May–August 1939

Prelude to Madness. In the years immediately preceding World War II, much of the world is in turmoil. From South America to Spain, unrest, internal turbulence, even clashes between countries, is the order of the day. Two countries, in particular—Japan and Germany—show signs of increasing aggression. Having already invaded Manchuria, the Japanese pursue a policy of expansion into China. Meanwhile, to the west, Germany invades Austria, and then occupies Czechoslovakia. By the fall of 1939, the stage is set for the onset of World War II—Germany’s invasion of Poland.

 

September 1939

1
Germany invades Poland, setting stage for World War II.

3
Battle of the Atlantic begins as German U-boat sinks British liner Athenia.

 

October 1939

14
German submarine sinks the Royal Oak. Depending on 60 million tons of imports a year, British shipping is particularly vulnerable to attacks by German U-boats in the early days of the Battle of the Atlantic. In a daring raid, U-47 Lt. Cmdr. Guenther Prien takes his submarine into Scotland’s Orkney Islands toward Scapa Flow, where the British Home Fleet is based. Unleashing his torpedoes, Prien sinks the battleship Royal Oak, with a loss of more than 800 officers and men.