forced the Axis onto the defensive. Germany and Japan faced further defeats at Kursk, Sicily, and in the Solomons. With Italy’s surrender in September 1943, Germany and Japan were left to fight alone against a strengthening Allied coalition. By late 1944, they were pushed back to their pre-war borders and defeated in Normandy, Hungary, Burma, and Okinawa. Hitler’s suicide on 30 April 1945 preceded Germany’s surrender on the 7th May, while Japan capitulated on the 14th August after the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and the Soviet declaration of war.
The war’s aftermath reshaped the world order, exposing the atrocities committed by the Axis powers and shifting global influence from Britain and France to the United States and the Soviet Union. The unity that bound the Allies soon gave way to the mistrust of the Cold War.
The above introduction can give only a very brief overview of World War 2, but you can find out much more by exploring the pages within WorldWar-2.com, which will help you uncover the detail and the complexity of the politics leading up to the war as well as link together the individual timelines of battles and operational campaigns to provide you with the bigger picture. Enjoy your journey!
What’s New
10th May 2026
The Famous Quotations section has been expanded with multiple new quotations covering the Italian declaration of war in June 1940, the Italian invasion of Egypt in September 1940, and the subsequent British and Commonwealth counteroffensive during Operation Compass. These additions further broaden the range of Italian, British, and Commonwealth perspectives represented throughout the section.
1st May 2026
The Medals and Badges section has undergone a further round of refinement, with updated and polished descriptions added to entries covering Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Nationalist China, Poland, Republican Spain, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
15th April 2026
The Famous Quotations section has been fully reworked, introducing a new two-column layout to improve readability and presentation across the page. A dynamic view has also been added, allowing each year to be expanded or collapsed, making it easier to navigate and reducing page length when browsing. A large number of additional quotations have also been added to the 1944 and 1945 sections, further expanding coverage of the final years of the war and capturing more of the voices and perspectives from this decisive period.
Weapons of War
PzKpfw II Ausf C
Light Tank
The Panzerkampfwagen II Ausf. C was one of the most widely used early German light tanks of the Second World War. Originally developed in the mid-1930s as an interim design while more advanced tanks such as the Panzer III and Panzer IV were still in development, it nevertheless became an important component of German Panzer divisions during the early Blitzkrieg campaigns. Armed with a 2 cm KwK 30 L/55 autocannon and a coaxial MG 34 machine gun, the tank had a three-man crew consisting of commander, gunner, and driver. The Ausf. C introduced an improved suspension system with five large road wheels and leaf springs, which enhanced mobility and reliability compared with earlier versions. Armour protection was relatively light, reaching about 14.5 mm on the hull and turret. The Panzer II Ausf. C saw extensive service during the invasions of Poland in 1939 and France in 1940, and later participated in the early stages of Operation Barbarossa in 1941. As the war progressed and heavier enemy tanks appeared, the type became increasingly obsolete and was gradually reassigned to reconnaissance and training roles. Its reliable chassis later served as the basis for several important self-propelled weapons, including the Marder II tank destroyer and the Wespe self-propelled artillery piece.
Timeline Highlights
19th May 1938
The Czech intelligence service reports that Germany has positioned a significant number of military forces near their border, raising concerns about a potential attack. In response, Britain issues a warning to Germany, stating that they will stand by Czechoslovakia in the event of any attack.
20th May 1938
Czechoslovakia takes urgent measures to strengthen its border defences and issues a call to mobilize a number of its reservists.
23rd May 1938
In the absence of any concrete evidence from the Czechs regarding German military activity along the border, the tension subsides for the moment.
11th May 1939
The Battle of Khalkhin Gol begins as Japanese and Manchukuoan troops clash with Soviet and Mongolian forces along the disputed Manchukuo–Mongolia border. Initial fighting erupts when a Japanese detachment crosses the Khalkhin Gol (Khalkha River), triggering a wider confrontation that will grow into the largest and most decisive border battle between the two powers.
23rd May 1939
Adolf Hitler convenes a high-level meeting at the Reich Chancellery in Berlin with key military leaders, including Hermann Göring, General Wilhelm Keitel, and Admiral Erich Raeder. Known as the ‘May 23 Conference’, the meeting addresses the strategic direction of German foreign policy and military planning. During the discussion, Hitler declares that Germany must attack Poland at the first suitable opportunity, viewing it as essential for securing Lebensraum (living space) and resolving the “Polish problem.” He acknowledges the risk of war with Britain and France but stresses that conflict with the Western powers should be avoided if possible. However, he makes it clear that Germany is prepared to face such a war if it becomes unavoidable. Hitler argues that Germany’s current military and economic position is more favourable than it will be in the future, and therefore, delay is not an option.
