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World War 2
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Germany invaded Poland
Germany invading Poland led to the start of World War 2. Britian and France declared war on Germany because Hitler kept invading further expansion. -
France surrenders to Germany
Two thirds of France was occupied by Germany because of the Aristance. Blitzkrieg invasions took over France. -
First Peacetime Draft
The first draft conducted to enlist more people in the war efforts. The total of 188,876 men were from Allegheny County. -
FDR leads the election
Allegheny County had 630,000 votes for FDR. This gave Roosevelt an advantage over Wendell L. Willkie by 105,559 votes. -
Army Physical
The first 40 men passed physicals to continue training in the military. They were moved to Fort Meade, Maryland. -
War demands
War demands for goods equaled business activity in the Pittsburgh district to that of 1929. Also, steel mills were at operating at 100 percent capacity. -
Smoke Law
A new and more strict smoke control law was passed in Pittsburgh. Its enforcement was postponed because of the war. -
Pearl Harbor
Japan attacked Hawaii from the air and the sea. Many ships were torpeoded and there was a surprise attack on the U.S. fleet by the Japanese. -
Pittsburgh was shocked
Japan attacked Pearl Harbor. The city of Pittsburgh was shocked by this. -
Restrictions on Natural Gas
There was a restriction placed on the use of natural gas in Pittsburgh. This was restricted because of the war. -
Dravo Corporation
The Dravo Corporation launched a submarine chaser. They introduced this to the navy at a ceromony. -
Practice of Pittsburgh Bombing
Air raid drills were organized. They were practiced in the event of a bombing of Pittsburgh. -
Army Day Deomstration
Around 300,000 people assembled in the down town area. They gathered to watch 35,000 marchers and an army day demonstration of loyalty and patriotism. -
Corporal Frank Basa
Corporal Frank Basa was welcomed home by 40,000 people. He was wounded hero of Pearl Harbor. -
The Battle of Midway
Four Japanese carriers were sunk. This battle was known as the most important naval battle of the Pacific Company. The U.S. made massive amounts of damage on the Japanese fleets. It ended on May 8th, 1945. -
Battle of Stalingrad
At the start of the battle, Rusia attacks. On February 2, 1943, the Battle of Stalingrad ends as Germany surrenders. -
New Submarine
A new submarine was founded by Allegheny County residents threw the purchase of war bonds. This was launched on Neville Island. -
D-day
160,000 Allied troops landed on the French coastline to fight the Nazi Germany. More then 9,000 were killed or wounded. -
No Strike Pledge
A new no strike pledge for the duration of the war was instituted by Westinghouse. This was caused by a large rally outside of East Pittsbugh plant. -
Allies liberate (free) Paris
During World War 2, the Allies freed Paris from the nazis. This was known to the the most romantic event of the war. -
Battle of Bulge
Hitler wanted to detroy the alliance between America, Britian, and France. The battle was orignally the Ardennes Offensive but the germans made a bulge in the allied lines. Thus, the battle is more known as Battle of Bulge. -
Battle of Iwo Jima
The small Japense island, Iwo Jima, had two airfelids located on it. America wanted to take over the island, but in contrary Japan wanted to mantain control. -
FDR dies, Truman becomes president.
FDR died from a stroke at Warm Springs, Georgia. While many men and women mourned, Hitler celebrated. Truman became the president because he was the vise president when FRD died. He was the one who decided to use atomic bombs to end the war against Japan. -
Hitler commits suicide
Hitler commited suicide by swallowing a cyanide capsule. He also shot himself in the head. Shortly after, Germany surendered to the Allied forces. -
VE day
VE day stands for Victory in Europe day. Britian and United States celebrated the defeat of the Nazi war machine by putting up flags and banners. -
War Veterans Returning to Pittsburgh
100,000 people welcomed home officers of the war. Included in these men were 64 officers. -
Atomic Bombs dropped on Hiroshima
Engola Gay was the B-29 bomber used to attack Hiroshima. Engola Gay released a 9,700-pound uranium bomb on the city. -
Atomic Bomb dropped on Nagasocki
An additional plutonium bomb was dropped on Japan just days after the bombing of Hiroshima. It was nick named "Fat Man." -
VJ day
VJ day stands for Victory over Japan day. Japan surreneder to Allied forces. -
War Contract Cancellation
In Pittsburgh, the first cancellation of a war contract was introduced. This laid off 7,000 workers.
