1 January 1941Invasion of GreeceAdolf Hitler
Negotiations begin for passage through Bulgaria to reach Greece & Russia
Historical records for Germany in 1941, rendered directly from the World History Database and ordered by month, day and event.
Negotiations begin for passage through Bulgaria to reach Greece & Russia
Negotiations begin for passage of troops through Bulgaria to reach Greece & Russia
Negotiations begin for passage of troops through Bulgaria to reach Greece & Russia
Orders siezure of the French fleet at Toulon in violation of the Compiegene Armistice
Orders Operation Marita to commence on 26th March
Orders the occupation of the rest of France
Orders the siezure of the French fleet at Toulon
Orders siezure of the French fleet at Toulon in violation of the Compiegene Armistice
Germany & Russia sign a fresh Treaty recognizing spheres of influence & trade
Jodl initials Hitler's order preparing German intervention in support of operations connected with Greece and Albania.
Decrees no member of the Government or military should know more than necessary
Orders German reinforcements for Albania
Orders German reinforcements for Albania
Orders German reinforcements for Tripoli
Hitler demands that Bulgaria joins the Tripartite Pact
Hitler demands that Bulgaria joins the Tripartite Pact
Mussolini accepts Hitler's offer of help in north Africa but not in Albania. Hitler & Mussolini meet at Berchtesgaden
Jodl attends a conference where German concentrations in Romania are discussed as forces for operations against Greece.
Jodl joins Hitler and Keitel in a detailed conference on preparations for Operation Barbarossa.
Outlines the General Staffs invasion plans to Hitler, the OKW & OKB
"When Barbarossa commences, the world will hold its breath & make no comment". Orders Keitel to make it appear as if Germany is invading Britain rather than Russia
Hitler orders Keitel to make it appear as if Germany is invading Britain
Outlines the General Staffs invasion plans to Hitler, the OKW & OKB
"When Barbarossa commences, the world will hold its breath & make no comment". The starting date for Barbarossa will be 15th May. The Red Army will have 155 Divisions against 116 German Divisions. Hitler reviews the plans for Barbarossa
The Red Army will have 155 Divisions against 116 German Divisions
Lands the Afrika Korps in Libya to support the Italians
Lands the Afrika Korps in Libya to support the Italians
The OKW issues instructions for the Afrika Korps to defend North Africa
German troops under Rommel are sent to assist the Italians in North Africa
The OKW issues instructions for the Afrika Korps to defend North Africa
Signs an agreement with Bulgaria allowing German passage to invade Greece
The Bulgarian General Staff allow German troops to pass through Bulgaria
The US House of Representives passes the Lend-Lease Bill by 260 votes to 265, assisting Britain
To protect Romanian oilfields from the British in preparation to invade Russia. Signs an agreement with Bulgaria allowing German passage to invade Greece
The Bulgarian General Staff allow German troops to pass through Bulgaria
Hitler offers Mussolini help after Italy's immanent defeat
German units disembark for Tripoli
The Afrikakorps is based on Adolf Hitler's personal choice of Erwin Rommel as its Commander. Appointed Commander of the Afrika Korps
Arrives in North Africa to support Italian forces and begins operations that eventually threaten Egypt and the Suez Canal.
Sends 3rd Reconnaissance Battalion to find how close Wavells army is to Tripoli
Rommel lands on African soil in Libya & takes over control of the Afrika Korps
Rommel lands on African soil in Libya & takes over control of the Afrika Korps
Hitler applies pressure on Yugoslavia to join the Tripartite Pact
Hitler fails to persuade the Yugoslav Prime Minister, Dragisa Cvetkovic, to join the Axis. Hitler applies pressure on Yugoslavia to join the Tripartite Pact
Gunther, leading ideologist of Nazi racial policy, is awarded the Goethe Medal
Directs the western film Western Union.
German Army Units cross the Danube from Rumania & take up positions in Bulgaria
German Army units cross the Danube & take up positions in Bulgaria
German Army Units cross the Danube from Romania & take up positions in Bulgaria
Appointed Commander in Chief in Libya
Appointed Commander in Chief in Libya
Appointed Commander of the Afrika Korps
Appointed Commander of the Afrika Korps
Appointed Lieutenant General
Appointed Lieutenant General
Bulgaria joins the Tripartite Pact
Bulgaria signs the Tripartite Pact
Bulgaria signs the Tripartite Pact
Given plenipotentiary powers covering all police actions in occupied territory
Hitler demands from Prince Paul that German troops pass through Yugoslavia to Greece
Paul of Yugoslavia is invited to the Berghof & offered Salonika for German support
Hitler applies pressure on Yugoslavia to join the Tripartite Pact
Given power to act independently & have jurisdiction over the Army Chiefs of Staff
Given power to act independently & have jurisdiction over the Army Chiefs of Staff
Jodl is present when Hitler states that Greece must be fully occupied before any settlement.
