The Years 1942 - 1953

By ReaganW

  • The Wannsee Conference

    The Wannsee Conference, convened by Reinhard Heydrich, was a meeting, made up of senior government officials of Nazi Germany and Schutzstaffel leaders, to coordinate a European-wide “Final Solution of the Jewish Question.”

  • Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp

    The Auschwitz-Birkenau camp was established in Auschwitz. It had over 40 concentration and extermination camps.

  • Assassination

    Czech agents assassinate Reinhard Heydrich.

  • The Synthetic Liquid Fuels Act

    Congress passes the Synthetic Liquid Fuels Act authorizing the Bureau of Mines to build energy research laboratories.

  • The Flood Control Act

    Congress in the Flood Control Act confirmed the authorization of the Southwestern Power Administration created by President Roosevelt through a series of Executive and Departmental orders.

  • Death

    President Roosevelt dies. Harry S. Truman becomes President.

  • Germany Surrenders

    Germany surrenders to the Allies, bringing an end to the European conflict in World War II.

  • Hiroshima

    The gun model uranium bomb, called Little Boy, is dropped on Hiroshima, Japan.

  • Nagasaki

    The implosion model plutonium bomb, called Fat Man, is dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. Five days later, Japan surrenders.

  • The Atomic Energy Act

    President Truman signs the Atomic Energy Act, transferring Manhattan Project assets and responsibilities to the civilian Atomic Energy Commission.

  • West Berlin

    Soviet Union begins blockade of West Berlin.

  • Soviet Devices

    Soviet Union detonates first atomic device.

  • The Korean War

    North Korea invades South Korea. The Korean War begins.

  • Eisenhower

    Dwight D. Eisenhower is inaugurated President.

  • Atoms for Peace

    President Eisenhower delivers the “Atoms for Peace” speech at the United Nations launching efforts to develop peaceful uses of nuclear energy both at home and abroad.