August 1
Politics, United States
The United States bans the export of oil except to the British Empire and western hemisphere states. Japan, which is entirely dependent on oil imports, is severely affected by this and has to choose between changing its foreign policy or seizing oil by force. August 5
Politics, Vichy France
Admiral Jean François Darlan assumes responsibility for Vichy-controlled North Africa. Eastern Front, Ukraine
Romanian and German forces begin a 73-day siege of Odessa. The Soviet high command sends reinforcements to try to help form a line on the east bank of Dniepr River. Meanwhile, troops delay the Germans on the west bank while industrial resources are destroyed or removed to beyond the Ural Mountains, where Soviet industry is being relocated. August 6
Politics, Poland
Lieutenant General Wladyslaw Anders is appointed to form a Polish army in the Soviet Union. Anders eventually forms an army but will lack the supplies to fight, while the Soviets will not permit the Poles to serve on the Eastern Front. August 12
Politics, Germany
Adolf Hitler's Directive No. 34 outlines revisions to Operation Barbarossa, with the advance on Moscow being halted while the advance to Leningrad is resumed. The southern wheatlands and industries of the Ukraine have also become a higher priority than the Soviet capital. Africa, Libya
Australian troops, at the request of their government, leave Tobruk; 6000 Poles relieve them. August 14
Politics, Britain/United States
A meeting between Winston Churchill and Franklin D. Roosevelt in Canada produces the Atlantic Charter. This asserts liberal policies that articulate their intentions not to acquire any territories or change national borders without the support of the populations concerned. People are also to be granted self-determination regarding how they are governed, and equal access is to be given to economic resources. The United States also secretly guarantees to defend any British possessions and to commence search-and-destroy patrols to support Atlantic convoys. prev | next |
