-
United States stock market crashes
Billions of dollars were lost, and banks were shut down. The stock market crash of 1929 was the worst economic disater in the United States. -
World War II begins
A war fought between the Axis Powers (Nazi Germany, Italy, and Japan) and the Allies (France, United Kingdom, Soviet Union, and United States). This war was the largest and deadliest war in world history, resulting in 40 to 70 million deaths. -
Rosie the Riveter is introduced
As American men begin leaving the United States for war purposes, woman begin replacing them in the industrial labor force. "Rosie the Riveter" is one of the most iconic image of working women during World War II. -
Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor
On this morning, Japan carried out a surprise avion attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor located in Hawaii. More than 2,400 Americans died as a result of these attacks. The United States declared war on Japan the following day--bringing the United States officially into World War II. -
D-Day
The Allies launced a sea-side attack on Normandy beaches. D-Day was the first day of the Battle of Normandy. The Allies succeeded as broke through German defenses in World War II. -
First atomic bomb tested
The first atom bomb was successfully tested on this day in Alamogordo, New Mexico. -
The United States drops first atomic bomb on Hiroshima
In attempt to bring an early end to World War II, the United States, under the order fo Harry Truman, drops the atomic bomb, known as "Little Boy," on the Japanese city of Hiroshima. This bombs killed at least 70,000 people and thens of thousands died from radiation poisoning. "Little Boy" did not convince Japan to surrender. -
The United States drops second atomic bomb on Nagaski
Three days after the first atomic bomb was dropped on Japan, the United States unleased a second atomic bomb on the city of Nagaski. This bombing resulted in the immidiate death of 40,000 people and another 30,000 had died by the end of the year. Japan surrendered after this bombing. -
World War II ends
-
Russia obtain and test their first nuclear weapon
-
The Space Race Begins
The race to get to space begins between the United States and the Soviet Union. -
Soviet Union successfully lauched Sputnik I
The Soviet Union lauched the world's first satellite into space.
