Nov 20,1942 - Present
THE 46TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES
1945 The German Luftwaffe launched Operation Bodenplatte, an unsuccessful attempt to cripple Allied air power.
1945 The Soviet Union recognized the pro-Soviet Provisional Government of the Republic of Poland during a post-war transition.
1945 Philippine Commonwealth troops attack Japanese forces in Ilocos Sur during World War II.
1945 The Sixth United States Army launched the invasion of Lingayen Gulf in 1945, a pivotal military operation in the Pacific theater during World War II.
1945 The Red Army begins the Vistula–Oder Offensive in World War II.
1945 Adolf Hitler sought refuge in his subterranean haven, the infamous Führerbunker, as World War II raged on, marking a dark period in history.
1945 The Vistula–Oder Offensive's success forced German troops out of Warsaw during the final stages of World War II in Europe.
1945 The SS-Totenkopfverbände's evacuation of the Auschwitz concentration camp coincided with the Red Army's advance, revealing the horrors of the Holocaust.
1945 Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg's mysterious disappearance into Soviet custody in Hungary remains an unsolved enigma to this day.
1945 The Red Army liberates Kraków, Poland during World War II, marking a turning point in the city's history.
1945 Soviet forces liberate the Łódź Ghetto during World War II, bringing an end to the Nazi occupation. This historic moment marks the triumph of resilience and resistance in the face of unimaginable adversity for the ghetto's survivors.
1945 In 1945, the provisional government of Béla Miklós in Hungary agreed to an armistice with the Allies, marking a pivotal moment in the aftermath of World War II.
1945 Germany's evacuation of 1.8 million people from East Prussia commenced in 1945, a monumental task that would span nearly two months.
1945 In a wartime operation of strategic importance, German admiral Karl Dönitz initiates Operation Hannibal, a complex naval evacuation during the final days of World War II.
1945 End of the Battle of the Bulge: The Battle of the Bulge, a significant World War II engagement, concludes, shaping the course of the war.
1945 Audie Murphy displayed extraordinary valor in World War II, a courageous act that would later earn him the Medal of Honor.
1945 The sinking of the Wilhelm Gustloff in the Baltic Sea in 1945, resulting from a Soviet submarine attack, claimed the lives of approximately 9,500 German refugees, marking one of the deadliest maritime disasters in history.
1945 The daring Raid at Cabanatuan in 1945, led by American Rangers and Filipino resistance fighters, liberated over 500 Allied prisoners from a Japanese-controlled POW camp, showcasing heroism in the face of adversity.
1945 On this day in 1945, US Army Private Eddie Slovik faced execution for desertion, marking the first such execution of an American soldier since the Civil War.
1945 A tragic chapter in the Holocaust unfolded on January 31, 1945, as approximately 3,000 inmates from the Stutthof concentration camp were forcibly marched into the Baltic Sea at Palmnicken (now Yantarny, Russia) and executed.
1945 The Burma Campaign during World War II saw a significant moment on January 31, 1945, as the British 3 Commando Brigade repulsed a Japanese counterattack in the Battle of Hill 170, shaping the course of the campaign.
1945 World War II: As part of Operation Thunderclap, 1,000 B-17s of the Eighth Air Force bomb Berlin, a raid which kills between 2,500 and 3,000 and dehouses another 120,000.
1945 World War II: The United States and the Philippine Commonwealth begin a month-long battle to retake Manila from Japan.
1945 The liberation of Santo Tomas Internment Camp from Japanese control represents a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of World War II, as survivors are finally set free.
1945 The Yalta Conference, a meeting of the "Big Three" - Churchill, Roosevelt, and Stalin, at the Livadia Palace in Crimea, sets the stage for post-World War II global diplomacy and power dynamics.
1945 The Battle of Pokoku and Irrawaddy River operations, a series of engagements between the British Indian Army and the Imperial Japanese Army, mark a critical phase in the Burma Campaign of World War II.
1945 General Douglas MacArthur's triumphant return to Manila marks a turning point in the Pacific theater of WWII.
1945 Operation Veritable commences as the United Kingdom and Canada move to occupy the west bank of the Rhine, a pivotal moment in World War II's final stages.
1945 Soviet inmates defy the odds, escaping a Nazi concentration camp by hijacking a Heinkel He 111 during World War II, a daring escape that defies despair.
1945 In a rare submarine-to-submarine engagement, HMS Venturer sinks the U-864 off the coast of Norway during the Battle of the Atlantic in World War II.
