The United States Timeline 1940s

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    The United States 1940s

  • U.S congress reintroduces the draft

    The U.S Congress approves the first peacetime conscription draft in anticipation of possible American involvement in WWII.
  • Franklin Roosevelt elected for a third term as president of the U.S

    Only president serve for more than two terms as the president of the U.S. Served during WWII.
  • Mount Rushmore is completed

    Sculpture of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abe Lincoln carved into Mount Rushmore. Mount Rushmore covers 1,278.45 acres.
  • Lend-Lease Act is approved

    U.S supplied the U.K, Soviet Union, China, France, and other allies with material needs between 1941-1945.
  • RKO Pictures releases Citizen Kane

    Film was nominated in nine different Academy Awards. Won Academy Award for best writing. Voted greatest film of all time five different times.
  • Japanese Attack on Pearl Harbor

    Japanese attack the U.S Naval fleet in Pearl Harbor on an early February morning. This was a surprise attack that caught us off guard. This occurrence led us to entering World War 2.
  • Executive order 9066 is signed

    This order was issued during WWII. This authorized removal of any or all people from military areas as deemed necessary. This was enacted to help keep order.
  • Battle of Midway

    U.S decisively defeated an Imperial Japanese Naval force. Some call this battle the most stunning and decisive blow in the histoy of naval warfare.
  • Manhattan Projects begins

    Research and development program by U.S, U.K, and Canada to produce first atomic bomb during WWII.
  • Detroit, Michigan Race Riots

    When this riot was all said and done 34 people were killed, 433 were wounded, and valued property of two million dollars was destroyed. This riot lasted three days before the federal troops restored order. The riot was between blacks and whites.
  • Americans land at Iwo Jima

    Also known as Operation detachment. Major battle in which the U.S made a great capture. Famous picture of Marines placing a flag at the top of Iwo Jima.
  • D-Day

    Invasion on Normandy. 160,000 Allied troops stormed the French coastline to fight Nazi Germany. Turning point during the war.
  • G.I. Bill of Rights signed into law

    A law that provided a range of benefits for returning WWII veterans.
  • Harry Truman becomes President

    Harry Truman became the 33rd president of the U.S. He was not expected to win the election.
  • Germany Surrenders

    Hitler's death is what ultimately made Germany surrender the war.
  • Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki

    Atomic bombs were dropped on Japan. This was the ending of WWII.
  • First meeting of the United Nations General Assembly

    One of the principal organs of the United Nations, also where everyone is equal.
  • National Basketball Association of America is founded

    National basketball league was founded in New York City. Adopted the name NBA after merging with rival NBL basketball league.
  • Jackie Robinson makes his debut

    Was the first black MLB player of the modern era. Played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, and became an icon.
  • Marshall Plan

    American program to aid Europe where U.S gave monetary support to help rebuild European economics after WWII in order to prevent spread of Soviet communism.
  • President Truman is re-elected

    President Truman got elected for a second term. This was shocking because he was an unexpected turnout.