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

Spanish Civil War: Start of the Cartagena Uprising.

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

Preperations Fall Grün: 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.

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

Visit of Romanian Foreign Minister to Warsaw: Grigore Gafencu, the Romanian Minister of Foreign Affairs, returned to Bucharest after visiting Warsaw, Poland.

March 7th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The Cartagena Uprising is quelled. In a tragic incident, the merchant steamship Castillo de Olite, carrying over 2,000 Nationalist troops, was sunk by Republican shore batteries.

Hungary Claims Slovak territories: 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.

New Prime Minister of Romania: Armand Călinescu assumed the position of Prime Minister of Romania on this day.

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

March 8th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: Generalissimo Francisco Franco declares a comprehensive naval blockade of all remaining Republican-controlled ports. This directive states that any vessel entering within five-kilometre of these ports will be seized or torpedoed, regardless of nationality, aiming to isolate and defeat the Republican forces.

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

Second Sino-Japanese War: 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 9th, 1939

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

March 10th, 1939

Preperations Fall Grün: Slovakia’s leadership, backed by Germany, calls for full independence from Prague. Czechoslovak President Emil Hácha dismisses Jozef Tiso from his position as Premier of the autonomous Slovak region and declares martial law. Tensions escalate as Czechoslovak forces attempt to maintain order in Slovak regions.

18th Congress Communist Party in the Soviet Union: The 18th Congress of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks) in Moscow. During this congress, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin delivered a significant speech emphasizing the USSR’s foreign policy stance amidst the growing tensions in Europe.

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

March 11th, 1939

The faction led by Colonel Segismundo Casado, known as the Casadistas, gains the upper hand over the Communist elements loyal to Prime Minister Juan Negrín.

Preperations Fall Grün: In Slovakia, a new cabinet is formed that excludes members of the previous government led by Jozef Tiso. This restructuring indicates increasing German influence in Slovak affairs during that period.

Preperations Fall Grün: Germany issues an ultimatum to Czechoslovakia, demanding submission to German protection.

Preperations Fall Grün: German troops near the border receive orders to prepare for immediate mobilisation.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The Japanese Imperial Army continues its offensives in China, securing strategic supply lines in southern regions.

March 12th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The Spanish coup concludes, leading to the fall of Prime Minister Juan Negrín’s government.

New Pope: Eugenio Pacelli is formally crowned as Pope Pius XII in an elaborate ceremony at the Vatican.

Preperations Fall Grün: 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

Adolf Hitler summons Jozef Tiso, the former Prime Minister of Slovakia, to Berlin. During their meeting, Hitler pressures Tiso to declare Slovakia’s independence from Czechoslovakia, suggesting that failure to do so will result in Slovakia being divided between Hungary and Poland. Hitler further implies that Germany will not intervene to prevent such an outcome. Additionally, German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop presents reports indicating Hungarian troop movements near the Slovak border, intensifying the urgency of the situation.

Hungary prepares for War: Hungarian troops mobilise along Slovakia’s borders, aiming to occupy Carpathian Ruthenia with German approval.

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

March 14th, 1939

Slovakia declares Independence: In response to the German pressures, Jozef Tiso, the former Prime Minister of Slovakia, convenes the Slovak parliament, which unanimously declares Slovakia’s independence. This declaration leadsto the establishment of the Slovak Republic, a nominally independent state that functioned as a client state of Germany. The Czechoslovak government struggles to maintain control as Germany prepares for military intervention.

Dissolution of Czechoslovakia: Following Slovakia’s declaration of independence, Germany effectively dissolves the Republic of Czechoslovakia. This action paves the way for German occupation of the Czech lands.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan increases naval operations in the South China Sea, securing sea routes for resource transportation.

March 15th, 1939

Fall Grün: In the early hours, Czechoslovak President Emil Hácha is summoned to Berlin for a meeting with Adolf Hitler. During this encounter, Hitler threatens a devastating invasion, leading Hácha to suffer a heart attack. After receiving medical attention, Hácha, under duress, agrees to place the fate of Czechoslovakia in Hitler’s hands.

Fall Grün: Following the coerced agreement, 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.”

