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D-Day
Ally forces stormed the beaches at Normandy. This was the largest seaborne invasion in history. -
Victory In Europe
Germany officially surrendered to Ally forces on this date. This ended the war in Europe. Also known as V-E Day. -
Atomic Bomb Test Successful
The Manhattan project tested its first successful atomic bomb. This ushered in a new era of weaponry, technology, and the eventual political concept of mutually assured destruction (MAD). -
Atomic Bomb Dropped
The first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. Followed three days later by another on Nagasaki, Japan. These still remain the only atomic bombs dropped in combat. Many civilians were killed. -
Victory Over Japan
Aboard the USS Missouri, surrender documents were signed officially ending the war against Japan. Also known as V-J Day. -
Microwave Cooking Discovered
Percy Spencer discovered that food could be cooked using microwaves. This would lead to the introduction of the microwave oven. -
Truman Doctrine
This doctrine reoriented the United States from a posture of avoiding foreign conflict to one of possible intervention. It involved the policy of containment, to prevent further communist spread. -
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Korean War
This was a war fought between North and South Korea. Specifically, it involved the United States and China, as well as communism versus democracy. This war lasted three years.