I've run about 5 simulations in a row trying to get a historical timeline and each time some event completely beyond my control takes me off the timeline. Multiple times I've ended up with a peace treaty with Vichy France that I don't know about until I've loaded half my army and am trying to invade morocco.

other times, Japan attacks in February instead of December and I'm off track because the War began an entire year early.

Another time, Japan never declared war on me at all.

It's very bait and switchy to bill yourself as a historical game when you refuse to let a player follow the timeline.