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Major Events of May 1940: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from May 1940 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of May 1940: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 1940 Allied Evacuation from Norwegian Ports: Allied forces began a strategic evacuation of Norwegian ports in response to the German invasion, with operations continuing until June 1940. This withdrawal was part of the broader Allied retreat during the early stages of World War II.
  • 02 May 1940 Allied Evacuation from Norwegian Ports During World War II: During the early stages of World War II, the Allied forces began a strategic withdrawal from Norwegian ports following the German invasion. This evacuation operation, which commenced on May 2nd, 1940, was a critical military maneuver aimed at preserving Allied troops and resources after the unsuccessful defense against German forces. The evacuation process would continue over the next month, marking a significant moment in the Norwegian Campaign of 1940.
  • 03 May 1940 Allied Withdrawal from Norway during World War II: At 02:15 hours, the Allied Expeditionary Force completed its strategic withdrawal from the Norwegian towns of Namsos and Andalsnes during the early stages of World War II. This retreat marked a significant moment in the Norwegian Campaign, highlighting the challenges faced by Allied forces against German military advances.
  • 04 May 1940 Łódź Ghetto Sealed: The Nazi regime sealed the Łódź Ghetto, isolating and confining the Jewish population in a crucial moment of the Holocaust, marking a tragic step in the systematic persecution of Jewish people during World War II.
  • 05 May 1940 Norwegian Government Establishes Exile Administration in London: Following the German invasion and occupation of Norway during World War II, the Norwegian government officially established its exile administration in London, England. This strategic move allowed the legitimate Norwegian government to continue operations, coordinate resistance efforts, and maintain international diplomatic relations despite the country being under Nazi control.
  • 06 May 1940 1940 Summer Olympics Canceled: The International Olympic Committee officially canceled the 1940 Summer Olympics, a direct consequence of the escalating global tensions and the outbreak of World War II. This decision reflected the profound impact of international conflict on global sporting events.
  • 07 May 1940 Winston Churchill Becomes Prime Minister of Britain: In a pivotal moment during World War II, Winston Churchill assumes the role of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, replacing Neville Chamberlain. This leadership transition occurs during a critical period of the war, marking a significant turning point in British political and military strategy.
  • 08 May 1940 Norway Debate and Chamberlain's Political Crisis: During a critical parliamentary session, David Lloyd George challenged Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain's leadership during World War II. Lloyd George dramatically called for Chamberlain to sacrifice his political office, arguing that national leadership required personal accountability. Although Chamberlain survived a motion of no confidence with 281 votes to 200, the significant number of abstentions from within his own Conservative Party revealed a profound weakness in his political support.
  • 09 May 1940 Belgium Declares State of Emergency: As World War II tensions intensified, Belgium officially declared a state of emergency and placed its military on high alert, recognizing the imminent threat of potential German invasion.
  • 10 May 1940 Germany Launches Invasion of Western Europe: Germany launched a coordinated invasion of the Netherlands, Belgium, and France, marking the critical opening of World War II's Western Front. This strategic offensive represented a massive military operation that would dramatically reshape the European geopolitical landscape.
  • 11 May 1940 Allied Forces Mobilize on River Dyle: British and French military forces joined Belgian troops along the River Dyle in Belgium, preparing defensive positions against the anticipated German invasion.
  • 12 May 1940 German Invasion of France through Ardennes Forest: German troops launched a strategic invasion of France by advancing through the dense Ardennes Forest, successfully reaching critical river crossing points at Sedan, Monthermé, and Dinant along the Meuse River. This maneuver was a key part of the German Blitzkrieg strategy, bypassing the heavily fortified Maginot Line.
  • 13 May 1940 Churchill's Iconic War Speech: Winston Churchill delivers his historic first speech as Prime Minister to the House of Commons, declaring, 'I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.' This powerful statement became a rallying cry for British resistance during World War II, symbolizing the nation's determination to fight against Nazi aggression.
  • 14 May 1940 Luftwaffe Bombs Rotterdam Despite Ceasefire: During World War II, the Luftwaffe of Nazi Germany bombed Rotterdam despite an existing ceasefire, resulting in approximately 900 casualties and the complete destruction of the historic city center.
  • 15 May 1940 France Admits Defeat to Britain: French Premier Paul Reynaud telephoned British Prime Minister Winston Churchill in the morning, delivering the devastating news: "We have been defeated; we have lost the battle", signaling the imminent fall of France during World War II.
