Events with tag - World War

October 5, 1914

First Aerial Victory in WWI

French pilots Sergeant Joseph Frantz and Corporal Louis Quénault achieved the first confirmed aerial victory in history by shooting down a German Aviatik B.I over Reims, France, marking the beginning of air-to-air combat.

June 7, 1915

First Zeppelin Shot Down by Aircraft

British Flight Sub-Lieutenant Reginald Warneford made history by becoming the first pilot to shoot down a German Zeppelin LZ 37 during World War I, marking a crucial turning point in aerial warfare.

July 1, 1916

First Aerial Combat of the Somme

The first aerial combat of World War I took place during the Battle of the Somme on July 1, 1916, between British Royal Flying Corps and German Luftstreitkräfte, establishing fundamental principles of air warfare that would influence military aviation for generations to come.

March 1, 1917

Victory Gardens in World Wars

Victory Gardens were a nationwide program launched in 1917 that transformed millions of American backyards into productive food sources during World Wars I and II, eventually producing 40% of America's vegetables by 1944.

April 1, 1917

Battle of Bloody April

A devastating month-long air campaign during World War I where the German Air Service dominated the Royal Flying Corps, resulting in 245 British aircraft and 211 aircrew losses over the Western Front.

May 14, 1917

American War Bonds Launch

The U.S. Treasury Department launched its first major war bonds program in 1917, introducing Liberty Bonds to finance World War I military operations. The program later evolved into Victory Bonds and War Bonds during World War II, becoming one of America's most successful financial initiatives.

June 2, 1917

Billy Bishop's Daring Solo Raid

Canadian flying ace Billy Bishop conducted a remarkable solo raid on a German airfield near Cambrai, France, destroying three enemy aircraft on the ground and engaging in aerial combat. This mission earned him the Victoria Cross, making him the first Canadian pilot to receive this prestigious honor.

June 2, 1924

Indian Citizenship Act

A landmark legislation that granted full U.S. citizenship to approximately 125,000 Native Americans who previously lacked this status, marking a pivotal moment in American civil rights history.

October 29, 1929

The Great Depression

The Great Depression was the worst economic downturn in US history, beginning with the stock market crash of 1929 and ending between 1939-1941 due to World War II's massive industrial mobilization.

May 29, 1932

Bonus Army March

In summer 1932, during the Great Depression, 20,000 WWI veterans and their families marched on Washington D.C. demanding early payment of service certificates. The peaceful protest ended in tragedy when President Hoover ordered military forces to violently disperse the protesters.

September 1, 1939

World War II

World War II was the largest armed conflict in human history, which began on September 1, 1939, with Nazi Germany's attack on Poland. The conflict quickly spread worldwide, involving most nations and claiming millions of lives. The war ended in 1945, fundamentally changing the world order.

June 14, 1940

Fall of Paris

German forces entered Paris without resistance on June 14, 1940, marking the beginning of a four-year Nazi occupation that transformed the French capital into a stronghold of German military power in Western Europe.

July 10, 1940

Battle of Britain Begins

The Battle of Britain officially commenced on July 10, 1940, marking the start of Nazi Germany's first major aerial campaign against Britain, beginning with attacks on shipping convoys in the English Channel.

September 16, 1940

First US Peacetime Military Draft

The United States implemented its first peacetime military draft through the Selective Training and Service Act, requiring all men aged 21-45 to register for potential military service. This historic decision strengthened America's military capabilities before entering World War II.

September 16, 1940

US Military Draft Act

The Selective Training and Service Act of 1940 established America's first peacetime draft, requiring all men aged 21-45 to register for military service. This historic legislation transformed the U.S. military from 335,000 soldiers in 1939 to over 1.4 million by 1941.

March 11, 1941

Lend-Lease Act

The Lend-Lease Act was a revolutionary U.S. program that authorized the transfer of military supplies, food, and resources worth $50.1 billion to Allied nations during World War II, playing a crucial role in the Allied victory.

March 11, 1941

Lend-Lease Act

The Lend-Lease Act was a groundbreaking U.S. program that provided military aid worth $50 billion to Allied nations during World War II. Initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, it marked America's transition from neutrality to active support of Allied forces against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan.

April 11, 1941

US WWII Price Controls

In 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Office of Price Administration (OPA) to combat wartime inflation and ensure fair distribution of resources. This comprehensive price control system regulated over 8 million products and implemented nationwide rationing until 1946.