Yugoslavia signs the Tripartite Pact
Hitler put pressure on Yugoslavia to join the Tripartite Pact. The Regent, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, succumbed to this pressure
Yugoslavia signs the Tripartite Pact
Hitler put pressure on Yugoslavia to join the Tripartite Pact. The Regent, Prince Paul of Yugoslavia, succumbed to this pressure
In front of Hitler & Ribbentrop Cvetkovic signs Yugoslavia to the Tripartite Pact
In front of Hitler & Ribbentrop Cvetkovic signs Yugoslavia to the Tripartite Pact
Jodl attends the conference that decides on the attack on Yugoslavia and bombing of Belgrade without prior declaration of war.
Orders invasion after a pro-Allied coup in Belgrade. Delays invasion by 4 weeks to invade Yugoslavia after an Allied coup in Belgrade
Summons chiefs to the Chancellery saying the Belgrade coup endangered Barbarossa. Delayed up to 4 weeks so Yugoslavia can be invaded after a pro-Allied coup in Belgrade
A coup is launched in Yugoslavia by anti-Prince Paul, Serbian military officers, and the Regent was replaced on the throne by King Peter II of Yugoslavia.
Hitler takes the Yugoslav coup as a personal insult, and was so angered that he was determined "without waiting for possible declarations of loyalty of the new Government to destroy Yugoslavia militarily and as a nation".
Summons chiefs to the Chancellery saying the Belgrade coup endangered Barbarossa.
Delays invasion by 4 weeks to invade Yugoslavia after an Allied coup in Belgrade
Orders invasion after a pro-Allied coup in Belgrade. Delays invasion by 4 weeks to invade Yugoslavia after an Allied coup in Belgrade
Orders Goering to "destroy Belgrade"
A coup is launched in Yugoslavia by anti-Prince Paul, Serbian military officers, and the Regent was replaced on the throne by King Peter II of Yugoslavia.
Hitler takes the Yugoslav coup as a personal insult, and was so angered that he was determined "without waiting for possible declarations of loyalty of the new Government to destroy Yugoslavia militarily and as a nation".
Summons chiefs to the Chancellery saying the Belgrade coup endangered Barbarossa.
Instructed by Hitler to advise Hungary, Romania & Italy they will partition Yugoslavia
Summons chiefs to the Chancellery saying the Belgrade coup endangered Barbarossa. Delayed up to 4 weeks so Yugoslavia can be invaded after a pro-Allied coup in Belgrade
Instructed by Hitler to advise Hungary, Romania & Italy they will partition Yugoslavia
Instructed by Hitler to advise Hungary, Romania & Italy they will partition Yugoslavia
Orders Goering to "destroy Belgrade"
Jodl attends Hitler's conference ordering rapid military preparations to destroy Yugoslavia.
Jodl's office issues a tentative plan coordinating German and Italian military operations against Yugoslavia.
At a General Staff meeting says Germany must destroy the Red Army & the Soviet State
At a General Staff meeting orders destruction of the Red Army & the Soviet State
At a General Staff meeting says Germany must destroy the Red Army & the Soviet State. At a General Staff meeting orders destruction of the Red Army & the Soviet State
Announce Bulgaria has joined the Axis powers
Goerings Green Folder laid out details of the Soviet Unions proposed economic disposal after the invasion
The entire urban population of the invaded land was to be starved to death, thus creating an agricultural surplus to feed Germany and allowing the urban populations replacement by a German upper class. Goerings Green Folder laid out details of the Soviet Unions proposed economic disposal after the invasion
The entire urban population of the invaded land was to be starved to death, thus creating an agricultural surplus to feed Germany and allowing the urban populations replacement by a German upper class
Operation Barbarossa was to combine a northern assault towards Leningrad, a symbolic capturing of Moscow, and an economic strategy of seizing oil fields in the south beyond Ukraine. Hitler repeated his order: "Leningrad first, the Donetsk Basin second, Moscow third"
Recaptures Benghazi from the Allies
For 3 days Belgrade ie ceaslesly bombed, it is razed to the ground killing 17,000
Starting on April 6, 1941, Axis armies invaded from all sides and the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) bombed Belgrade. Luftflotte Four of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), with a strength of seven Combat Formations (Kampfgruppen) had been committed to the campaign in the Balkans
After the unexpected March 27 coup against the Yugoslav Government, orders for the future campaign in Yugoslavia are drafted, as well as changes to the plan for the attack on Greece
The German & Italian Armies take up their positions for the invasion of Yugoslavia & Greece. After the unexpected March 27 coup against the Yugoslav Government, orders for the future campaign in Yugoslavia are drafted, as well as changes to the plan for the attack on Greece
Begins the invasion of Greece
Hitler gives the order for the Axis powers to invade Yugoslavia. After the unexpected March 27 coup against the Yugoslav Government, orders for the future campaign in Yugoslavia are drafted, as well as changes to the plan for the attack on Greece
Starting on April 6, 1941, Axis armies invaded from all sides and the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) bombed Belgrade. Launched to secure Geramanys Balkan flank for Operation Barbarossa. Hitler, infuriated at Yugoslavias defiance, ordered the implementation of Operation Punishment (Unternehmen Strafgericht).
The German & Italian Armies take up their positions for the invasion of Yugoslavia & Greece. The German Army falls on Yugoslavia & Greece in overwhelming strength.
