January 25, 1940:
The town of Oswiecim, Auschwitz, in Poland chosen as site of new concentration camp.

February 8, 1940:
Nazi Germany ordered the setting up of the Lodz Ghetto. By May 1st 160,000 Jews would be funneled into the Ghetto.

February 12, 1940:
First deportation of German Jews into occupied Poland.

April 9, 1940:
Nazi Germany invaded Denmark and Norway.

May 1, 1940:
Rudolf Hoess chosen to be Kommandant of Auschwitz.

May 10, 1940:
Nazi Germany invaded France, Belgium and Holland. Blitzkrieg against Great Britain.

June 10, 1940:
Mussolini entered Italy into World War 2.

November 15, 1940:
The Warsaw Ghetto, containing over 400,000 Jews, and the Crakow Ghetto with 70,000 Jews sealed off.