July 26, 1941

US Oil Embargo Against Japan

President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued an executive order implementing a complete oil embargo against Japan and freezing Japanese assets in the United States. This action was taken in response to Japan's military expansion in Asia and occupation of French Indochina.

November 22, 1941

Adolf Galland becomes youngest German general

Adolf Galland was appointed as General der Jagdflieger (General of Fighters) in the Luftwaffe at age 29, making him the youngest general in the German armed forces during World War II. With 94 aerial victories and over 400 combat missions, his promotion marked a significant milestone in military history.

December 7, 1941

Women in WWII Workforce

During World War II (1941-1945), millions of American women entered the workforce, taking up roles in factories, shipyards, and aviation plants. The female workforce grew by over 50%, with women making up to 65% of defense industry workers by 1943.

December 7, 1941

Attack on Pearl Harbor

On December 7, 1941, Japanese forces launched a devastating surprise aerial attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The attack killed 2,403 Americans, destroyed numerous ships and aircraft, and led to America's entry into World War II.

December 7, 1941

Pearl Harbor Attack

Japanese forces launched a devastating surprise aerial assault on the U.S. Naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, killing 2,403 Americans and leading to America's entry into World War II.

December 7, 1941

US Enters WWII

The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, resulted in 2,403 American casualties and led to the United States officially entering World War II. The following day, President Roosevelt delivered his famous 'Day of Infamy' speech, and Congress declared war on Japan.

January 13, 1942

Operation Drumbeat

Nazi Germany launched Operation Drumbeat, deploying five Type IX U-boats to America's eastern seaboard, resulting in devastating losses of merchant vessels and exposing US coastal defense vulnerabilities.

January 30, 1942

US Wartime Rationing During WWII

The United States implemented its first nationwide rationing program during World War II, starting with rubber tires on January 30, 1942. The Office of Price Administration (OPA) managed the distribution of essential resources including food, fuel, and consumer goods through a comprehensive system of ration books and stamps.

February 19, 1942

Japanese American Internment

Following Pearl Harbor attack, President Roosevelt signed Executive Order 9066, leading to forced relocation of 120,000 Japanese Americans to internment camps across western United States, marking one of the most significant civil rights violations in US history.

March 20, 1942

MacArthur's Famous Promise

General Douglas MacArthur made his historic 'I shall return' promise at Terowie railway station in South Australia, nine days after being forced to evacuate from the Philippines during World War II. This declaration became a powerful symbol of hope for millions of Filipinos under Japanese occupation.

April 18, 1942

Doolittle Raid

The Doolittle Raid was a bold American air attack on Japan during World War II, conducted on April 18, 1942. Led by Lieutenant Colonel James Doolittle, 16 B-25B bombers launched from USS Hornet to strike Tokyo and other major Japanese cities, marking America's first air operation against the Japanese homeland.

May 4, 1942

Battle of the Coral Sea

The Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4-8, 1942) was a pivotal World War II naval engagement between Allied and Japanese forces, marking the first time aircraft carriers fought without visual contact. The battle prevented Japanese expansion towards Port Moresby and protected Australia from invasion.

June 4, 1942

Battle of Midway

A pivotal naval battle of World War II fought between US and Japanese forces from June 4-7, 1942, resulting in a decisive American victory with the destruction of four Japanese aircraft carriers. This battle marked a turning point in the Pacific War.

June 4, 1942

Battle of Midway

The decisive air battle at Midway on June 4, 1942, where American forces destroyed four Japanese aircraft carriers in a single day, marking a turning point in World War II's Pacific theater. The battle resulted in the loss of Japan's elite carrier force and shifted naval superiority to the United States.

June 4, 1942

Battle of Midway

The Battle of Midway was a decisive naval battle of World War II fought between American and Japanese forces from June 4-7, 1942. It resulted in a crucial American victory that turned the tide of war in the Pacific Theater.

June 13, 1942

Office of War Information Establishment

President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Office of War Information (OWI) through Executive Order 9182, creating a centralized wartime propaganda and news management organization to coordinate U.S. communications during World War II.

August 7, 1942

Battle of Guadalcanal

The Battle of Guadalcanal (August 1942 - February 1943) was a decisive Allied victory in World War II's Pacific Theater, marking America's first major offensive against Japan. The six-month campaign resulted in securing vital shipping lanes and establishing crucial forward bases.

August 7, 1942

Battle of Guadalcanal

The Battle of Guadalcanal (August 7, 1942 - February 1943) was a pivotal World War II campaign where Allied forces launched their first major offensive against the Japanese Empire in the Pacific. The six-month battle resulted in a decisive Allied victory, securing strategic control of the Solomon Islands and protecting vital supply routes.

