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Germany Invades Poland
This event marked the official beginning of World War II. It was a suprise attack on not only Poland, but Britian and France who were not there in time to defend Poland. -
Declaration of War Travels Across the Globe
Thousands of people, of all religions, faiths, and beliefs gathered at a local county fair. They came together as a peace demonstration; the same day Great Britian declared war on Nazi Germany. -
Meeting of Public Officials in Pittsburgh
Because of the economy problems and war issues, industial leaders met with public officials to plan the mobilization of Pittsburgh district resources for the nation's $5,000,000,000 defense program. -
France Surrendors to Germany
Hitler was sweeping through Europe taking over country after country. Hitler and German troops enetered Paris on June 14, 1940 and it only took eight days for France to surrendor, giving Hitler even more power. -
Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor
Under the new power of Tojo Hideki, Japan became interested in war with the U.S. They took their interest into action and planned an attack on Pearl Harbor. Having knowledge that Japan would attack, U.S military leaders failed to take any action and on December 7, 1941 over 180 Japanese aircrafts and ships attacted Pearl Harbor destroying thousands of U.S battleships, planes, and even lives. -
Shocking Aftermath of Pearl Harbor Attack
Americans all over the country were full of shock after Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. Many knew that we would be entering a war after this, and one day after a total of over 1200 young men volunteered for enlistment in the armed forces only in the city of Pittsburgh. -
Pittsburgh Man takes the Spot
Current Vice President of the United Mine Workers, Philip Murray, loses his spot. John O' Leary, of Pittsburgh, takes the new position as Vice President. -
Battle of Midway
The Battle of Midway lasted three days, and the goal was for Japan to destroy the U.S. Pacific Fleet's aircraft carriers striking forces. Suprisingly, U.S Pacific fleet commandors were ready for the attack and set up an ambush. It worked on their side, and Japan no longer held superiority of naval attacks. -
D Day
Under the command of Dwight E. Eisenhower, D Day was the day that the Allies invaded France on the beach of Normandy to fight against Nazi Germany. In the end, many soldiers were lost, but it was a good day for the Allies. -
Massive Rally held in East Pittsburgh
Twenty thousand employees of the Westinghouse plant in East Pittsburgh displayed a rally, reafirrming a no- strike pledge for the whole time the war went on. -
Money Problems in Western PA.
For the fifth time, the War Loans for Western Pennsylvania go over. This time it went $5,000,000 over the $334,914,500 quota. -
Allies Liberate (free) Paris
The liberation of Paris was also know as the The Battle for Paris. This liberation battle lasted from August 19th until August 25th. It marked France's freedom from Germany and France's restortion of the Freanch Republic government. -
Major Snowfall on Downtown Pittsburgh
A 15- inch snowfall hit downtown Pittsburgh during its most hectic part of the year. Thousands of shoppers were stranded dowtown, and hotels were filled to there capacity. -
Battle of the Bulge
Battle of the Bulge was the last major German offensive of the war. The goal for Germany was to attack, split Britian and the U.S and hopefully get Britian to surrendor in the end. Their goal was not met, though, and the Allies held strong. The Germans did put an indent, or "bulge" in the line of the Allies, thus giving the battle its name. -
University of Pittsburgh's Chancellor Resigns
Dr. John G. Bowman was shockingly the highest paid educator of the day, receiving $31,500 a year. He was the chancellor of the University of Pittsburgh for 15 years, and on this day decided to resign, letting Dr. Rufus H. Fitzgerald take his spot. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
The Battle of Iwo Jima was the day the U.S ccaptured the city of Iwo Jima in their fight to win the war in the Far East. The overwhelming numbers in arms, soldiers and air and naval support enabled the U.S to win this battle. -
Franklin D. Roosevelt Dies; Truman becomes President
Roosevelt, after successfully leading the U.S through the Great Depression and much of World War II, died surrounded by family he loved, but more importantly a country who loved him. Days before his death, he had realized a decline in his health so he decided to take a relaxing trip to his cottage in Georgia. There, is where he suddenly died. That same day, Truman took over the country as President. -
FDR's Death Effects the Whole Country
Because of the President's death, schools, businesses, and the county and city government in Pittsburgh, and all over the country, were suspended to mourn the death of such a great leader. Mostly all activities were shut down in honor of Franklin D. Roosevelt. -
Hitler Commits Suicide
The death of Hitler, suprisingly, saved the lives of many people. Hitler was said to have killed himself by gunshot, and poisening. After his death, Nazi Germany fell apart and soon after surrendered to the Allies. -
Annie Dillard was Born
Annie Dillard, Pulitzer Prize winning author, was born on April 30, 1945 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania. Dillard learned most of her skills from her father, and she attennded the Shadyside Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, that is still here today. -
VE Day
VE Day, or victory in Europe day, was a very important day; it marked the exciting win of the Allies over Nazi Germany in the second world war. After Hitler passed on, Germany surendered and signed the act of military surrender leading to millions of celebrations in the streets of Europeon countries. -
Chancellor of Saint Vincent College
Douglas R. Nowicki was born on May 8th, 1945, in Everson Pennsylvania. This same day people all over Europe were celebrating there victory over Germnay. Coming from a well off family, Nowicki led on to be the Archabbot, Chancellor, and the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at Saint Vincent College here in Pennsylvania. -
Trinity was Tested
"Trinity" was the code name for the first nuclear weapons test of an atomic bomb. It was conducted by the United States Army, preparing them for the drop on Hiroshima. It took many days to prepare this before it could be tested in Socorro New Mexico. Much of theconstruction of the container was done in Pittsburgh before having to be sent off for testing. -
The Battle of Stalingrad
The Battle of Stalingrad is considered, by many, to be the turning point in World War II in Europe. The Soviets were able to trap and destroy the German 6th Army which led to the first major German defeat of the war. It was also considered one of the bloodiest battles with around 1,530,000 killed, wounded or captured. It lastest a very long time as well; from mid July to around the beginning of February the next year. -
Pittsburgh Coal Company Merges
Stockholders of the Pittsburgh Coal Company decided to allow the merging with Consolidation Coal Company. This merge increased productivity and money. -
Atomic Bomb Dropped on Hiroshima
The atomic bomb was dropped by the U.S, and was nicknamed "Little Boy." It was said to have been 2,000 times more powerful than the largest bomb used to date. Not only did the bomb show the power of the Americans, but it marked the victory of the Americans over the Germans to develop the first atomic weapon. -
Atomic Bomb Dropped on Negasaki
Only three days after the first bomb, the U.S answered again by dropping a second bomb, but this time on the city of Negaski. The bomb had literally destroyed the entire city, and the U.S made it known that if Japan would not consider surrendering they would continue to repeat their attacks. -
Pittsburgh : The City of Steel
On this date, Russian labor leaders arrived to tour the district's steel mills. Even today, Pittsburgh is nicknmaed the "Steel City" because of the steel mills and there amazing production from this time period. -
VJ Day
VJ Day or, Victory Over Japan Day, was the official end of World War II. It was the day Japan surrendered to the Allies. -
Lay-Offs in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh industries lay off 7,000 workers in the result of the first war contract.