Starting on April 6, 1941, Axis armies invaded from all sides and the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) bombed Belgrade. Luftflotte Four of the German Air Force (Luftwaffe), with a strength of seven Combat Formations (Kampfgruppen) had been committed to the campaign in the Balkans
After the unexpected March 27 coup against the Yugoslav Government, orders for the future campaign in Yugoslavia are drafted, as well as changes to the plan for the attack on Greece
Jodl's OKW staff coordinates high-level operations as German forces invade Yugoslavia and Greece.
Hitler, infuriated at Yugoslavias defiance, ordered the implementation of Operation Punishment (Unternehmen Strafgericht)
Rommel occupies Derna
Wins the battle but fails to capture the deep sea port of Tobruk
Begins to fight for Bardia, 60 miles east of Torbruk
Rommel begins to attack Tobruk
Rommel captures Bardia
Issues a directive dividing up Yugoslavia between Germany, Italy, Hungary & Bulgaria
Issues a directive dividing up Yugoslavia between Germany, Italy, Hungary & Bulgaria
Ordered to consolidate on the Egyptian border & concentrate on capturing Tobruk
German forces enter Belgrade during the invasion whose planning Jodl helped coordinate at OKW.
The C-in-C of Luftflotte Four, Generaloberst Alexander Lehr receives orders from Hermann Goering to wind down the air-offensive and transfer the bulk of the dive-bomber force to support the campaign in Greece
The C-in-C of Luftflotte Four, Generaloberst Alexander Lehr receives orders from Hermann Goering to wind down the air-offensive and transfer the bulk of the dive-bomber force to support the campaign in Greece
The C-in-C of Luftflotte Four, Generaloberst Alexander Lehr receives orders from Hermann Gring to wind down the air-offensive and transfer the bulk of the dive-bomber force to support the campaign in Greece
The C-in-C of Luftflotte Four, Generaloberst Alexander Lehr receives orders from Hermann Goering to wind down the air-offensive and transfer the bulk of the dive-bomber force to support the campaign in Greece
The C-in-C of Luftflotte Four, Generaloberst Alexander Lehr receives orders from Hermann Goering to wind down the air-offensive and transfer the bulk of the dive-bomber force to support the campaign in Greece
The C-in-C of Luftflotte Four, Generaloberst Alexander Lehr receives orders from Hermann Gring to wind down the air-offensive and transfer the bulk of the dive-bomber force to support the campaign in Greece. The C-in-C of Luftflotte Four, Generaloberst Alexander Lehr receives orders from Hermann Goering to wind down the air-offensive and transfer the bulk of the dive-bomber force to support the campaign in Greece
The C-in-C of Luftflotte Four, Generaloberst Alexander Lehr receives orders from Hermann Goering to wind down the air-offensive and transfer the bulk of the dive-bomber force to support the campaign in Greece
The C-in-C of Luftflotte Four, Generaloberst Alexander Lehr receives orders from Hermann Goering to wind down the air-offensive and transfer the bulk of the dive-bomber force to support the campaign in Greece
Yugoslavia is subsequently divided amongst Germany, Hungary, Italy and Bulgaria, with most of Serbia being occupied by Germany. The last of the Yugoslav troops surrender to the Germans
Yugoslavia is subsequently divided amongst Germany, Hungary, Italy and Bulgaria, with most of Serbia being occupied by Germany
The Northern Greek armies surrender to the Germans
The British are driven out of Halfaya Pass
Hitler issues a directive to capture Crete
The Germans march into Athens & hoist the swastika over the Acropolis
Germany occupies Yugoslavia and Greece
Germany occupies Yugoslavia and Greece
Sets the date for the German invasion of Russia, June 22
Sets the date for the German invasion of Russia, June 22
Commands the bombing of Belgrade, 17,000 civilians are killed
Jodl monitors the rapid German advance through Greece from the OKW operations staff.
Greater Croatia becomes an independent pro-Axis state ruled by the Ustase
Kleist commands 1st Panzergruppe, comprising XVIII and XL Panzer Corps, which spearheads the Blitzkrieg-style invasions of Yugoslavia and Greece
Greater Croatia becomes an independent pro-Axis state ruled by the Ustase
Kleist commands 1st Panzergruppe, comprising XVIII and XL Panzer Corps, which spearheads the Blitzkrieg-style invasions of Yugoslavia and Greece
Greater Croatia becomes an independent pro-Axis state ruled by the Ustase
Besieges Tobruk, seeking to open the route east toward Egypt and the Suez Canal.
Heinrich Himmler tells H”ss that Hitler had given orders for the final solution"
Arrested by the British & held as a POW
Proposes asking Britain to give Germany a free hand in Europe, in exchange Germany will leave the British Empire intact. Hess flies himself to Scotland & meets the Duke of Hamilton to submit his own peace proposals
Announces Hess flight to Britain was due to a mental breakdown
Signs an order defending German troops from any crimes against the Russian population
The original day planned for operation Barbarossa
The original day planned for operation Barbarossa
Jodl's staff participates in OKW coordination as German airborne forces attack Crete.
This record states: An order is issued by the RSHA to block emigration of Jews attempting to leave Belgium or France as part of the "imminent Final Solution of the Jewish question." The RSHA.
