June 16-24
Politics, France
Prime Minister Paul Reynaud fails to motivate his government to continue fighting and releases France from its agreement with Britain not to make any separate peace. France rejects a British idea to create a union between the countries. Reynaud, after losing support, resigns and Marshal Henri-Philippe Pétain replaces him. Pétain requests Germany's armistice terms on the 17th, and the signing takes place at Compiègne, site of the World War I armistice agreement, on the 22nd. Under the terms Germany occupies two-thirds of France, including the Channel and Atlantic coastlines. The south, which becomes known as Vichy France, will have a nominal French administration and keep its colonies.

After Italy's armistice with France on the 24th, a cease-fire occurs on all Fronts. French casualties since May 10 total more than 85,000 men, the British lose 3475 men, and German losses reach 27,074.

While Pétain's regime will collaborate with Nazi Germany, the French Army officer Brigadier General Charles de Gaulle begins broadcasting his opposition from London on the 18th with pledges to liberate the country.

June 20
Politics, United States
Democratic President Franklin D. Roosevelt appoints two anti-isolationist Republicans to his cabinet. Henry Stimson becomes secretary for war and Frank Knox is appointed secretary for the navy.

Italian bombers on their way to strike Allied targets

June 20-21
Western Front, France
Benito Mussolini launches attacks along the south coast. Offensives are also made along the Franco-Italian border. Italy also bombs the strategically-important island of Malta.

June 26
Politics, Romania
The government agrees to the Soviet occupation of Bessarabia and northern Bukovina, although Romanian troops attempt to halt the Red Army when it enters the country.

June 30
Western Front, Channel Islands
Germany invades the Channel Islands. This is the only British territory occupied during hostilities.

prev | next