1945 Allied aircraft launch an unsuccessful attack on a German destroyer in Førdefjorden, Norway, during World War II.
1945 World War II witnessed the conclusion of the siege of Budapest as German and Hungarian forces surrendered unconditionally to the Red Army.
1945 Royal Air Force bombers embarked on a fateful mission to Dresden, Germany, executing a massive aerial bombardment with lasting consequences during World War II.
1945 The bombing of Dresden commences in World War II as British Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Forces launch a fire-bombing campaign on the city.
1945 Navigational error leads to the accidental bombing of Prague, Czechoslovakia by a squadron of B-17s from the United States Army Air Forces, while assisting the Soviet Red Army's Vistula campaign.
1945 Yugoslav partisans liberate Mostar in World War II, marking a significant moment in the fight against Axis occupation.
1945 The meeting between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Ibn Saud of Saudi Arabia aboard the USS Quincy initiates diplomatic relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia.
1945 The relentless bombing of Dresden during World War II enters its third day, leaving lasting scars.
1945 American forces land on Corregidor Island in the Philippines during World War II, inching closer to the end of the Pacific theater.
1945 The Alaska Equal Rights Act of 1945 becomes the United States' first anti-discrimination law, forging a path toward greater equality.
1945 Approximately 30,000 United States Marines storm the shores of Iwo Jima, initiating the Battle of Iwo Jima during World War II.
1945 World War II brought a tragic episode in 1945 when Japanese kamikaze planes sank the escort carrier USS Bismarck Sea and damaged the USS Saratoga during the Battle of Iwo Jima.
1945 On the Italian front of World War II, the Brazilian Expeditionary Force achieved victory over German forces in the Battle of Monte Castello in 1945.
1945 World War II: During the Battle of Iwo Jima, a group of United States Marines reach the top of Mount Suribachi on the island and are photographed raising the American flag.
1945 World War II: The 11th Airborne Division, with Filipino guerrillas, free all 2,147 captives of the Los Baños internment camp, in what General Colin Powell later would refer to as "the textbook airborne operation for all ages and all armies."
1945 World War II: The capital of the Philippines, Manila, is liberated by combined Filipino and American forces.
1945 World War II: Capitulation of German garrison in Poznań. The city is liberated by Soviet and Polish forces.
1945 World War II: The German town of Pforzheim is annihilated in a raid by 379 British bombers.
1945 Egyptian Premier Ahmad Mahir Pasha is killed in Parliament after reading a decree.
1945 Amidst the fog of war, a tragic mistake occurs as the RAF mistakenly bombs The Hague's Bezuidenhout area in the Netherlands, resulting in the loss of 511 lives during World War II.
1945 The Rhine River bore witness to a pivotal moment in World War II as American troops seized the Ludendorff Bridge at Remagen, significantly hastening the war's conclusion.
1945 A coup d'état by Japanese forces in French Indochina effectively ended French rule, a pivotal moment in the nation's history during World War II.
1945 Allied forces executed a devastating firebombing campaign over Tokyo, inflicting heavy casualties and reshaping the course of World War II.
1945 World War II witnessed the U.S. Army Air Force firebombing Tokyo, resulting in the tragic loss of over 100,000 lives, predominantly civilians.
1945 World War II saw a dramatic turn of events as the Imperial Japanese Navy executed a large-scale kamikaze attack on the U.S. Pacific Fleet anchored at Ulithi atoll in Operation Tan No. 2 in 1945.
1945 In 1945, amidst the chaos of World War II, the Empire of Vietnam, a short-lived Japanese puppet state, was established, leaving an indelible mark on the region's history.
1945 In a historical military operation, the R.A.F. deployed the Grand Slam bomb for the first time, targeting a railway viaduct near Bielefeld, Germany, with devastating consequences.
1945 The Battle of Iwo Jima concluded during World War II, although pockets of Japanese resistance persisted.
1945 Würzburg, Germany, endured a devastating air raid that obliterated ninety percent of the city in a mere 20 minutes, with a tragic death toll exceeding 4,000.
1945 The Ludendorff Bridge, captured just ten days earlier, collapses in Remagen, Germany, marking the end of its military usefulness during World War II. A dramatic turn of events in the final days of the war.
1945 Off the coast of Japan, a dive bomber struck the USS Franklin, resulting in a devastating loss of 724 crew members.
1945 Adolf Hitler issued the "Nero Decree," ordering the destruction of numerous facilities across Germany as World War II neared its end.
1945 British troops liberated Mandalay, Burma, during World War II, a significant step towards the defeat of Japanese forces in Southeast Asia.
1945 Operation Carthage saw Royal Air Force planes bombing Gestapo headquarters in Copenhagen, Denmark, inadvertently striking a school, resulting in civilian casualties.