This record states: And food in Theresienstadt (a concentration camp to extermination facilities like Auschwitz).
This record states: If they turned over their assets to the RSHA through a 'phony' home-purchase plan.
This record states: Working with Adolf Eichmann's Reich Association of Jews in Germany, deliberately deceived Jews living in Germany and those of other countries by promising them good living quarters, medical care.
A German air landing manages to capture Crete after twelve days of severe fighting
Germany launches an invasion of Crete, 23,000 men & 600 aircraft attack Crete
The German attack on Crete begins
This record states: An order is issued by the RSHA to block emigration of Jews attempting to leave Belgium or France as part of the "imminent Final Solution of the Jewish question." The RSHA.
This record states: And food in Theresienstadt (a concentration camp to extermination facilities like Auschwitz).
This record states: If they turned over their assets to the RSHA through a 'phony' home-purchase plan.
This record states: Working with Adolf Eichmann's Reich Association of Jews in Germany, deliberately deceived Jews living in Germany and those of other countries by promising them good living quarters, medical care.
A German air landing manages to capture Crete after twelve days of severe fighting
Relieved of his command by Hitler after the Panzers are forced onto the defensive
Reinforced by the 1fifth panzer division recaptures Halfaya Pass
Britain decides to evacuate Crete
Crete is captured by the German forces
Takes Crete from the British with an airbourne assault
Appeals in vain to launch an offensive against Egypt & Suez
Appeals in vain to launch an offensive against Egypt & Suez
Urges Hitler to concentrate on Mediterranean strategy and seize the Suez Canal, but the proposal is not adopted.
Germany captues Crete
Commands the bombing of Canea
Commands the bombing of Heraklion
Present at a meeting with Hitler to plan the invasio of Russia
The British evacuation of Crete is completed
Death of Reinhard Heydrich
The Eighth Panzer Regiment destroys 60 British tanks
Jodl attends final high-level reports on Operation Barbarossa shortly before the invasion.
Failed Btitish attempt on the German held pass south the Libya-Cyrenaica border
Kesselrings concentration of Luftflotte is completed. In the 1st raid 2,500 enemy aircraft are destroyed
The Western Desert Force loses 200 tanks. Orders a general assault to destroy the British around Halfaya
Germany declares war on Russia shortly after the invasion
3,050,000 troops, 3,350 tanks , 7,000 field guns & 2,000 arcraft are ready
The 4th Army reaches the outskirts of Moscow
The 4th Army reaches the outskirts of Moscow
1st day of Operation Barbarossa, commands the Army Group South consisting of 52 Divs
Interned for a few weeks, and transferred to the Soviet-Turkish border
Declares war on Russia
Schulenberg delivers Germany's declaration of war to Molotov
German planes bomb Russian border cities
The Luftwaffe supports Operation Barbarossa and attacks Soviet airfields
First day of Operation Barbarossa, commands the 5 divisions of the 1st Panzer Group
Responsible for advancing into the Baltic States. Responsible capturing Baltic ports & moving to Leningrad
First day of Operation Barbarossa, commands the Army Group North
1st day of Operation Barbarossa, commands the Army Group South consisting of 52 Divs
Responsible for capturing the Ukraine & the Caucasus
First day of Operation Barbarossa, commands the 5 divisions of the 1st Panzer Group
1st day of Operation Barbarossa, commands the Army Group North
Serves under General Erich Hoepner
1st day of Operation Barbarossa, commands the Army Group South consisting of 52 Divs
Responsible for capturing the Ukraine & the Caucasus
Jodl serves at OKW as Germany launches the invasion of the Soviet Union.
Responsible for capturing Balic ports & moving to Leningrad
Responsible for the siege of Moscow
Grodno is captured during the German invasion of Russia
Vilna & Kovoo are taken after the fall of Brest Litovsk during the German invasion of Russia
Vilna & Kovoo are taken after the fall of Brest Litovsk during the German invasion of Russia
Vilna & Kovoo are taken after the fall of Brest Litovsk during the German invasion of Russia
By the 2nd day of the invasion the Luftwaffe has destroyed 2,000 Russian aircraft
Vilna & Kovoo are taken after the fall of Brest Litovsk during the German invasion of Russia
By the 2nd day of the invasion the Luftwaffe has destroyed 2,000 Russian aircraft
Manstein captures the bridges at Dvinsk
Duenaburg is captured during the German invasion of Russia
The western front is broken & the Germans charge towards Minsk
The western front is broken & the Germans charge towards Minsk
The western front is broken & the Germans charge towards Minsk
Hoth & Guderian encircle Minsk trapping 300,000 Russian soldiers
Hoth & Guderian encircle Minsk trapping 300,000 Russian soldiers
Sweeps forward to the north of Kursk
Jodl contributes comments to planning connected with the criminal policy against captured Soviet political commissars.
