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Pittsburgh Shantytown
The Strip District became known as "Shantytown" as a result of the Great Depression and the beginning of World War II. Hundreds of homeless people lived in makeshift houses on the shores of the Allegheny river. -
Germany Invades Poland
Since parts of Germany were given to Poland after World War I, Hitler wanted the land back in German control. Poland was invaded by Germany, the Soviet Union and a small Slovak unit. The invasion marks the start of World War II and last until October 6, 1939 resulting in a victory for the Axis Powers -
Forbes Field
Forbes Field in Pittsburgh has lights installed for night games. The Pirates beat Boston that night and after war was declared the rosters for all baseball teams began to get smaller since most men went off to fight in the war. -
France Surrenders to Germany
Germany invaded France and the Low Countries. Two military operations managed to cut off the Allied Units in Belgium. When Paris was occupied by the Germans, an armistice was signed giving the Axis Powers a major victory. -
Japanese Attack On Pearl Harbor
The Imperial Navy of Japan launched a surprise attack on Hawaii in an effort to keep the United States from becoming involved in Japan's wars in South East Asia and the Phillipines. The United States suffered 2,402 casualties with 1,282 people wounded. The next day the United States declares war against Japan entering World War II. -
KDKA Sabotage Bulletin
KDKA radio in Pittsburgh were told to announce that the "Secretary of War directs that all firms and manufacturing plants who have defense contracts will at once institute proper measures against sabotage." The message was repeated twice. -
United States Steelworks Union
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, the United States Steelworkers Union is formed. During World War II, membership increased due to an exchange of not striking for government contracts and mandates for work. -
Battle of Midway
The United States Navy defeated Japan's Navy in Midway Atoll. Japan tried to lure the United States into a trap, but the Americans were able to break the codes of the time and location of the attack. It was one of the most important battles of World War II. -
The Battle of Stalingrad
Germany and it's allies were in battle with the Soviet Union. The Germans wanted control of Stalingrad, Russis since it was a transport route and a region rich in oil. Conditions were terrible with freezing temperatures and no food for the soliders. The Germans were defeated by the Soviets. -
Mooncrest Housing
Housing which was built by the Federal Government for defense workers during World War II. Hundreds of people came to Pittsburgh to work at Dravo Shipyard in Neville Island and lived in nearby Mooncrest. -
LST Launch in Neville Island, PA
25,000 people watched the launch of the boat LST-750 in Neville Island. Dravo Corp built 15 LST's before D-Day. -
D Day
The day when 160,000 Allied Troops landed on the beaches of Normandy. General Eisenhower ordered the operation to fight the Nazi Germans and was quoted as saying "we will accept nothing less than victory". Nine thousand Allied troops soldiers were killed and wounded. -
Card Pitt Football Team
Training camp begins for the NFL combination team of the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Chicago Cardinals. With World War II in full force, many players were away fighting so teams bonded together creating co-teams to have a football season. -
Allies Liberate Paris
The surrender of the German Garrison marked the last battle of Normandy. The French Resistance went against the Germans with the help of the Free French Army and the United States. It also restablished the French Republic. -
Battle of the Bulge
The Battle was fought toward the end of World War II and began on December 16, 1944. It was fought in the Ardennes Mountains in Belgium, France, and Luxembourg. WIth such heavy casualties, the battles was the largest and bloodiest in the war. This battle was a victory for the Allies -
Pittsburgh Remains Dirty
Pittsburgh Mayor Cornelius Scully puts his plans of cleaning up the city on hold because of the war. The steel mills are ordered to run "24/7" to keep up with the supplies for the Allies. -
Battle Of Iwo Jima
The Battle began on February 19, 1945 and was fought so the United States could capture two airfields in Iwo Jima, Japan. The battle was the first attack by the Americans on Japan's Home Islands. The image of the soldiers raising the U.S. flag on Mount Suribachi became famous. -
Jumbo Container, Eichleay Corp. Pittsburgh
Eichleay Corp. in Pittsburgh is awarded the contract to transport a 214 ton container named "Jumbo" to New Mexico. The container was to hold the atomic bomb for testing to detonate, but was never used. -
FDR Dies
Franklin Delano Roosebelt was the 32nd President of the United States. He was in office when Pearl Harbor was attacked, thus declaring war on Japan. Sady, FDR died of a massive stroke before he could see the victory by the Allies. -
Truman Becomes President
After the death of Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Harry Truman became the 32nd President of the United States. With the United States still at war with Japan, Truman makes the decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan. He was also reelected to a second term in 1948. -
Pittsburgh In Mourning
As a result of FDR's death, all municipal office are closed in Pittsburgh. Also, churches schedule prayer services to remember FDR. Mayor Cornellius orders that all amusements be curtailed. -
Pittsburgh Reaction To FDR Death
Charles Danver of the Pittsburgh Post Gazette wrote about the unexpected death of FDR. "What's the gag?" was a reaction of a disbelieving patron at Fourth Avenue Cafe. He wrote the many Pittsburghers took the news personally and were extremely sad by the news. -
Pittsburgh Chapter of Internal Auditors
The shift to a war economy was further expanded to Pittsburgh. The Institute of Internal Auditors opened a chapter here with responsibilities to laborers, materials, and government regulations. -
Hitler Commits Suicide
After learning that his ally in Italy, Benito Mussolini was hung and his commanding officer Himler was attempting a peace treaty, Hitler realized that Germany was going to lose the war. On April 29, Hitler married his girlfriend, Evan Braun and the next day commits suicide by cyanide poisoning and a gunshot. He was found in his bunker. -
Olde Kennywood Railroad Ride
Kennywood Park installs a new ride for the season. It is the Olde Kennywood Railroad Ride which was featured at the Worlds Fair in 1939. Patrons loved the new ride and it gave them happiness during a time of war. -
V E Day
The Allies of World War II accepts the surrender of Germany's forces. It was also the end of the Third Reich and the reign of Adolf Hilter. -
Atomic Bomb Dropped On Hiroshima
After calling for Japan to surrender, the first atomic bomb was ordered by Harry Truman and detonated. The bomb's nickname was "Little Boy" and was dropped by the B-29 Enola Gray. -
Atomic Bomb Dropped on Nagasaki
Harry Truman order an atomic bomb over Nagasaki, Japan. The bomb was nicknamed "Fat Man" and was the second active nuclear weapon in war. -
Russians Tour U.S. Steel
Russian Labor Leaders arrive in Pittsbugh. They tour the PIttsburgh district's steel mills. WIth the mills producing at an all time high since the war, Russia was curious to see how Pittsburgh Steel mills operated. -
VJ Day
Victory Day Over Japan is the name for the surrender of Japan which ended World War II. The Emperor Hirohito agrees to the terms of the Potsdam Declaration officially surrendering in Tokyo Bay. -
Pittsburgh Celebrates V J Day
Fifth Avenue in Downtown Pittsburgh is filled with people to celebrate the end of the war. Hundreds of people filled the street cheering and dancing. -
New Pitt Chancellor Enrolls WWII Veterans
Newly Elected Pitt Chancellor, Rufus Fitzgerald, expands the enrollment of Pitt to include veterans from World War II. Pitt's Fitzgerald Field House is named in his honor. -
Pittsburgh Unemployment
As a result of the end of the war, the government cancels war contracts. 7000 people were laid off in Pittsburgh.
