March 1939

March 3rd, 1939

Czechoslovakia Refuses German Demands: Czechoslovak President Emil Hácha refuses to concede to German demands for further autonomy within the remaining Czech lands. Germany intensifies its threats, warning of military intervention.

Great Britain prepares for War: The British Royal Navy strengthens its presence in the Mediterranean, monitoring increased Italian naval activity.

Nazi Germany’s Health Directives: The Nazi regime in Germany issues twelve health commandments aimed at promoting public health. These includes advocating for abstinence from alcohol and tobacco among the youth, discouraging drinking and driving, and encouraging physical exercise for all citizens. Adolf Hitler is presented as a role model due to his non-smoking and teetotal lifestyle. ​

March 4th, 1939

Soviet Union prepares for War: The Soviet Union observes the deteriorating situation in Czechoslovakia, issuing statements condemning German expansionism. Stalin orders an increase in Red Army training exercises.

Italy supports Germany: Italy reaffirms its alignment with Germany, with Mussolini pledging continued cooperation in European affairs.

British Union of Fascists Publication: The British Union of Fascists, led by Oswald Mosley, releases an issue of their newspaper, Action, on this date.​

Air Raid Shelter Construction in Liverpool: In response to the growing threat of war, construction of air raid shelters commences at the children’s playground in Pownall Square, Pall Mall, Liverpool.

Pope Pius XII Appeals for Peace: Following his election, Pope Pius XII makes a public appeal for peace, emphasizing the need to prevent further conflict in Europe.

March 5th, 1939

Preperations Fall Grün: Germany’s foreign ministry prepares final proposals for Czechoslovakia’s submission to German rule. The Wehrmacht continues to position troops for a potential occupation.

Poland prepares for War: Poland monitors German activities closely, recognising the growing threat of Nazi expansion. The Polish government begins reinforcing defensive positions along its western border.

Spanish Civil War: Colonel Segismundo Casado leads a coup against the Republican government of Juan Negrín. Casado establishes the National Defence Council (Consejo Nacional de Defensa) with the aim of negotiating an end to the war. This council quickly takes control of key cities, including Madrid, with minimal resistance.

Spanish Civil War: The Spanish destroyer Sánchez Barcáiztegui is severely damaged by Nationalist bombing in Cartagena.

March 6th, 1939

Germany escalates propaganda efforts, portraying Czechoslovakia as unstable and incapable of self-governance. Nazi-controlled newspapers publish reports claiming unrest among ethnic Germans in Bohemia and Moravia.

The United States expresses concern over the growing instability in Europe but remains committed to its policy of non-intervention.

March 7th, 1939

Hungary seeks to capitalise on Czechoslovakia’s weakness, making claims over Slovak territories. German officials encourage Hungarian ambitions, using them as leverage against the Czechoslovak government.

British and French leaders continue debating the viability of appeasement policies, attempting to avoid another major European conflict.

March 8th, 1939

The Soviet Union issues further warnings against German aggression but takes no direct action.

The Japanese Army captures key railway hubs in China, improving supply lines for continued expansion. Chinese resistance fighters intensify guerrilla operations against occupying Japanese forces.

March 10th, 1939

German military commanders present final invasion plans for Bohemia and Moravia, awaiting Hitler’s approval for execution.

German military commanders present final invasion plans for Bohemia and Moravia, awaiting Hitler’s approval for execution.

March 10th, 1939

Slovakia’s leadership, backed by Germany, calls for full independence from Prague. Tensions escalate as Czechoslovak forces attempt to maintain order in Slovak regions.

Great Britain and France fail to reach a consensus on a response, unwilling to provoke Germany.

March 11th, 1939

Germany issues an ultimatum to Czechoslovakia, demanding submission to German protection.

German troops near the border receive orders to prepare for immediate mobilisation.

The Japanese Imperial Army continues its offensives in China, securing strategic supply lines in southern regions.

March 12th, 1939

Czechoslovak President Emil Hácha seeks diplomatic solutions, appealing to Britain and France for assistance. The requests are met with hesitation, as neither nation is prepared to challenge Hitler directly.