  • 16 May 1940 US Congress Approves Massive Aircraft Production Funding: President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed a joint session of Congress, requesting an extraordinary credit of approximately $900 million to finance the construction of at least 50,000 airplanes per year, signaling the United States' industrial mobilization in preparation for potential global conflict.
  • 17 May 1940 German Occupation of Brussels during World War II: On May 17, 1940, German forces successfully occupied Brussels, the capital of Belgium, as part of their broader military campaign in Western Europe. This event marked a significant moment in the early stages of World War II, demonstrating the rapid and overwhelming advance of Nazi Germany's military forces through Belgium and towards France.
  • 18 May 1940 German 18th Army Breaks Through Belgian Defenses: The German 18th Army, led by Georg von Küchler, successfully pierced the outer ring of fortresses around Antwerp, Belgium, in two strategic locations, rapidly capturing the city and demonstrating the Wehrmacht's military prowess during the early stages of World War II.
  • 19 May 1940 Opening of Auschwitz Concentration Camp: The Nazi German concentration and extermination camp Auschwitz-Birkenau, located near Oświęcim in occupied Poland, officially opens. This camp would become the largest and most notorious of the Nazi concentration camps, where approximately 1.1 million people would be systematically murdered between May 1940 and January 1945, representing one of the most horrific sites of the Holocaust.
  • 20 May 1940 First Prisoners Arrive at Auschwitz: The first prisoners were transported to the newly established Auschwitz concentration camp, marking a significant and tragic moment in the Holocaust. This event signaled the beginning of one of the most horrific systematic persecutions in human history.
  • 21 May 1940 Battle of Arras: British and French Allied forces conduct a significant counter-attack south of Arras, France, strategically buying time to reinforce and fortify the Channel Ports against the German invasion.
  • 22 May 1940 Churchill Visits Paris During World War II: British Prime Minister Winston Churchill travels to Paris for critical strategic discussions with French General Maxime Weygand, attempting to develop a plan to defend the city against imminent Nazi invasion.
  • 23 May 1940 First Major Air Battle of World War II: Spitfires vs Luftwaffe: On May 23, 1940, during the early stages of World War II, British Royal Air Force (RAF) Spitfire fighters engaged in their first significant aerial combat with German Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters over the skies of France. This dogfight represented a critical moment in aerial warfare, showcasing the technological prowess and pilot skills of both the British and German air forces.
  • 24 May 1940 Dunkirk Evacuation Begins: The evacuation of the British Expeditionary Force from Dunkirk commences, a pivotal moment in World War II that would become a symbol of British resilience and military strategy.
  • 25 May 1940 Battle of Dunkirk Begins: The Battle of Dunkirk commenced, a critical military engagement during World War II that would become a pivotal moment in the early stages of the war. This battle would involve the massive evacuation of Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, France.
  • 26 May 1940 Operation Dynamo Begins: Operation Dynamo commenced, initiating the massive evacuation of defeated Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, France. This critical maritime rescue operation would save over 338,000 British and French soldiers from certain capture or destruction.
  • 27 May 1940 Operation Dynamo: Dunkirk Evacuation Begins: The Dunkirk evacuation, codenamed Operation Dynamo, commenced with the first 7,669 British troops being evacuated across the English Channel. This critical military operation would ultimately save a significant portion of Allied forces from potential capture or destruction by German forces.
  • 28 May 1940 Belgium's Surrender to Nazi Germany: At 0400 hours, King Leopold III of Belgium unconditionally surrenders the Belgian army to German forces during World War II, marking a significant moment in the early stages of the conflict.
  • 29 May 1940 Churchill's Defiant Speech: In a historic address to the British House of Commons, Prime Minister Winston Churchill delivered his famous 'We shall fight' speech, rallying British resolve and determination in the face of Nazi aggression.
  • 30 May 1940 Dunkirk Evacuation and German Strategic Adjustments: During the critical phase of World War II, British naval command made a strategic decision to withdraw modern destroyers from Dunkirk due to significant combat losses. This marked a pivotal moment in the early stages of the evacuation, known as Operation Dynamo. Simultaneously, the first contingents of French troops began their evacuation from the besieged coastal town, facing intense German pressure. In a parallel development, Nazi Germany responded to its expanding territorial control by increasing food rations, leveraging agricultural resources from recently conquered territories in Western Europe.
  • 31 May 1940 Operation Dynamo Peak Evacuation: Operation Dynamo reaches its most significant day, successfully rescuing 68,014 Allied troops from the beaches of Dunkirk, marking a crucial moment in World War II's early stages.