Authorizes the employment of Russian prisoners in the German Army. All "racial Germans" are given German citizenship & made subject to the draft
Kleist commands 1st Panzergruppe, comprising XVIII and XL Panzer Corps, which spearheads the Blitzkrieg-style invasion of Russia
Tries to thwart the German attack on the Soviet Union in June 1941 through means such as hinting at the countrys military strength and the unassailability of its industrial reserves
Launches Operation Blue, to trap Soviet forces in a pincer movement west of the Don
Launches Operation Blue, phase 1 to capture Voronezh
Launches Operation Blue, phase 1 to capture Voronezh
Sixth Army HQ instructs shoot Russians with a cropped head & wearing plain clothes
After the pincer battles of Bialystok & Minsk are concluded: 324,000 prisoners, 3,332 tanks & 1,809 guns are captured
Grand Admiral Erich Raeder, Commander in Chief of the Kriegsmarine (German Navy), told Hitler that an invasion could only be contemplated as a last resort, and only after full air superiority had been achieved
The Stalin Line was broken through on all important points
The Stalin Line was broken through on all important points
Germany occupies Yugoslavia and Greece
Germany occupies Yugoslavia and Greece
Assigned leader of the Russia Committee, a Foreign Office post with no political influence that neutralized him
Manstein captures Demyansk
Bocks AG centre troops capture Minsk
Manstein captures Torzhok
Orders the execution of 3,000 Jews in Russia as a reprisal measure
Jodl participates in frequent operational briefings as the German advance continues deep into the Soviet Union.
Orders the execution of 3,000 Jews in Russia as a reprisal measure
Assigned leader of the Russia Committee, a Foreign Office post with no political influence that neutralized him
Brauchitschs advice to attack Moscow directly is rejected by Hitler
Helps encircle large Russian forces at Smolensk
Reichenaus 6th Army HQ orders executions to be left to the SD or SS
Reichenaus 6th Army HQ orders executions to be left to the SD or SS
The Allies 1st make plans for operation Overlord
Panzer Group Africa is activated with Rommel in command, and command of the Afrika Korps SS turned over to Ludwig Cruwell
Panzer Group Africa is activated with Rommel in command, and command of the Afrika Korps SS turned over to Ludwig Cruwell
Panzer Group Africa is activated with Rommel in command, and command of the Afrika Korps SS turned over to Ludwig Cruwell
Panzer Group Africa is activated with Rommel in command, and command of the Afrika Korps SS turned over to Ludwig Cruwell
Panzer Group Africa is activated with Rommel in command, and command of the Afrika Korps SS turned over to Ludwig Cruwell
Panzer Group Africa is activated with Rommel in command, and command of the Afrika Korps SS turned over to Ludwig Cruwell
Panzer Group Africa is activated with Rommel in command, and command of the Afrika Korps SS turned over to Ludwig Cruwell
Panzer Group Africa is activated with Rommel in command, and command of the Afrika Korps SS turned over to Ludwig Cruwell
The Panzer Group controls the Afrikakorps plus some additional German units that were sent to Africa, as well as two corps of Italian units. During the summer of 1941 OKW and OKH enlarge the command structure in Africa by creating a new headquarters called Panzer Group Africa (Panzer Group Africa)
Partially defeats the British 7th Armoured Division in an attempt to recapture Tobruk
Smolensk is captured, 300 km outside Moscow but the Germans have lost 250,000
The Panzer Group controls the Afrikakorps plus some additional German units that were sent to Africa, as well as two corps of Italian units
The Panzer Group controls the Afrikakorps plus some additional German units that were sent to Africa, as well as two corps of Italian units. During the summer of 1941 OKW and OKH enlarge the command structure in Africa by creating a new headquarters called Panzer Group Africa (Panzer Group Africa)
After the Uman pocket is closed advances to the south of Kiev & joins up with Guderian
Ordered north to help with the attack on Leningrad
100,000 Russian prisoners are taken when the Uman pocket is closed
Russian divisions are sacrificed to prevent the capture of the Yelnaya rail junction
600 Russian prisoners of war are gassed, 1st experiment with Zykon B
600 Russian prisoners of war are gassed, 1st experiment with Zykon B
Appointed Commander of the Eleventh Army
Manstein is given the task of capturing the Crimea
Rundstedt & Guderian complete the encirclement of Kiev
Stalin evacuates Kiev but Halder says the Germans should have concentrated on Moscow
Stalin evacuates Kiev, Hitler calls it "the greatest Battle in world history"
Rundstedt & Guderian complete the encirclement of Kiev
Death of Gottfried Feder
Appointed SS-Obergruppenfuhrer und General der Polizei
Appointed SS-Obergruppenfuhrer und General der Polizei
Appointed SS-Obergruppenfuhrer und General der Polizei
Appointed "protector" of Bohemia & Moravia
Appointed acting Reichsprotektor in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (the part of Czechoslovakia incorporated into the Reich on 15 March 1939)
Appointed acting Reichsprotektor in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (the part of Czechoslovakia incorporated into the Reich on 15 March 1939)
As the governor of Bohemia and Moravia, Heydrich applies "carrot-and-stick" methods, the black market is suppressed, food rations and pensions are increased, and unemployment insurance is established for the first time
Heydrich becomes, for all intents and purposes, military dictator of Bohemia and Moravia, changes to the Governments structure leaves President Emil Hacha and his cabinet virtually powerless.
