Night timeline By jeffy14 Period: Nov 1, 1938 to Apr 1, 2012 night Nov 9, 1938 Nazis carry out Kristallnacht, Jews emigrate. Sep 3, 1939 Britain and France declare war on Germany Apr 1, 1940 Germany captures Norway and Denmark. Auschwitz camp opens. Sep 1, 1941 Auschwitz began to use the poisonous gas May 1, 1944 Wiesel family arrives at Birkenall, Poland Jul 1, 1944 Elie and his father were sent to Auschwitz Jan 16, 1945 Russian forces liberated Auschwitz Apr 1, 1945 American troops free inmates at Dachau and Buchenwald