August 13, 1942

Manhattan Project Official Launch

The Manhattan Project was officially established on August 13, 1942, marking the formal beginning of America's atomic weapons program under the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, led by Brigadier General Leslie Groves and scientific director J. Robert Oppenheimer.

November 8, 1942

Operation Torch

Operation Torch was a massive Allied amphibious invasion of French North Africa launched on November 8, 1942. Under General Eisenhower's command, American and British forces conducted simultaneous landings at Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers, marking America's first major offensive against Nazi Germany in World War II.

November 8, 1942

Operation Torch

Operation Torch was the largest Allied amphibious invasion of World War II launched on November 8, 1942, targeting French North Africa. Under General Eisenhower's command, 107,000 troops executed coordinated landings at Casablanca, Oran, and Algiers, marking America's first major offensive against Nazi Germany.

February 11, 1943

First Female Fighter Ace

Soviet pilot Lydia Litvyak made history by becoming the world's first female fighter ace during the defense of Stalingrad in World War II. Known as the 'White Rose of Stalingrad,' she achieved five confirmed aerial victories against Nazi aircraft.

May 11, 1943

Battle of Attu Island

The Battle of Attu Island was a major World War II engagement fought from May 11-30, 1943, marking the only battle on North American soil during WWII. American forces launched Operation Landcrab to recapture the Aleutian island from Japanese occupation, resulting in a decisive U.S. victory.

June 14, 1943

Operation Pointblank

Operation Pointblank was a crucial World War II air campaign launched on June 14, 1943, combining US and British air forces to destroy German aircraft production capabilities and gain air superiority over Europe before D-Day.

July 10, 1943

Operation Husky

Operation Husky, the Allied invasion of Sicily, was one of the largest amphibious operations of World War II. Led by General Dwight D. Eisenhower, the operation involved over 160,000 troops and 3,000 ships, marking the Allies' first major step into Nazi-occupied Europe.

August 1, 1943

Operation Tidal Wave

A daring low-altitude bombing raid conducted by 177 B-24 Liberators targeting crucial Nazi oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania, resulting in significant casualties but demonstrating American resolve to strike at Nazi Germany's vital resources.

January 22, 1944

Battle of Anzio

Operation Shingle began on January 22, 1944, when Allied forces launched an amphibious assault on Anzio, Italy. The operation involved 40,000 American and British troops under Major General John P. Lucas, aiming to outflank German defenses and create a pathway to Rome.

March 4, 1944

First US Berlin Daylight Raid

The United States Army Air Forces conducted their first daylight bombing raid on Berlin on March 4, 1944, deploying 701 heavy bombers and 832 escort fighters in a strategic mission that demonstrated American air superiority over Nazi Germany.

May 18, 1944

Battle of Monte Cassino

A decisive World War II battle in Italy where Allied forces launched four major assaults against German positions at Monte Cassino monastery between January and May 1944, ending with a Polish victory that opened the way to Rome.

June 4, 1944

Capture of Rome

Allied forces captured Rome on June 4, 1944, marking the first Axis capital to fall during World War II. Led by General Mark Clark's Fifth Army, the operation successfully preserved the city's historical treasures while achieving crucial military objectives.

June 6, 1944

D-Day Invasion

The D-Day invasion on June 6, 1944, was the largest amphibious military operation in history, where 156,000 Allied troops stormed five beaches in Normandy, France, marking the beginning of Western Europe's liberation from Nazi control during World War II.

June 6, 1944

D-Day Invasion

On June 6, 1944, Allied forces launched Operation Overlord, the largest amphibious invasion in military history, storming five beaches in Normandy, France. This massive operation involved over 156,000 troops, 5,000 ships, and 11,000 aircraft, marking a crucial turning point in World War II.

June 15, 1944

Battle of Saipan

A crucial World War II battle fought from June 15 to July 9, 1944, where U.S. Marines and Army forces captured the strategic island of Saipan from Japanese defenders, establishing a vital base for B-29 bomber operations against mainland Japan.

June 19, 1944

Great Marianas Turkey Shoot

A decisive World War II naval air battle where US forces destroyed 346 Japanese aircraft while losing only 30 of their own, effectively ending Japan's carrier-based air power in the Pacific.

August 19, 1944

Paris Uprising

The Paris insurrection began on August 19, 1944, when French resistance fighters and civilians rose against Nazi occupation. Led by the French Forces of the Interior (FFI), the uprising transformed Paris into a battlefield and ended with the city's liberation on August 25, 1944.