Those associated with the resistance movement or the black market are tortured or executed, under Heydrich, conditions in Prague and the rest of the Czech lands are relatively peaceful and industrial output goes up.
Appointed acting Reichsprotektor in the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia (the part of Czechoslovakia incorporated into the Reich on 15 March 1939)
Guderian takes Yeremenko by surprise when he begins to attack Moscow
The Germans begin their final offensive to take Moscow
Provides air support for Guderians panzer groups
Appointed Commander of Army Group A
Appointed Commander of Army Group A
Heinrich Himmler discussed the suitability of various personalities for the position of Reichskommissar for the re-union of Switzerland with Germany and its subsequent Reichsstatthalter with his subordinate Gottlob Berger
Heinrich Himmler discussed the suitability of various personalities for the position of Reichskommissar for the re-union of Switzerland with Germany and its subsequent Reichsstatthalter with his subordinate Gottlob Berger
Heinrich Himmler discussed the suitability of various personalities for the position of Reichskommissar for the re-union of Switzerland with Germany and its subsequent Reichsstatthalter with his subordinate Gottlob Berger
Sonderkommando 4a slaughter 33,771 Jews, within the 6th Armys Area of responsibility
Ordered by Hitler to invade Moscow, 200 miles away
Orders Operation Typhoon, an attack on Moscow
Encircles Bryansk
Encircles Bryansk
Encircles Vyazma
The order signed by Jodl calls for Leningrad to be destroyed rather than occupied after surrender.
Jodl signs an order stating that surrender offers from Moscow or Leningrad should not be accepted.
The same order extends a destructive policy to Moscow rather than accepting a capitulation.
Orders, "..just retribution that must be meted out to the subhuman species of Jewry"
Orders, "..just retribution that must be meted out to the subhuman species of Jewry"
Orders the 6th Army to create a command structure for atrocities in the Ukraine
Orders the 6th Army to create a command structure for atrocities in the Ukraine
Captures Kalinin severing the Leningrad-Moscow railway line
The 10th Panzer Division & SS Das Reich reach Borodino, 70 miles from Moscow
1st Panzer Division captures Kalinin 100 niles outside Moscow
Reaches Tula & threatens Moscow from the south
Kharkov is captured by the Germans during the invasion of Russia
Appointed Commander of XXXXI Panzer Corps
Appointed Commander of XXXXI Panzer Corps
The first extermination camps were being built: first Belzec, then Sobibor, Treblinka, Chelmno, Majdanek, and finally Auschwitz-Birkenau, the mass execution of Jews begins in early 1942
The first extermination camps were being built: first Belzec, then Sobibor, Treblinka, Chelmno, Majdanek, and finally Auschwitz-Birkenau, the mass execution of Jews begins in early 1942
Temperatures in Russia begin to drop below zero
Temperatures in Russia begin to drop below zero
A plan to capture Gibraltar, the Canaries & Cape Verde. An operation to oust the British from the Meditteranean
Progress on Moscow is stopped due to the weather & Russian resistance
1st cases of frostbite are reported in the German Army
Progress on Moscow is stopped due to the weather & Russian resistance
1st cases of frostbite are reported in the German Army
The deadline set by Bock in Sept for surrounding Moscow is reached
Convinces Hitler that the Russian resistance is on the verge of collapse
Convinces Hitler that the Russian resistance is on the verge of collapse
Advises Hitler the fight for Africa, "decisive importance for the outcome of the war". Advises Hitler that Italy's promise to invade Africa is meaningless
Commences the capture of Rostov by leading "Armoured Battlegroup Langkeit"
Kleists leading divisions begin to reach Rostov-on-Don
Kleists leading divisions begin to reach Rostov-on-Don
Kleists Panzers seize a bridge over the Don, the last barrier before the Caucasus. Crooses the Don but is forced back by Timoshenko
Kleists Panzers seize a bridge over the Don, the last barrier before the Caucasus. Crooses the Don but is forced back by Timoshenko
Leads the German capture of Rostov
Reports to Hitler that the Russian weather has brought his forces to a standstill
Reports to Hitler that the Russian weather has brought his forces to a standstill
Nehring personally leads the 18th Division in its capture of Skoping
Reaches the frontier causing great confusion among the Allied Eighth Army. Breaks out from Tobruk to the Egyptiann border
Asks to be relieved of his command if there is no longer confidence in his leadership
Relaunches the attack on Rostov
The 1st defeat during the Russian invasion. Commands III Panzer Corps spearheading the attack on Rostov
Brauchitsch has a heart attack which is later used as an excuse by Hitler to replace him
Pushes across the Moskva-Volga canal
Sends a force up the Minsk Chausee, where Napoleon had marched
Appointed Commander of Army Group South
Appointed Commander of Army Group South
Relieved of his command by Hitler due to his disagreement over strategy
Russian prisoners amount to 3,806,865; the number of tanks destroyed or captured 21,391, guns, 32,541 & aeroplanes, 17,322
The remains of 3 panzer groups are forced to continue against the Russian resistance
A reconnaisance battalion is driven out of a Moscow suburb
1st day of the battle to cover the tracks of the Eighth Armys withdrawal from Tobruk
The attack on the British fails. Evacuates the eastern Tobruk perimeter to attack the British at Bir el Gobi
The Russians begin their counter-attack
All German forces are held back by 70 degrees of frost
German forces lose more than 500,000 men, Hitler's biggest loss to date
The Soviet counter offensive hits the unsuspecting German army
Withdraws to Gazala & Tobruk is relieved by the Allies
Brauchitsch is dismissed by Hitler who appoints himself Commander in Chief
Announces to a Greater German Reichstag he had declared war on the US
Reaches within 20km of Moscow before the Red Army force Model back
Reaches within 20km of Moscow before the Red Army force Model back
Reaches within 20km of Moscow before the Red Army force Model back
Drops Operation Felix to concentrate on Russia in the Balkans
Complains to the OKH too many troops & resources are at the Russian & Med Fronts
Jodl continues OKW work after Hitler personally assumes command of the German Army.
