1940 - 1949
A bloody decade, filled with World War II, the Holocaust, atomic bombs, and the beginning of the Cold War.
Fala: FDR's Favorite Pet
Fala, a cute, black Scottish terrier, was President Franklin D. Roosevelt's constant companion in the last years of his life. Learn more about Fala, including how he became FDR's pet and what happened to Fala once President Roosevelt died.
Fala, a cute, black Scottish terrier, was President Franklin D. Roosevelt's constant companion in the last years of his life. Learn more about Fala, including how he became FDR's pet and what happened to Fala once President Roosevelt died.
Winston Churchill Gives His "Iron Curtain" Speech
On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill gave his famous Iron Curtain speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.
On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill gave his famous Iron Curtain speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri.
1940 - 1949 Timeline
A year-by-year chronology of the 1940s.
A year-by-year chronology of the 1940s.
Anne Frank Goes Into Hiding
Anne Frank and her family went into hiding on July 6, 1942, which was ten days before than they had planned.
Anne Frank and her family went into hiding on July 6, 1942, which was ten days before than they had planned.
Atomic Bombs Dropped on Hiroshima & Nagasaki
On August 6, 1945, the United States used its massive, secret weapon against Hiroshima, Japan. This atomic bomb, the equivalent of 20,000 tons of TNT, flattened the city, killing tens of thousands of civilians. While Japan was still trying to comprehend this devastation three days later, the United States struck again, this time, on Nagasaki.
On August 6, 1945, the United States used its massive, secret weapon against Hiroshima, Japan. This atomic bomb, the equivalent of 20,000 tons of TNT, flattened the city, killing tens of thousands of civilians. While Japan was still trying to comprehend this devastation three days later, the United States struck again, this time, on Nagasaki.
Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms
The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, located in London, England, are two museums that are both housed in what used to be a secret underground shelter during World War II.
The Churchill Museum and Cabinet War Rooms, located in London, England, are two museums that are both housed in what used to be a secret underground shelter during World War II.
Dewey Defeats Truman
In 1948, incumbant President Harry S. Truman was not expected to win the election against Thomas E. Dewey. Read about the campaign and the election.
In 1948, incumbant President Harry S. Truman was not expected to win the election against Thomas E. Dewey. Read about the campaign and the election.
Leon Trotsky Assassinated
On August 20, 1940, Ramon Mercader slammed a mountaineering ice pick into Leon Trotsky's skull. The following day, Trotsky died of his injuries.
On August 20, 1940, Ramon Mercader slammed a mountaineering ice pick into Leon Trotsky's skull. The following day, Trotsky died of his injuries.
Plane That Crashed Into the Empire State Building
At 9:49 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, 1945, a B-25 bomber crashed into the Empire State Building. Find out why the bomber crashed and what happened to the Empire State Building.
At 9:49 a.m. on Saturday, July 28, 1945, a B-25 bomber crashed into the Empire State Building. Find out why the bomber crashed and what happened to the Empire State Building.
Slinky Toy Hits Shelves
The first Slinky toys were sold in 1945 at Gimbel's Department Store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And since then, stairs have never been left alone.
The first Slinky toys were sold in 1945 at Gimbel's Department Store in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And since then, stairs have never been left alone.
Winston Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech
On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill spoke at a small college in Fulton, Missouri. This speech, commonly called the Iron Curtain speech, described the split of Europe into democratic and Communist spheres.
On March 5, 1946, Winston Churchill spoke at a small college in Fulton, Missouri. This speech, commonly called the Iron Curtain speech, described the split of Europe into democratic and Communist spheres.