Plane Crashes into Empire State Building
On this day in 1945, a B-25 bomber accidentally crashed into the Empire State Building amid thick fog, resulting in 14 deaths and significant damage to the building. The crash on the 79th floor also highlighted the vulnerabilities of skyscrapers to aerial accidents and led to changes in flight regulations over major cities. Despite the […]
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 United Nations Charter
The United Nations Charter, a pivotal document promoting international peace, security, and cooperation, officially came into effect on October 24th, 1945. This marked the birth of the United Nations, emphasizing the importance of global unity and diplomacy in the wake of World War II.
Independence of Vietnam
Ho Chi Minh declared the independence of Vietnam from France. The proclamation paraphrased the U.S. Declaration of Independence in declaring, “All men are born equal: the Creator has given us inviolable rights, life, liberty, and happiness!” President Ho Chi Minh.
The Soviet Union
The Soviet Union declared war on Japan on August 8th, leading to the end of World War II and Japan’s eventual surrender.