1945 Bulgaria and the Soviet Union successfully defended the north bank of the Drava River, marking a pivotal moment in the Battle of the Transdanubian Hills during World War II.
1945 The British air raid on Hildesheim, Germany, though militarily insignificant, stands as a poignant reminder of the ravages of World War II.
1945 The formation of the Arab League in Cairo, Egypt, serves as a step toward regional cooperation and diplomacy.
1945 The Battle of Iwo Jima reaches its conclusion as American forces officially secure the island, a pivotal moment in the Pacific Theater of World War II.
1945 On March 27, 1945, Operation Starvation commenced—aerial mining of Japan's ports and waterways during World War II. Additionally, Argentina declared war on the Axis Powers, further altering the dynamics of the war.
1945 A momentous victory for Allied forces materializes as they capture the last V-1 flying bomb launch site in the Low Countries, effectively curtailing German strikes against targets in Belgium.
1945 The German 4th Army teeters on the brink of annihilation as it faces the relentless advance of the Soviet Red Army in a pivotal World War II encounter.
1945 World War II took a significant turn as Soviet forces invaded Austria and captured Vienna, while Polish and Soviet forces jointly liberated Danzig, marking a crucial phase in the war's conclusion.
1945 History took a revolutionary turn as a defecting German pilot delivered the Messerschmitt Me 262A-1, the world's first operational jet-powered fighter aircraft, into Allied hands.
1945 The Tenth United States Army launches a pivotal assault against the Thirty-Second Japanese Army on Okinawa during World War II.
1945 U.S. Army troops, in a historic moment, liberated Ohrdruf's forced labor camp in Germany during World War II, uncovering the grim realities of the Holocaust and marking a turning point in the war's final days.
1945 Soviet Red Army troops, in a swift and decisive campaign, liberated Hungary from German occupation, reshaping the course of the war and the fate of the Hungarian people.
1945 Greece witnessed an unusual turn of events as judge and archaeologist Panagiotis Poulitsas assumed the role of Prime Minister amid the tumultuous backdrop of the Greek Civil War, a period of political upheaval.
1945 In the midst of the Cold War, Yugoslav leader Josip Broz Tito signs an agreement with the Soviet Union, permitting the temporary entry of Soviet troops into Yugoslav territory.
1945 Sarajevo is liberated from German and Croatian forces by the Yugoslav Partisans, marking a significant turning point in the closing chapters of World War II.
1945 The Battle of Slater's Knoll on Bougainville reaches its conclusion, a lesser-known yet crucial engagement in the Pacific theater of World War II.
1945 The mighty Imperial Japanese battleship Yamato meets its demise as it succumbs to relentless United States Navy aircraft during Operation Ten-Go.
1945 The accidental destruction of a train carrying Nazi concentration camp internees in Prussian Hanover in 1945, followed by their massacre by Nazis, highlighted the horrors of the Holocaust.
1945 The courageous anti-Nazi dissident and Lutheran pastor Dietrich Bonhoeffer meets his tragic end, executed by the Nazi regime.
1945 World War II witnesses a dramatic turn as the Royal Air Force sinks the formidable German heavy cruiser Admiral Scheer.
1945 In a pivotal moment of World War II, the Battle of Königsberg in East Prussia concludes, marking a significant step toward victory for the Allies.
1945 The United States Atomic Energy Commission takes shape, laying the foundation for significant developments in nuclear science and policy.
1945 Liberation comes to Buchenwald concentration camp as American forces arrive, marking a solemn yet significant moment in the Allied effort to end the horrors of the Holocaust during World War II.
1945 A seismic shift occurs in American politics as President Franklin D. Roosevelt passes away, leading to Harry S. Truman's ascension to the presidency.
1945 World War II's momentum escalates as the U.S. Ninth Army, under General William H. Simpson, crosses the Elbe River and approaches Berlin, a mere 50 miles away.
1945 Gardelegen, Germany, witnessed a horrific tragedy in 1945 as German troops executed over 1,000 political and military prisoners during the waning days of World War II.
1945 Vienna fell to Soviet and Bulgarian forces on April 13, 1945, marking a significant turning point in World War II.
1945 The Red Army initiated the final assault on German forces around Berlin, with nearly one million troops participating in the Battle of the Seelow Heights. This marked a critical phase in the closing chapter of World War II.
1945 The liberation of the Nazi Sonderlager (high-security) prisoner-of-war camp Oflag IV-C, better known as Colditz, by the United States Army was a momentous event in the history of World War II and Allied victory.
