WHAT ALL HAPPENED MAY TO JULY 1940
Find out what all happened May to July 1940

World War II: After fierce fighting, the poorly trained and equipped Dutch troops surrender to Germany, marking the beginning of five years of occupation. (15. May 1940)

World War II: the United Kingdom and the Vichy France government break off diplomatic relations. (5. July 1940)

The Soviet Union presents an ultimatum to Lithuania resulting in Lithuanian loss of independence. (14. June 1940)

Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands flees her country to Great Britain after the German invasion. Princess Juliana takes her children to Canada for their safety. (13. May 1940)

The Yermolayev Yer-2, a long-range Soviet medium bomber, has its first flight. (14. May 1940)

World War II: In order to stop the ships from falling into German hands the French fleet of the Atlantic based at Mers El Kébir, is bombarded by the British fleet, coming from Gibraltar, causing the loss of three battleships: Dunkerque, Provence and Bretagne. One thousand two hundred sailors perish. (3. July 1940)

Denmark leaves the League of Nations. (20. July 1940)

Franz Rademacher proposes plans to make Madagascar the "Jewish homeland", an idea that had first been considered by 19th century journalist Theodor Herzl. (3. June 1940)

World War II: Battle of Cape Spada – The Royal Navy and the Regia Marina clash; the Italian light cruiser Bartolomeo Colleoni sinks, with 121 casualties. (19. July 1940)

World War II: Army order 112 forms the Intelligence Corps of the British Army. (19. July 1940)

World War II: The Dunkirk evacuation ends – British forces complete evacuation of 338,000 troops from Dunkirk in France. To rally the morale of the country, Winston Churchill delivers his famous "We shall fight on the beaches" speech. (4. June 1940)

California opens its first freeway, the Arroyo Seco Parkway. (20. July 1940)

World War II: Germany's conquest of France begins as the German army crosses the Meuse. Winston Churchill makes his "blood, toil, tears, and sweat" speech to the House of Commons. (13. May 1940)

World War II: Belgium surrenders to Nazi Germany to end the Battle of Belgium. (28. May 1940)

World War II: Italy begins an unsuccessful invasion of France. (20. June 1940)

World War II: the British Army's 11th Hussars assault and take Fort Capuzzo in Libya, Africa from Italian forces. (17. June 1940)

World War II: Italy declares war on France and the United Kingdom. (10. June 1940)

Appeal of June 18 by Charles de Gaulle. (18. June 1940)

World War II: France officially surrenders to Germany at 01:35. (25. June 1940)

World War II: Paris falls under German occupation, and Allied forces retreat. (14. June 1940)