Chronology of World War II
British close the Burma Road
Thursday, July 18, 1940 www.onwar.com

Suspension bridge on the Burma RoadIn Burma... In response to Japanese pressure and because of their present weakness, the British government closes the Burma Road to the passage of supplies to the Chinese Nationalists. The monsoon season is just beginning in Burma, so there is little real loss to the Chinese, and the road will be reopened in October when the better weather begins.

In the United States... Roosevelt is nominated as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate without any real opposition. Henry Wallace is chose to run for vice-president.


This chronological study of the Second World War provides a comprehensive day-by-day account of WWII. While focused on the military history of the war, with an emphasis on the battles and campaigns fought, the timeline includes social and political history as well. Some Holocaust related events are already recorded and additional updates are pending. In so far as possible, the images included in this presentation are pictures from the given days. Additional information and images are welcome through the feedback form found on the index.