1945 The sinking of the German transport ship Goya by a Soviet submarine resulted in a tragic loss of over 7,000 lives, an event that serves as a somber reminder of the human toll of war.
1945 A beacon of hope shone as Montese, Italy, was liberated from the clutches of Nazi forces during the tumultuous days of World War II.
1945 In a historic moment for Vietnam, historian Tran Trong Kim was appointed as the Prime Minister of the Empire of Vietnam.
1945 Heligoland, a small island off the German coast, faced a devastating onslaught as over 1,000 bombers launched an intense attack, a significant episode in the later stages of World War II.
1945 In the face of harsh repressive measures by Nazi fascists, Turin bore witness to a major pre-insurrectional strike as part of the Italian resistance movement during World War II, reflecting the indomitable spirit of the Italian people in their fight against oppression.
1945 Soviet forces' assault on the German High Command headquarters south of Berlin played a crucial role in the final stages of World War II.
1945 Tragedy struck at the Jasenovac concentration camp on this day in 1945, as prisoners mounted a revolt, resulting in casualties and escapes, a somber reminder of the horrors of World War II.
1945 Liberation and hope dawned on April 22, 1945, when the Red Army and Polish First Army liberated the Sachsenhausen concentration camp, a poignant moment amid the tumult of World War II.
1945 The final days of World War II saw a momentous telegram exchange as Hermann Göring asked Hitler for leadership, a request deemed treasonous by his advisors.
1945 Elbe Day marked a historic encounter as United States and Soviet reconnaissance troops met at the River Elbe, effectively dividing Nazi Germany and signaling the end of World War II in Europe.
1945 Liberation Day in Italy saw the National Liberation Committee for Northern Italy calling for a general uprising against the German occupation and the Italian Social Republic.
1945 The United Nations Conference on International Organization commenced in San Francisco, marking the founding negotiations for the United Nations, a pivotal moment in global diplomacy.
1945 The Lapland War reached its conclusion as the last German troops retreated from Finland's soil in Lapland, signaling the end of military acts in the Second World War in Finland.
1945 The Battle of Bautzen unfolded on this day in 1945, marking the last successful German tank offensive of World War II. This event had profound implications for the war's conclusion.
1945 In the Philippines, Filipino troops of the 66th Infantry Regiment, Philippine Commonwealth Army, USAFIP-NL, and American forces of the 33rd and 37th Infantry Division, United States Army, were liberated in Baguio. They valiantly fought against Japanese forces under General Tomoyuki Yamashita, contributing to the Pacific theater's outcome in World War II.
1945 The conclusion of the Lapland War and the withdrawal of the last German formations from Finland to Norway signal the end of World War II in Finland, immortalized in the iconic "Raising the Flag on the Three-Country Cairn" photograph.
1945 World War II takes an unexpected turn as Italian partisans capture Benito Mussolini in Dongo, where he was attempting to escape while disguised as a German soldier.
1945 A pivotal moment in history unfolds as Benito Mussolini and Clara Petacci meet their demise at the hands of Italian resistance member Walter Audisio.
1945 Mauthausen concentration camp witnesses the last horrific act of the Holocaust, with 33 Upper Austrian socialist and communist leaders meeting their end in gas chambers.
1945 The Surrender of Caserta, a momentous accord, was signed by the German forces' commander in Italy, signifying a significant step toward the end of World War II in Europe.
1945 Airdrops of essential sustenance commenced over the occupied regions of the Netherlands during World War II, offering a glimmer of hope to the beleaguered populace.
1945 Tragedy struck as HMS Goodall (K479) fell victim to a torpedo from U-286 outside the Kola Inlet, marking the poignant end of Royal Navy ships in the European theatre of World War II.
1945 In the somber confines of the Führerbunker, Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun exchanged vows, with Admiral Karl Dönitz designated as Hitler's successor. The tragic events unfolded as both Hitler and Braun ended their lives the following day.
1945 United States troops liberated the harrowing Dachau concentration camp, bearing witness to the unspeakable horrors of the Holocaust.
1945 Brazilian forces, embodying hope and liberation, freed the Italian commune of Fornovo di Taro from the oppressive grip of German forces during World War II.
1945 End of an Era: Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun commit suicide in the Führerbunker, marking the collapse of Nazi Germany, while Soviet soldiers raise the Victory Banner over the Reichstag.
1945 Liberation of Stalag Luft I: Soviet soldiers liberate Stalag Luft I, a prisoner-of-war camp near Barth, Germany, releasing nearly 9,000 American and British airmen from captivity.
