-
Invasion of Poland
The German army invaded Poland and following this, two days later France and England declared war on Germany because they are allies of Poland. -
Dutch Foreign Policy
During this year and the past century, the Dutch foreign policy was neutrality. This meant that they didn't choose sides or declare war unless attacked. -
Emergency Landing
A German aircraft was forced to make an emergency landing in Belgium which resulted in the Belgium army finding out about Germany's attack plans. Adolf Hitler then called off the attack plans for the time being. -
German Control
By the summer of 1940, the majority of Western Europe was under German control. -
Dutch Martial Law
The Dutch government knew an attack was coming and they proclaimed a martial law. This gave them the right to sensor military information as well as arrest people that were seen as a threat to national security. This was overall helping the Dutch government and army prepare for war. -
German Attack on the Netherlands
German bombers were spotted to be heading away from the Netherlands when they made a sudden 180 degree turn and headed straight for them. German paratroops landed in the Netherlands and they were officially at war. -
Grebbe Line Falls
The Dutch army held strong against the Germans for three days because they had flooded land that slowed down the enemy but their line of defense did later fall. -
German vs. Dutch Ultimatum
The German general proposed the Dutch command with an ultimatum. This entailed that Rotterdam was to surrender by that afternoon or the city would be bombed. Rotterdam was later bombed before their time had actually expired. -
Capitulation Agreement
The Netherlands knew they were not able to fight this war and surrendered. The capitulation agreement was signed in a school located in Rijsoord. -
German New Administration
Following the surrender of the Netherlands, the Germans installed a new administration that allowed Germany to make all decisions in the Netherlands for the next 5 years.