Fall Grün: Great Britain and France strongly condemn the invasion but take no immediate action.

March 16th, 1939

Fall Grün: Hitler proclaima the establishment of the Protectorate of Bohemia and Moravia from Prague Castle, with Hácha remaining as a nominal, yet powerless, State President.

The British government, alarmed by Hitler’s continued expansion, begins discussions on extending security guarantees to Poland.

March 17th, 1939

Hitler in Prague: Adolf Hitler is photographed looking out from a window of Prague Castle, two days after German troops occupy Czechoslovakia.

Iberian Pact Signed: Spain and Portugal sign the Iberian Pact, a non-aggression treaty pledging mutual defense of the Iberian Peninsula and declaring neutrality in the event of a broader European conflict.

French and British Diplomacy: French and British officials hold emergency meetings regarding the security of Eastern Europe.

Chamberlain’s Speech in Birmingham: British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain delivers a speech in Birmingham, condemning Adolf Hitler for violating the Munich Agreement by occupying Czechoslovakia. Chamberlain emphasized Britain’s commitment to opposing further German territorial expansion.

Second Sino-Japanese War: The Battle of Nanchang commences. This battle marks a significant conflict between Chinese Nationalist forces and the Imperial Japanese Army over control of Nanchang, a strategic city in Jiangxi Province.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan continues pushing into China, strengthening its foothold in key industrial regions.

March 18th, 1939

French Daladier is granted Authority: The French Chamber of Deputies grants Prime Minister Édouard Daladier the authority to rule by decree until November 30th, 1939, with a vote of 321-264.

Poland condemns Germany: Poland strongly denounces the German occupation of Czechoslovakia, warning that Polish sovereignty will not be compromised.

Great Britain prepares for War: The British Royal Navy expands patrols in the North Sea, preparing for possible German provocations.

March 19th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Hitler orders the Wehrmacht to review strategic plans for an invasion of Poland. German military planners finalise logistics and force distributions for “Fall Weiss.”

League of Nations remains ineffective: The League of Nations proves ineffective in responding to Germany’s territorial annexations.

March 20th, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany demands control over the Free City of Danzig, escalating tensions with Poland. Polish leaders refuse German requests, reaffirming their territorial integrity.

Emergency Meeting on Romanian Crisis: French Foreign Minister Georges Bonnet suggests to British Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax that Poland might be strategically positioned to prevent a potential German attack on Romania. ​

German Ultimatum to Lithuania: Germany issues an ultimatum to Lithuania, demanding the return of the Klaipėda Region (also known as the Memel Territory).

Soviet Union prepares for War: The Soviet Union remains cautious, avoiding direct confrontation with Germany while expanding its military preparedness.

U.S. Diplomatic Protest: In response to Germany’s actions in Czechoslovakia, the United States withdraws its ambassador to Germany, signaling diplomatic disapproval of German expansionism.

Alleged Nazi Art Destruction: The Nazi regime reportedly burns over 5,000 artworks deemed “degenerate” in the yard of a Berlin fire station, reflecting their systematic suppression of modernist art.

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.

March 21st, 1939

Preperations Fall Weiß: Germany begins a large-scale military build-up along the Polish border, increasing the frequency of military exercises.

End of 18th Congress Communist Party in the Soviet Union: End of the 18th Congress of the All-Union Communist Party (Bolsheviks)in Moscow. During this congress, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin delivered a significant speech emphasizing the USSR’s foreign policy stance amidst the growing tensions in Europe.

Pope adresses Germany: Pope Pius XI issues the encyclical “Mit brennender Sorge” (“With Burning Concern”), addressing the situation of the Catholic Church in Germany and criticizing the regime’s policies.

March 22nd, 1939

Lithuania cedes Klaipėda to Germany: Lithuania, under pressure from Germany, cedes the Klaipėda (Memel) region to the Reich. German troops enter the city in a triumphant display.

Great Britain and France recognise Germanies threath: The British and French governments reevaluate their appeasement strategies, recognising the growing threat posed by Hitler.

March 23rd, 1939

Germany occupies Klaipėda: German forces occupied the Klaipėda (Memel) region.