9th May 1940
Belgium declares a state of emergency and places its military on high alert in anticipation of a German invasion. At 21:50 hours, German General Hans Oster warns the Dutch military attaché in Berlin for the third time in a week that a German attack in the west is imminent. With the Dutch and Belgians now fully aware of what is coming and mobilising their forces, Hitler confirms that X-day for Operation Fall Gelb (Case Yellow) will begin at 05:35 the next morning. Recognising that he can no longer command broad support in Parliament or form an effective national coalition, Neville Chamberlain begins consultations on his possible resignation. Attention focuses on two potential successors, Winston Churchill and Lord Halifax. During discussions, Chamberlain asks whether there is any constitutional reason a Prime Minister could not sit in the House of Lords. Churchill replies that no constitutional barrier exists, but argues that in practice a wartime Prime Minister must lead from the House of Commons, particularly to command confidence in Parliament and direct a national coalition government.
13th May 1940
Germany’s 2nd Gebirgsjäger Division continues its advance north from Trondheim, aiming to relieve General Dietl’s isolated forces in Narvik. The division, composed largely of Austrian mountain troops, undertakes a grueling overland march through rugged terrain, facing logistical challenges and harsh conditions. Their objective is to link up with the 3rd Gebirgsjäger Division, which has been under sustained Allied pressure in the Narvik area. Fierce mountain fighting erupts near Narvik as Norwegian, French, Polish, and British units, including the Polish Independent Highland Brigade and French Chasseurs Alpins, launch coordinated attacks to push German forces back toward the Swedish frontier. The mixed German force, consisting of the 3rd Gebirgsjäger Division and Kriegsmarine personnel pressed into ground combat following the sinking of their ships by the British, is low on supplies and relies heavily on Luftwaffe air drops. They dig into defensive positions in the surrounding hills and fjords. Despite the difficult terrain and determined German resistance, Allied forces begin to make tactical gains, gradually tightening the noose around Narvik. The battle marks one of the most intense phases of the Norwegian campaign, showcasing multinational cooperation and alpine warfare at its peak.
14th May 1940
The Polish transport ship Chrobry, carrying elements of the British 24th Guards Brigade, is bombed by a Heinkel He 111 and set ablaze in the Vestfjord while en route to Bodø. The attack results in the loss of much of the brigade’s heavy equipment and the deaths of several senior officers, including the commanding officer and company commanders of the 1st Battalion Irish Guards.
15th May 1940
A Luftwaffe parachute battalion from Fallschirmjäger-Regiment 1 is dropped to reinforce the Narvik area. Soon after, additional companies of the 137th Regiment (3rd Gebirgsjäger Division) are hastily trained and deployed by air. Norwegian He 115 floatplanes attack and destroy several German Ju 52 transports parked on the frozen lake at Hartvikvann near Narvik.
20th May 1940
The Allied high command decides Narvik must be taken. Preparations intensify for a combined land and sea assault on the town.
21st May 1940
The isolated German garrison at Narvik, cut off since April, faces shortages of food and ammunition. Morale declines as Allied pressure increases, and the prospect of disaster looms for General Dietl’s forces.
Major-General Iven Mackay
Commander of the 6th Australian Division
Addressing his troops before the assault on the fortress of Tobruk - 20th January 1941
‘The Italians are many, but they are not the men we are. We shall go through them like a knife through butter.’
Leaders and Commanders
Galeazzo Ciano
Minister of Foreign Affairs
9th June 1936 to 6th February 1943
Galeazzo Ciano serves as Fascist Italy’s Foreign Minister during the critical years leading up to and during the Second World War, and is one of the regime’s most influential political figures. Married to Benito Mussolini’s daughter Edda, Ciano rises rapidly and becomes central to shaping Italy’s diplomatic alignment with Nazi Germany. He plays a key role in forming the Rome–Berlin Axis and supports Italy’s expansionist ambitions in Africa and the Mediterranean, while privately expressing doubts about Germany’s intentions and Italy’s military preparedness. As the war progresses, Ciano grows increasingly critical of German dominance within the Axis and sceptical of Italy’s ability to sustain a prolonged conflict. His private diaries provide a rare and candid record of Fascist decision-making, internal rivalries, and the widening gap between propaganda and reality. In July 1943, he votes in favour of the Fascist Grand Council motion that removes Mussolini from power, sealing his fate. After the creation of the German-backed Italian Social Republic, Ciano is arrested, tried for treason, and executed by firing squad on 11 January 1944. His career reflects the internal fractures of the Fascist leadership as Italy moves toward collapse.