1945 World War II reaches its climax as German news announces Hitler's demise at the Reich Chancellery, marking the end of a devastating era with the Soviet flag flying over Berlin.
1945 As the Red Army advances, a mass suicide occurs in Demmin, resulting in the tragic loss of up to 2,500 lives in the final days of World War II in Europe.
1945 The world learned of the fall of Berlin as the Soviet Union announced this momentous event during World War II.
1945 The surrender of Caserta came into effect, marking the cessation of German troops' fighting in Italy during World War II.
1945 A heroic effort unfolded during World War II as the segregated, all-Nisei 522nd Field Artillery Battalion of the U.S. Army halted a death march from Dachau to the Austrian border, saving several hundred prisoners.
1945 In the waters of Lübeck Bay, World War II takes a chilling turn as the Royal Air Force sinks the prison ships Cap Arcona, Thielbek, and Deutschland, marking a somber chapter in maritime warfare.
1945 Liberation came to Neuengamme concentration camp near Hamburg in 1945 when the British Army liberated the camp, revealing the horrors of the Holocaust.
1945 The German surrender at Lüneburg Heath, signed in 1945, marked the end of World War II in the Netherlands, Denmark, and northwest Germany, reshaping post-war Europe.
1945 The Prague uprising commences, as Czech resistance fighters strive to liberate their city from German occupation during World War II.
1945 A Japanese Fu-Go balloon bomb, near Bly, Oregon, claims six lives, an unusual episode in World War II history.
1945 The Battle of Castle Itter sees American and German troops collaborating during World War II, a rare occurrence.
1945 As World War II drew to a close, Axis Sally delivered her final propaganda broadcast to Allied troops, ending a controversial chapter in wartime radio propaganda.
1945 The Prague Offensive, the last major battle of the Eastern Front in World War II, commenced, reshaping the landscape of post-war Europe.
1945 The final German U-boat attack of World War II takes place as two freighters are sunk off the Firth of Forth, Scotland.
1945 General Alfred Jodl signs unconditional surrender terms at Reims, France, bringing an official end to Germany's involvement in World War II, with the document taking effect the next day.
1945 The German Instrument of Surrender, signed at Berlin-Karlshorst, came into effect, formally ending hostilities in Europe during World War II. This momentous event marked the beginning of the post-war era.
1945 The Prague uprising concluded, evolving into a national holiday in the Czech Republic and serving as a symbol of resilience against oppression. This historic moment remains etched in the nation's identity.
1945 The Sétif massacre witnessed a tragic episode in colonial history as French Army soldiers were involved in the loss of hundreds of Algerian civilians. This event underscored the turbulence of the era and the struggle for independence.
1945 Halifax, Nova Scotia, experienced a violent outburst as thousands of civilians and servicemen went on a rampage, leaving destruction in their wake. The Halifax riot marked a dark chapter in the city's history.
1945 Yevgeny Khaldei's iconic photograph, "Raising a Flag over the Reichstag," was published in Ogonyok magazine, symbolizing the triumph of Allied forces in World War II.
1945 The final skirmish in Europe, the Battle of Poljana, unfolds near Prevalje, Slovenia, marking the end of World War II in Europe and the beginning of a new era on the continent.
1945 The Levant Crisis intensified as Syrian demonstrators in Damascus were fired upon by French troops, resulting in injuries and further fueling regional tensions.
1945 The shadow of World War II cast a long shadow on May 23, 1945, as Heinrich Himmler, head of the Schutzstaffel, took his own life while in Allied custody, marking a significant moment in the post-war era.
1945 On May 23, 1945, the vestiges of the German Flensburg Government, under Karl Dönitz, crumbled as its members were apprehended by British forces, marking the twilight of Nazi rule and the dawn of a new Germany.
1945 On May 29th, 1945, the Consolidated B-32 Dominator heavy bomber embarked on its first combat mission. This marked a pivotal moment in the use of this formidable aircraft during World War II.
1945 The Allied Control Council formally assumed governance of Germany, marking a significant moment in the post-World War II occupation of the defeated nation.
1945 King Haakon VII of Norway returns from five years in exile during World War II, marking a triumphant moment in Norwegian history.
1945 Australian Imperial Forces initiated the liberation of Brunei by landing in Brunei Bay during World War II.
1945 Liberation of Ilocos Sur: Filipino troops of the Philippine Commonwealth Army liberated Ilocos Sur and initiated the Battle of Bessang Pass in Northern Luzon during World War II.
1945 William Joyce, known as "Lord Haw-Haw," facing charges of treason for pro-German propaganda broadcasting, became a symbol of wartime propaganda and loyalty.
