1942-1953

  • Military Changes

    In 1942 Women were finally allowed to serve in all branches of the armed services. Also, the United States Marines land at Guadalcanal.
  • Surrendering

    In 1943 during World War II, 200 thousand German soldiers surrender at Stalingrad.
  • Allied Forces

    In 1944 Allied forces invade Normandy, known as "D-Day". Allied troops liberate Paris. A German surprise attack begins the Battle of the Bulge. Also, Allied forces push the German troops past the German border.
  • President Franklin Roosevelt

    President Franklin Roosevelt
    In 1945 Franklin Roosevelt is sworn in as President for a 4th term, and Harry Truman is sworn in as the 34th US Vice President.
  • World War II Ends

    World War II Ends
    In 1945 the United States drops the 1st atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Then the United States drops the 2nd atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan. As a result Japan unconditionally surrenders to the United States, ending World War II.
  • Cold War

    Cold War
    In 1946 Winston Churchill proclaims "an iron curtain has swept across the continent," beginning the Cold War.
  • President Harry Truman

    President Harry Truman
    In 1949 Harry Truman is sworn in as President for a 2nd term, and Alben Barkley is sworn in as the 35th US Vice President.
  • NATO

    in 1949 the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) was established by Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Great Britain, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and the United States.
  • Korean War

    Korean War
    In 1950 the Korean War officially starts as North Korea invades South Korea. North Korean forces take Seoul, and the United Nations declares war on North Korea.
  • President Dwight Eisenhower

    President Dwight Eisenhower
    In 1953 Dwight Eisenhower is sworn in as the 34th US President, and Richard Nixon is sworn in as the 36th US Vice President.