March 13th, 1939

Hungarian troops mobilise along Slovakia’s borders, aiming to occupy Carpathian Ruthenia with German approval.

The Soviet Union issues another diplomatic condemnation of German aggression but remains militarily inactive.

March 14th, 1939

Slovakia declares independence, forming the Slovak Republic under German influence. The Czechoslovak government struggles to maintain control as Germany prepares for military intervention.

Japan increases naval operations in the South China Sea, securing sea routes for resource transportation.

March 15th, 1939

Germany invades the remaining Czech lands, occupying Bohemia and Moravia without significant resistance. President Hácha is coerced into signing a declaration placing Czechoslovakia under German “protection.”

Britain and France strongly condemn the invasion but take no immediate action.

16 March 1939 Hitler declares the establishment of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia, placing the region under German administration. The British government, alarmed by Hitler’s continued expansion, begins discussions on extending security guarantees to Poland.

17 March 1939 French and British officials hold emergency meetings regarding the security of Eastern Europe. Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain publicly condemns Hitler’s betrayal of the Munich Agreement. Japan continues pushing into China, strengthening its foothold in key industrial regions.

18 March 1939 Poland strongly denounces the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, warning that Polish sovereignty will not be compromised. The British Royal Navy expands patrols in the North Sea, preparing for possible German provocations.

19 March 1939 Hitler orders the Wehrmacht to review strategic plans for an invasion of Poland. German military planners finalise logistics and force distributions for “Fall Weiss.” The League of Nations proves ineffective in responding to Germany’s latest territorial annexations.

March 20th, 1939,

Germany demands control over the Free City of Danzig, escalating tensions with Poland. Polish leaders refuse German requests, reaffirming their territorial integrity. The Soviet Union remains cautious, avoiding direct confrontation with Germany while expanding its military preparedness.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Start of the Battle of Nanchang. Under the command of Yasuji Okamura, Japanese forces launched heavy artillery bombardments, including the use of chemical weapons, on Chinese fortifications across the Xiushui River. Engineers swiftly constructed bridges, allowing tanks and infantry to cross and overwhelm Chinese positions.

21 March 1939 Germany begins a large-scale military build-up along the Polish border, increasing the frequency of military exercises. The United States monitors events closely, considering further diplomatic measures to contain German expansion.

22 March 1939 Lithuania, under pressure from Germany, cedes the Klaipėda (Memel) region to the Reich. German troops enter the city in a triumphant display. The British and French governments reevaluate their appeasement strategies, recognising the growing threat posed by Hitler.

23 March 1939 Italy reinforces its claims over Albania, initiating plans for military action in the coming weeks. Poland accelerates military conscription, preparing for potential German aggression.

24 March 1939 The Soviet Union begins diplomatic outreach to Western nations, seeking alliances against the German threat. Initial negotiations remain strained due to mutual distrust.

25 March 1939 Germany expands naval operations in the Baltic Sea, demonstrating power in the region. Japan continues reinforcing its occupied territories in China, fortifying key positions against potential counterattacks.

March 26th, 1939

France strengthens its border defences, increasing military readiness along the Maginot Line.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japanese troops reach Nanchang’s western gate of Nanchang.

March 27th, 1939

Germany escalates anti-Polish propaganda, fabricating claims of Polish aggression against ethnic Germans.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The city of Nanchang falls into Japanese hands after a brief siege.

28 March 1939 Spanish Nationalist forces, under Francisco Franco, secure Madrid, effectively ending the Spanish Civil War. Franco establishes a fascist regime closely aligned with Germany and Italy.

29 March 1939 Britain and France intensify diplomatic engagement with Poland, discussing potential military aid agreements.

30 March 1939 Germany continues pressuring Poland over Danzig, threatening “serious consequences” should Poland refuse territorial concessions.

31 March 1939 The British government officially pledges to guarantee Poland’s independence, marking a decisive shift in British foreign policy. As March 1939 ends, Europe moves closer to war, with Germany’s aggressive expansion heightening tensions across the continent.