1945 In 1945, the United States Secretary of State approves Operation Paperclip, resulting in the transfer of Wernher von Braun and his team of Nazi rocket scientists to the U.S., a pivotal moment in space history.
1945 The Battle of Okinawa, a critical chapter in World War II, came to an end in 1945. Organized resistance by Imperial Japanese Army forces collapsed in the Mabuni area on the southern tip of the main island, marking a turning point in the Pacific theater.
1945 The Battle of Okinawa, one of the bloodiest battles of World War II, reached its conclusion, marking a turning point in the Pacific theater and a significant step toward the end of the war.
1945 The signing of the United Nations Charter by 50 Allied nations in San Francisco, California, establishes a global organization dedicated to peace and cooperation, setting the stage for international diplomacy.
1945 Over a month after V-E Day, Poland's Soviet-allied Provisional Government of National Unity was formed, a significant step in the post-war reconstruction of Poland and the reshaping of European borders.
1945 The Soviet Union extends its influence by annexing Carpathian Ruthenia, reshaping the geopolitical landscape of Eastern Europe.
1945 The United Kingdom held its first general election in a decade, leading to the resounding victory of Clement Attlee's Labour Party and ushering in a transformative era in British politics.
1945 The future of Germany is decided as the main Allied leaders, Winston Churchill, Harry S. Truman, and Joseph Stalin, convene in the German city of Potsdam.
1945 The post-war legal proceedings against Philippe Pétain, a complex and controversial figure, begin, marking a pivotal moment in the aftermath of World War II.
1945 In a historic electoral landslide, the Labour Party emerges victorious in the United Kingdom general election, leading to the removal of Winston Churchill from power.
1945 The Potsdam Declaration, a key document in World War II, is signed in Potsdam, Germany, shaping the post-war world order.
1945 World War II nears its end as HMS Vestal becomes the last British Royal Navy ship to be sunk in the conflict.
1945 The USS Indianapolis arrives at Tinian, delivering components and enriched uranium for the Little Boy nuclear bomb during World War II.
1945 A tragic incident unfolded as a U.S. Army B-25 bomber crashed into the 79th floor of the Empire State Building, leaving a somber mark on the iconic skyscraper's history.
1945 The airwaves come alive with the launch of the BBC Light Programme radio station, ushering in an era of mainstream light entertainment and music that will captivate audiences worldwide.
1945 The tragic sinking of the USS Indianapolis by Japanese submarine I-58, claiming 883 lives during World War II.
1945 The fugitive former leader of Vichy France, Pierre Laval, surrendered to Allied soldiers in Austria, marking a significant moment in post-war Europe's political landscape.
1945 The Potsdam Conference, which played a pivotal role in shaping post-World War II geopolitics, concluded with important decisions made by Allied leaders.
1945 A moment of immense tragedy, as the atomic bomb "Little Boy" was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, by the United States, resulting in immediate casualties and long-term effects from radiation exposure.
1945 The signing of the London Charter by France, the United Kingdom, the Soviet Union, and the United States establishes the legal framework for the Nuremberg trials, a pivotal moment in post-war justice.
1945 World War II's tragic chapter unfolds as Nagasaki is devastated by the dropping of the atomic bomb "Fat Man," resulting in a cataclysmic loss of life.
1945 The Red Army embarks on a momentous campaign by invading Japanese-occupied Manchuria, altering the course of history in East Asia.
1945 Kraków, Poland, bears witness to a tragic pogrom against its Jewish population, leaving one dead and five wounded, a dark stain on the city's history.
1945 Emperor Hirohito's declaration of surrender in 1945 AD, following Japan's effective surrender in World War II, had far-reaching consequences. It signaled the end of imperial rule and led to Korea gaining independence.
1945 The National Representatives' Congress convenes in Sơn Dương, marking a precursor to the establishment of the current National Assembly of Vietnam, a pivotal institution in the country's political landscape.
1945 August 17, 1945, witnessed a momentous declaration as Sukarno and Mohammad Hatta proclaimed the independence of Indonesia, sparking the Indonesian National Revolution and igniting the struggle against Dutch colonial rule.
1945 George Orwell's thought-provoking novella "Animal Farm" was first published on August 17, 1945, a literary masterpiece that would endure as a timeless allegory of political power and corruption.
1945 At Talitzou, near the Sino-Korean border, Puyi, the Kangde Emperor of Manchukuo, formally renounced the imperial throne, dissolved the state, and ceded its territory to the Republic of China on August 17, 1945, marking a profound historical transition.
