President Harry Truman Records His Impressions of Meeting Stalin
On July 17, 1945, during the Potsdam Conference shortly after the end of World War II, U.S. President Harry S. Truman met Soviet leader Joseph Stalin for the first time and recorded his impressions. Truman’s entries reflect a cautious optimism about cooperation but also an underlying tension that would later escalate into the Cold War. […]
First Atomic Bomb Test is Successfully Exploded
On July 16, 1945, the world entered the atomic age with the successful detonation of the first atomic bomb, codenamed “Trinity,” in the New Mexico desert. This historic test marked a pivotal moment in the Manhattan Project, the clandestine World War II initiative aimed at developing nuclear weapons. As the bomb detonated, it produced a […]
V-E Day Celebrations
Victory in Europe (V-E) Day was celebrated on May 8, 1945, marking the formal acceptance by the Allies of World War II of Nazi Germany’s unconditional surrender of its armed forces. This day signaled the end of World War II in Europe, bringing jubilation to America and Britain, with massive crowds gathering to celebrate peace […]
Adolf Hitler Commits Suicide
On this day in 1945, the suicide of Adolf Hitler in his underground bunker in Berlin marked the imminent collapse of the Nazi regime and a turning point toward the end of World War II in Europe. This event symbolized the downfall of one of the most brutal dictatorships the world has ever seen, paving […]
Naval Battle of Japanese Battleship Yamato
The Japanese battleship Yamato, one of the largest battleships ever constructed, is sunk by Allied forces during Operation Ten-Go in the East China Sea. The sinking of the Yamato, along with several accompanying vessels, represents a significant blow to the Japanese Navy and contributes to the eventual Allied victory in the Pacific theater of World […]
The Flag Raising on Iwo Jima
On February 23rd, 1945, during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II, U.S. Marines raised the American flag atop Mount Suribachi, a moment immortalized in Joe Rosenthal’s iconic photograph. The image became a symbol of American resilience and sacrifice during the war.
The Bombing of Dresden Begins During World War II
The Allied forces began a series of bombing raids on February 13th, 1945 on the German city of Dresden, resulting in widespread destruction and loss of life.
The Soviet Red Army Liberates Auschwitz Concentration Camp
A somber moment in World War II history took place on January 27th, 1945, as the Soviet Red Army liberated the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration and extermination camp, bearing witness to the horrors of the Holocaust.
Soviet Forces Liberate Warsaw from German Occupation
During World War II on January 17th, 1945, Soviet forces successfully liberated Warsaw, Poland, from German occupation. This event marked a crucial turning point in the Eastern Front.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is Established
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) was established on December 27th, 1945, with the goal of promoting international monetary cooperation and ensuring the stability of the international monetary system.