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yalta
United States President Franklin Roosevelt, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill meet at the Yalta Conference to make arrangements for the postwar world order. Their agreements include a declaration to respect democracy throughout Europe, but also the recognition of a de facto Soviet sphere of influence in Eastern Europe. At Yalta, the Allies also finalize plans to divide Germany into separate zones. -
Roosevelt dies
President Franklin D. Roosevelt suddenly suffers a cerebral hemorrhage and dies, leaving his vice president, Harry Truman, to assume the presidency. Truman has only been vice president for 82 days, and has had little communication with Roosevelt about the administration's policies. After taking his oath of office, Truman tells reporters, "Boys, if you ever pray, pray for me now" -
Bikini Atoll Tests
Bikini Atoll, in the South Pacific, becomes the site of a series of giant nuclear weapons tests. Codenamed Operation Crossroads, these tests are part of a study of radiological effects and are also shown to the Soviets as a demonstration of the weapons' power. -
First atomic bomb
American scientists successfully test the first atomic bomb in New Mexico. This was a turning point for American in this time. -
Potsdam
Leaders of the United States, Soviet Union, and Great Britain meet at the Potsdam Conference. President Harry Truman, Soviet leader Joseph Stalin, and British Prime Minister Winston Churchill continue the work begun at Yalta to determine the future of postwar Europe. The conference establishes a military administration for Germany and agrees to put Nazi leaders on trial for war crimes. -
Hiroshima
The American bomber Enola Gay drops an atomic bomb nicknamed "Little Boy" on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. The instant devastation unleashed on Hiroshima shocks the world and ushers in the nuclear age. -
Korea Divided at 38th Parallel
At the end of World War II, Korea occupied during the war by Japanese forces is divided at the 38th Parallel, and two new states are established. North Korea is run by communist Kim Il-Sung, while South Korea is run by anticommunist autocrat Syngman Rhee. -
George Kennan and Containment
Diplomat George Kennan writes his "Long Telegram" from the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, advocating a policy of containment:"It is clear that the United States cannot expect in the foreseeable future to enjoy political intimacy with the Soviet regime. It must continue to regard the Soviet Union as a rival, not a partner, in the political arena." -
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Iron Curtain
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill gives his famous "Iron Curtain" speech at a college graduation in Fulton, Missouri:"An iron curtain has descended across the Continent. The most famous cities and the populations around them lie in what I must call the Soviet sphere, and all are subject, in one form or another, not only to Soviet influence but to a very high and in some cases increasing measure of control from Moscow." -
Marshall Plan
In a speech made at Harvard University, Secretary of State George Marshall proposes the Marshall Plan, a $13 billion foreign aid package designed to help Europe recover from the devastation of World War II.