1945 Sukarno assumes the presidency, marking the official beginning of Indonesia as a sovereign nation after declaring independence the day before, heralding a new era in the nation's history.
1945 The Soviet-Japanese War gains momentum with the commencement of the Battle of Shumshu as Soviet forces land on Shumshu Island, initiating the Soviet Union's Invasion of the Kuril Islands, a pivotal moment in the closing chapters of World War II.
1945 The August Revolution reverberates as Viet Minh, under the leadership of the indomitable Ho Chi Minh, takes power in Hanoi, Vietnam, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's quest for independence.
1945 Physicist Harry Daghlian's fatal irradiation in a criticality accident during an experiment with the Demon core at Los Alamos National Laboratory underscored the dangers of nuclear research.
1945 Soviet forces entered Japanese-occupied Korea on August 23, 1945, marking a significant moment in the closing days of World War II in the Asia-Pacific theater.
1945 John Birch's tragic death at the hands of Chinese Communist Party supporters, shortly after World War II's end, foreshadows the complexities of the Cold War era.
1945 Emperor Bảo Đại's abdication concludes the August Revolution, marking a transformative moment in Vietnamese history and the end of the Nguyễn dynasty.
1945 The Japanese occupation of Hong Kong comes to an end, symbolizing the return of the city to British control.
1945 General Douglas MacArthur's arrival at Atsugi Air Force Base, Japan, marks the beginning of the post-World War II Allied occupation of Japan.
1945 The Allied Control Council, governing Germany after World War II, is established, shaping the rebuilding and governance of Germany.
1945 A moment of historic significance occurred as Japan signed the Instrument of Surrender aboard the battleship USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay, formally ending World War II.
1945 Communist leader Ho Chi Minh declared the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, marking a turning point in the nation's journey towards independence.
1945 : China embarked on a three-day celebration following Victory over Japan Day on September 2. The jubilation marked the end of a tumultuous era and the dawn of a new beginning for the nation.
1945 The defection of Soviet embassy clerk Igor Gouzenko to Canada in 1945 exposed Soviet espionage in North America, marking the onset of the Cold War and changing the course of history.
1945 The arrest of Iva Toguri D'Aquino in Yokohama in 1945, suspected of being wartime radio propagandist Tokyo Rose, marked a chapter in the complex history of wartime propaganda.
1945 Japanese forces on Wake Island surrendered to U.S. Marines in 1945, marking the end of Japanese control of the island during World War II.
1945 The Berlin Victory Parade of 1945 celebrated the Allies' victory in Europe at the end of World War II.
1945 The division of Korea, initiated by the arrival of US troops to partition the southern part of the peninsula in response to Soviet occupation in the north, set the stage for the Korean conflict and the division that persists to this day.
1945 The Second Sino-Japanese War culminates in 1945 as the Empire of Japan formally surrenders to China, marking the end of a harrowing chapter in East Asian history.
1945 World War II reaches its conclusion in the Pacific theater as Australian 9th Division forces liberate the Japanese-run Batu Lintang camp on Borneo, marking a critical moment in the region's history.
1945 A new era dawns as the People's Republic of Korea is proclaimed, marking the end of Japanese rule and ushering in a period of transformation on the Korean Peninsula.
1945 A devastating hurricane struck southern Florida and the Bahamas, resulting in the destruction of 366 airplanes and 25 blimps at Naval Air Station Richmond.
1945 A chapter in history closes as the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong concludes at the end of World War II, marking a turning point for the city.
1945 The National Security Act reshapes the United States government, restructuring its military and intelligence services for a new era of global politics.
1945 The Bourne End rail crash in Hertfordshire, England, claims the lives of 43 people.
1945 A Hollywood set decorators' strike turned violent at the gates of Warner Brothers studio, erupting into a tragic and bloody riot.
1945 On October 10, 1945, the Double Tenth Agreement was signed by the Communist Party and the Kuomintang, shaping the future of China in the post-war era.
1945 In a historic moment, Desmond Doss, a conscientious objector, is awarded the U.S. Medal of Honor for his bravery during World War II, a testament to unwavering principles in the face of conflict.
1945 The Lao Issara asserts its authority, reaffirming Laos' independence and marking a pivotal moment in the country's struggle for self-determination.
1945 The massive demonstration in Buenos Aires in 1945 demanding Juan Perón's release played a pivotal role in Argentine politics, shaping the nation's future.
1945 In a cloak-and-dagger episode of the Cold War, the USSR's nuclear program acquires crucial plans for the United States' plutonium bomb. This espionage-driven transfer of knowledge, orchestrated by Klaus Fuchs at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, has profound implications for the global balance of power.