Orders the construction of the Atlantic Wall, from Norway to the Spanish border
Orders the construction of coastal defences in Northwest France
The Russians capture the Kerch penisnsula. Hitler has General Count von Sponeck court-martialled
Appointed Commander Army Group Centre
Hitler has General Count von Sponeck court-martialled
Admits there is no hope of "strategic success" after the failure to capture Moscow
Jodl's staff continues coordinating German commitments in the Mediterranean and Balkans.
Jodl's operations staff increasingly directs theatres outside the main Eastern Front.
Model must fight to keep the bridgeheads on the Volga near Kalinin
The assault on Moscow is resumed. Model captures the bridges of the Moscow reservoirs in support of the 4th Army
Forced back 100 miles to avoid Russian encirclement. Admits there is no hope of "strategic success" after the failure to capture Moscow
Model must fight to keep the bridgeheads on the Volga near Kalinin
Hitler has General Count von Sponeck court-martialled
Jodl participates in high-level briefings as German forces face the Soviet winter counteroffensive.
Witzleben is appointed Commander in Chief West and commander of Army Group D
Appointed Commander of Army Group North in Russia
Appointed Commander of Army Group North in Russia
Advises Hitler the Luftwaffe can keep the Army supplied in Stalingrad, a mistake
Captures the Agedabia Wells opening the way for an advance into Cyrenaice
Commands the Twelfth Army which captures Athens
Captures Bardia
Captures Halfaya & uses it as a springboard into Egypt
Rommel occupies Mechili
Captures Sollum
Encircles the Ukraine by Sept but Moscow cannot be captured in 1941
Early supporter of the Nazis, involved in the Munich putsch, becomes Party Chancellor
Early supporter of the Nazis, involved in the Munich putsch, becomes Party Chancellor
Appointed Chief of Staff of the Luftflotte IV in the Balkans
Appointed Chief of Staff of the Luftflotte IV in the Balkans
Witzleben holds a major western command responsible for German forces in occupied western Europe
Appointed Commander of the 3rd Panzer Group in the invasion of Russia
Appointed Commander of the 3rd Panzer Group in the invasion of Russia
Appointed Commander of the 56th Panzer Corps
Appointed Commander of the 56th Panzer Corps
Appointed Commander of the Afika Korps
Appointed Commander Army Group Centre, December
Appointed Commander of Army Group North in Russia
Appointed Commander of Army Group North in Russia. Appointed Commander Army Group North
Dismissed from the Eastern Front, following the Russian Counter-offensive in Moscow
Orders the retirement of von Leeb after the latter wants to withdraw from Leningrad
Hitler orders the retirement of von Leeb after he wants to withdraw from Leningrad
Dismissed from the Eastern Front, following the Russian Counter-offensive in Moscow
Quirnheim becomes increasingly disturbed by Nazi conduct in the occupied eastern territories
Rounds up Jews in Tromso & northern Norway & has them deported to Germany
Appointed Commander of the army groups in the Eastern front
Appointed Commander of the army groups in the Eastern front
Appointed Field Marshal, after the fall of France
Appointed Field Marshal, after the fall of France
Between 1941 and 1945 the Einsatzgruppen and related auxiliary troops killed more than two million people, including 1.3 million Jews
In it's role as the national and NSDAP security service, the RSHA coordinated activities among different agencies that had wide-ranging responsibilities within the Reich. Commanders of Einsatzgruppen and Einsatzkommando sub-units were also desk officers from the main office of the RSHA.
The RSHA oversaw the Einsatzgruppen, death squads formed under the direction of Heydrich and operated by the SS. The operational control of the Einsatzgruppen was taken over by the RSHA.
When the units were re-formed prior to the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, men of the Einsatzgruppen were recruited from the SD, Gestapo, Kripo, Orpo, and Waffen-SS. The units followed the invasion forces of the Wehrmacht Heer (German Army) into Eastern Europe.
