1 June 1939
The “Sonderauftrag LinzThe „Sonderauftrag Linz“ (Special Commission Linz) Adolf Hitler’s project to collect art for a planned “Führermuseum” (Museum for the Führer) in Linz. More” (Special Commission Linz) is established to assemble artworks for the planned “Führermuseum” in Linz. Staff members draw preferentially on looted art and cultural property.
1 September 1939
The German Wehrmacht invades Poland. During the campaign, the Germans immediately begin murdering and persecuting Polish elites, people with disabilities, and Polish Jews.
15 September 1939
An export ban for “national wertvolle Kunstwerke” (nationally valuable artworks) is issued to prevent people fleeing persecution from taking valuable artworks abroad.