1945 A group of audacious military officers, including Mario Vargas, Marcos Pérez Jiménez, and Carlos Delgado Chalbaud, stages a daring coup d'état in Venezuela, toppling President Isaías Medina Angarita from power by day's end.
1945 In a union of love and politics, Argentine military officer and political figure Juan Perón takes actress Eva Duarte as his wife, an event that would have far-reaching consequences on the course of Argentine history.
1945 A historic moment for gender equality unfolds as women in France exercise their right to vote for the first time in the 1945 French legislative election.
1945 The United Nations Charter's adoption marked the birth of a global organization committed to peace and cooperation.
1945 An era spanning 50 years concluded as Japanese administration of Taiwan gave way to the Republic of China, marking a turning point in the island's history.
1945 A significant milestone in sports history is reached as Jackie Robinson, a player for the Kansas City Monarchs, breaks the color barrier by signing a contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
1945 The official North Korean newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, made its debut under the name Chongro, marking an important milestone in North Korean media history.
1945 Surabaya becomes a battleground as post-World War II Indonesia witnesses intense clashes between nationalist forces and returning colonialists, a historic event celebrated as Heroes' Day (Hari Pahlawan).
1945 UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) was established in 1945, with the aim of promoting international cooperation in education, science, and culture.
1945 The Nuremberg trials begin, marking the prosecution of 24 Nazi war criminals at the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg, a landmark in justice.
1945 The United Auto Workers initiated a strike affecting 92 General Motors plants in 50 cities, demanding a significant 30% raise for workers.
1945 In the aftermath of World War II, CARE (Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe) is founded, embarking on a mission to provide food relief to war-torn Europe.
1945 The birth of the Federal People's Republic of Yugoslavia signifies a new chapter in the Balkans, shaping the political and social dynamics of the region for years to come.
1945 Flight 19, a group of TBF Avengers, vanishes into the enigmatic Bermuda Triangle, adding to its mystique.
1945 The United States Army Military Government's outlawing of the People's Republic of Korea in the South in 1945 had a significant impact on Korean history.
1945 Occupation of Japan and Shinto Directive: General Douglas MacArthur orders the abolishment of Shinto as the state religion of Japan, marking a profound historical shift.
1945 Kurdistan's flag proudly fluttered in Mahabad, Iran, during a historic moment that signified the region's aspirations for self-determination.
1945 John Amery, a British Fascist, faces execution for treason, a stark reminder of the consequences of extremism during wartime.
1945 U.S. President Harry S. Truman takes a humanitarian stance by issuing an executive order prioritizing World War II refugees in visa applications under U.S. immigration quotas.
1945 A devastating fire in Fayetteville, West Virginia, claims the lives of five children, leaving a community in mourning.
1945 The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is founded, marking a significant step towards global economic cooperation and financial stability.
1945 Liberation and horror intertwine as the Soviet 322nd Rifle Division frees the remaining inmates of Auschwitz-Birkenau, revealing the unimaginable horrors of the Holocaust.
1945 Supplies begin to reach the Republic of China via the reopened Burma Road during the challenging days of World War II.
1945 World War II: US troops reclaim the Philippine island of Corregidor from the Japanese.
1945 American troops capture Cologne during World War II, while Operation Spring Awakening, the final major German offensive of the war, commences on the same day.
1945 The world witnesses a cataclysmic transformation as the United States successfully detonates a plutonium-based test nuclear weapon near Alamogordo, New Mexico—a monumental moment that heralds the dawn of the Atomic Age, forever reshaping the course of history.
1945 The heavy cruiser USS Indianapolis embarks on a fateful voyage from San Francisco, carrying crucial components for the atomic bomb "Little Boy," destined for Tinian Island—a pivotal chapter in the story of World War II.
1945 U.S. troops captured Leipzig, Germany, during World War II, only to later cede the city to the Soviet Union in a pivotal moment of the post-war era.
1945 On his 56th birthday, Adolf Hitler made a chilling appearance at the Führerbunker, awarding Iron Crosses to young soldiers of the Hitler Youth, marking a dark chapter in history.
1945 The Bullenhuser Damm school became a tragic site as twenty Jewish children, used in medical experiments at Neuengamme, met a heartbreaking end.
1945 The liberation of Bergen-Belsen concentration camp marked a somber but significant moment in history, shedding light on the horrors of the Holocaust.
1945 In the closing days of World War II, the town of Friesoythe in Germany witnesses deliberate destruction as the 4th Canadian (Armoured) Division razes it to the ground on the orders of Major General Christopher Vokes.