Present at a meeting along with Speer, Bormann and Field Marshal Wilhelm Keitel at which Hitler had set out his views on the "Jewish question" at some length, making it clear that he intended the "disappearance" of the Jews one way or another
Appointed Panzer General
Appointed Panzer General
Further immigration from Belgium & France is forbidden
Appointed Inspector of the Land Fortresses in the West
Appointed Inspector of the Land Fortresses in the West
Asks Japan to attack Russia, Japan agrees only if Germany successfully invades Russia
Commands the invasion of Greece & secures a passage through Bulgaria
2 mechanized divisions are sent to aid the Italians in Libya
The entire urban population of the invaded land was to be starved to death, thus creating an agricultural surplus to feed Germany and allowing the urban populations replacement by a German upper class. Goerings Green Folder laid out details of the Soviet Unions proposed economic disposal after the invasion. Tries to dissuade Hitler from invading Russia
Takes part in Operation Barbarossa while serving under Heinz Guderian in the 2nd Panzer Army
As early as 1925, Hitler suggested in Mein Kampf ("My Struggle") that he would invade the Soviet Union, asserting that the German people needed Lebensraum ("living space", i. e. land and raw materials) and that these should be sought in the east
Asks Japan to attack Russia, Japan agrees only if Germany successfully invades Russia. Asks Japan to attack Russia, Japan agrees only if Germany's invasion is successful.
The entire urban population of the invaded land was to be starved to death, thus creating an agricultural surplus to feed Germany and allowing the urban populations replacement by a German upper class. Spy Dr. Richard Sorge gave Stalin the exact German launch date.
Ordered to provide air support for Army Group Centre under von Bock
Captures the Bug Bridge leading to Brest Litovsk
Leads an encirclement of Russian troops between Orel & Briansk
Appointed Commander of the Army Group South
Combines night fighters, radar and searchlights against British bombers.
Orders Operation Luftflotte to capture Crete by airbourne assault
Advises Hitler the Luftwaffe can keep the Army supplied in Stalingrad, a mistake
Appointed Major, youngest Major in the Panzers
Appointed Major, youngest Major in the Panzers
Appointed Medical Officer of the SS Division Leibstandarte
Appointed Medical Officer of the SS Division Leibstandarte
Witzleben remains connected to officers critical of Hitler and the Nazi leadership
Appointed Minister of the occupied Eastern Territories
The SD was given the responsibility of carrying out the Night and Fog Decree, designed to crush resistance in occupied Europe
The SD was given the responsibility of carrying out the Night and Fog Decree, designed to crush resistance in occupied Europe
Appointed Head of the Party HQ
Appointed Commander in Chief of the OKH
Appointed Commander in Chief of the OKH
He supports more humane treatment of civilians in Nazi occupied Eastern Europe
Placed in charge of the economic exploitation of Russia
Ordered to provide air support for Army Group Centre under von Bock
Captures the Bug Bridge leading to Brest Litovsk
Appointed Commander of the Army Group South
Publication of "Reason & Revolution", a study of Hegel
Publication of "Reason & Revolution", a study of Hegel
Appointed Reich Commissioner for Social House-Building (Reichskommissar fur den sozialen Wohnungsbau)
Between 1941 and 1945 the Einsatzgruppen and related auxiliary troops killed more than two million people, including 1.3 million Jews
In it's role as the national and NSDAP security service, the RSHA coordinated activities among different agencies that had wide-ranging responsibilities within the Reich. Commanders of Einsatzgruppen and Einsatzkommando sub-units were also desk officers from the main office of the RSHA.
The RSHA oversaw the Einsatzgruppen, death squads formed under the direction of Heydrich and operated by the SS. The operational control of the Einsatzgruppen was taken over by the RSHA.
When the units were re-formed prior to the invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941, men of the Einsatzgruppen were recruited from the SD, Gestapo, Kripo, Orpo, and Waffen-SS. The units followed the invasion forces of the Wehrmacht Heer (German Army) into Eastern Europe.
Quirnheim begins to distance himself from the Nazi regime as he becomes more aware of its brutality
The SD was given the responsibility of carrying out the Night and Fog Decree, designed to crush resistance in occupied Europe
The SD was given the responsibility of carrying out the Night and Fog Decree, designed to crush resistance in occupied Europe
Nehring personally leads the 18th Division during the siege of Kiev
Orders the retirement of von Leeb after the latter wants to withdraw from Leningrad. Leeb advises Hitler to withdraw from Leningrad to shorten supply lines, Hitler refuses
Ordered to eliminate the Soviet forces in the Baltic states then advance to Leningrad. Hitler orders the retirement of von Leeb after he wants to withdraw from Leningrad
Ordered by Hitler to starve the city into surrender rather than attack it. Leeb advises Hitler to withdraw from Leningrad to shorten supply lines, Hitler refuses
Ordered to clear the Black Sea coast, take Rostov, the Maikop oil fields & Stalingrad
Ordered to clear the Black Sea coast, take Rostov, the Maikop oil fields & Stalingrad
Ordered to clear the Black Sea coast, take Rostov, the Maikop oil fields & Stalingrad
Jankuhn directed Nazi-sponsored research into the embroidery's supposed Germanic and ancestral significance.
Jeschke made graphic and colour studies of the embroidery for the Ahnenerbe research project.
Commands the Twelfth Army which captures Athens
His views on civilian treatment bring him into conflict with harsh occupation policies in the east
German precision radar supports night-fighter and anti-aircraft control.
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