Timeline

1939

As the Depression era ended, World War II began. Nazi troops goosestepped into Poland, and in response, France and Great Britain declared war on Germany. Hitler ally Francisco Franco seized power in Spain, having defeated the democratically elected government in the Spanish Civil War. In the still-neutral U.S., a terrorist bomb exploded at the New York World’s Fair, while in fictional Gotham City, Batman made his comic book debut. College students, meanwhile, battled to see who could gulp the most live goldfish.

Mar

15

World War II

Nazis take Czechoslovakia

Hitler’s forces invade and occupy Czechoslovakia, proving the futility of the Munich Pact, an unsuccessful attempt to prevent Germany’s imperial aims.

Invasion Of Prague By The German Nazi Troops In 1939

CZECH REPUBLIC - MAY 14: Invasion Of Prague By The German Nazi Troops In 1939. (Photo by Keystone-France/Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images)

Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images

Mar

28

Hispanic History

Spanish Civil War ends

In Spain, the Republican defenders of Madrid raise the white flag over the city, bringing an end to the fighting of the bloody three-year Spanish Civil War. Three days later, General Francisco Franco declares the war officially over.

End of Spanish Civil War

People knock down a barricade and gun emplacement, as life returns to normal after the end of the Spanish Civil War. | Location: Madrid, Spain. (Photo by © Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)

Corbis via Getty Images

History Every Day

Sign Up for "This Day in History"

Uncover fascinating moments from the past every day! Learn something new with key events in history, from the American Revolution to pop culture, crime and more.

By submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Global Media. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.