Events in 1941

Use this timeline to give students an overview of the world situation in 1941. Explain that the activities will help them appreciate the local impact of the war on people's lives.

 

1941 Timeline

 

In 1941, some of the darkest, bloodiest and most momentous events in world history were unfolding. These events would not only alter the course of World War II, but would also shape the world we live in today.

 

 

February

 

Erwin Rommel, the Desert Fox, arrives in North Africa to take command of the Afrikakorps

 

March

 

Nazi extermination camps begin full operation. By 1945, 6 million Jews and 3 million Communists, Gypsies, Homosexuals and other ‘dissidents’ will be murdered  

 

May

 

Joseph Stalin becomes Premier of the Soviet Union

Britain takes control of Iraq

The ‘Battle of Britain’ comes to an end

 

June

 

Germany invades the Soviet Union

 

September

 

Battle of Leningrad

 

November

 

Largest British bombing raid on Germany and northern Europe; many casualties

 

December

 

Pearl Harbour: Japan declares war on Britain, Canada, Australia and the USA.

 

 

Each of these shattering events affected countless ordinary people in many countries throughout the world.

 

In the East Midlands, many ordinary people’s lives would never be the same because of their experiences during the war: some of these people were born and raised in the area, while some had escaped occupied Europe and came to the East Midlands to join the struggle to liberate Europe…