German-Romanian Economic Agreement: Germany and Romania sign a treaty aimed at developing economic relations between the two countries. This agreement focuses on the exploitation of Romanian resources, including oil, timber, and minerals, aligning Romania more closely with German economic interests.

Slovak-Hungarian War: Hostilities erupt between the Slovak Republic and Hungary. Hungarian forces launched attacks.

Poland prepares for War: Poland accelerates military conscription, preparing for potential German aggression.

Italy prepapres for Albanian invasion: Italy reinforces its claims over Albania, initiating plans for military action in the coming weeks.

March 24th, 1939

Liechtenstein Putsch: Approximately 40 members of the German National Movement in Liechtenstein (VBDL) initiate a coup attempt, marching from Nendeln towards Vaduz with the aim of overthrowing the government and facilitating Liechtenstein’s annexation by Germany.

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

March 25th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The Nationalists in Spain, led by Francisco Franco, launch the final offensive of the Spanish Civil War.

Spanish Civil War: Ceasefire negotiations during the Spanish Civil War include a Nationalist demand that all Spanish Republican Air Force aircraft surrender. However, these negotiations are broken off when Republican aircraft do not comply.

Italy issues an ultimatum to Albania: Italy demands the establishment of an Italian protectorate and the stationing of Italian troops within Albanian borders. This ultimatum is part of Italy’s broader strategy to expand its influence in the Balkans.

Germany Prepares for War: Germany expands naval operations in the Baltic Sea, demonstrating power in the region.

Second Execution Order to the Law on the Hitler Youth: The Nazi government in Germany enacts the Second Execution Order to the Law on the Hitler Youth, known as the “Youth Service Regulation.” This law makes membership in the Hitler Youth mandatory for all German youths aged 10 to 18, with noncompliance leading to potential criminal prosecution.

Diplomatic Communications Between the U.S. and Japan: The U.S. Secretary of State sends a telegram to the Ambassador in Japan regarding the transportation of the late Japanese Ambassador Hirosi Saito’s ashes back to Japan on the U.S. cruiser Astoria.

Second Sino-Japanese War: Japan continues reinforcing its occupied territories in China, fortifying key positions against potential counterattacks.

March 26th, 1939

Polish-German Relations: In Berlin, Polish ambassador Józef Lipski meets with German Foreign Minister Joachim von Ribbentrop. Ribbentrop demands that the Free City of Danzig (now Gdańsk, Poland) be incorporated into Germany. Following instructions from Polish Foreign Minister Józef Beck, Lipski refuses the demand.

France Prepares for War: 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

Anti-Comintern Pact: Francoist Spain joins the Anti-Comintern Pact, aligning itself with Germany, Italy, and Japan against Communist International.

Germany increases pressure on Poland: 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.

March 28th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: 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.

March 29th, 1939

Spanish Civil War: The Nationalist forces, led by General Francisco Franco, capture the Spanish cities of Cuenca, Ciudad Real, Jaén, and Albacete. These victories occur just a day after the Nationalists seize Madrid, marking significant progress in their campaign. ​

Great Britain and France Diplomacy: Great Britain and France intensify diplomatic engagement with Poland, discussing potential military aid agreements.

United Kingdom’s Military Expansion: The British government, under Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain, announces plans to double the size of the Territorial Army. This move is part of the British broader efforts to bolster its military capabilities in response to the escalating tensions in Europe.

March 30th, 1939

Germany increases pressure on Poland: Germany continues pressuring Poland over Danzig, threatening “serious consequences” should Poland refuse territorial concessions.

Lithuania Cedes Memel Territory to Germany: The Lithuanian parliament ratifies a treaty ceding the Memel Territory (now Klaipėda) to Germany.

British Ambassador Offers Support to Poland: In Warsaw, British Ambassador Howard Kennard asks Polish Foreign Minister Józef Beck if Poland will accept British guarantees of support against potential aggression. Beck responds affirmatively, leading to the formal British pledge the following day.

March 31st, 1939

Great Britain and France Garantee Poland’s Independence: British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain announces before the House of Commons that Great Britain and France will guarantee the independence of Poland. This commitment is a direct response to Germany’s occupation of Czechoslovakia earlier that month, which violates the Munich Agreement.