August 25, 1944

Liberation of Paris

The Liberation of Paris marked the end of four years of Nazi occupation when Allied forces and French Resistance fighters freed the French capital in August 1944. The battle culminated in German surrender and Charles de Gaulle's historic march down the Champs-Élysées.

August 25, 1944

Gothic Line Offensive

Operation Olive, launched on August 25, 1944, was a major Allied offensive against the German Gothic Line defenses in northern Italy. The operation involved British, American, and other Allied forces attacking heavily fortified German positions stretching 170 miles across the Apennine Mountains.

August 25, 1944

German Surrender of Paris

On August 25, 1944, German forces officially surrendered Paris to Allied forces, ending four years of Nazi occupation. The surrender was signed by German commander Dietrich von Choltitz at the Police Prefecture, defying Hitler's orders to destroy the city.

August 25, 1944

Liberation of Hôtel de Ville

On August 25, 1944, French Resistance fighters successfully liberated Paris's historic city hall, Hôtel de Ville, from Nazi occupation. This pivotal event marked a crucial turning point in the Liberation of Paris during World War II.

September 17, 1944

Operation Market Garden

Operation Market Garden was the largest Allied airborne operation of World War II, launched on September 17, 1944. The operation aimed to secure strategic bridges across the Netherlands to create a pathway into Nazi Germany's industrial Ruhr Valley.

October 2, 1944

Battle of Aachen

The Battle of Aachen was a major urban battle of World War II, fought from October 2-21, 1944, marking the first capture of a major German city by American forces. The battle resulted in an American victory despite Hitler's order to defend the city to the last man.

October 20, 1944

Battle of Leyte Gulf

The Battle of Leyte Gulf marked one of World War II's largest naval operations when U.S. forces under General MacArthur launched a massive amphibious invasion of Leyte Island, Philippines, involving over 200,000 troops and 700 ships.

December 16, 1944

Battle of the Bulge

The Battle of the Bulge (December 16, 1944 - January 25, 1945) was the largest battle ever fought by U.S. Army, involving 600,000 American troops against Nazi Germany's last major offensive on the Western Front. The surprise attack through the Ardennes region created a distinctive bulge in Allied lines.

March 9, 1945

Tokyo Firebombing

Operation Meetinghouse, conducted on March 9-10, 1945, was the deadliest air raid in history. 334 B-29 Superfortress bombers dropped incendiary bombs on Tokyo, killing 80,000-100,000 civilians and destroying 15.8 square miles of the city.

April 1, 1945

Battle of Okinawa

The Battle of Okinawa (April 1 - June 22, 1945) was the last major battle of World War II in the Pacific Theater, involving 180,000 US troops against 130,000 Japanese defenders. The battle resulted in over 250,000 casualties including military personnel and civilians.

May 8, 1945

Victory in Europe Day (VE Day)

On May 8, 1945, Nazi Germany officially surrendered to Allied Powers, marking the end of World War II in Europe. The historic surrender was signed at Allied headquarters in Reims, France, leading to massive celebrations across American cities and Allied nations.

July 20, 1945

Operation Paperclip

A classified U.S. program initiated in 1945 to recruit top German scientists and engineers after World War II, significantly contributing to America's space program and technological advancement during the Cold War era.

August 6, 1945

Hiroshima Atomic Bombing

On August 6, 1945, the US B-29 bomber Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb 'Little Boy' on Hiroshima, Japan, killing approximately 140,000 people and destroying 90% of the city. This marked the first use of nuclear weapons in warfare and led to Japan's surrender in World War II.

August 6, 1945

Atomic Bombings of Japan

The United States conducted atomic bombings of Japanese cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki on August 6 and 9, 1945, resulting in massive destruction and Japan's surrender in World War II. These events marked the first and only use of nuclear weapons in warfare.

August 9, 1945

Nagasaki Atomic Bombing

The United States dropped the atomic bomb 'Fat Man' on Nagasaki, Japan, killing approximately 74,000 people and destroying 68% of the city's industrial district. This second atomic bombing, following Hiroshima, led to Japan's surrender and the end of World War II.

August 14, 1945

V-J Day: Japan's World War II Surrender

Victory over Japan Day marks Japan's surrender on August 14, 1945, following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This historic event effectively ended World War II, leading to massive celebrations across the United States and Allied nations.

September 2, 1945

V-J Day

Victory over Japan Day marked the formal end of World War II when Japan surrendered to Allied Forces aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. The event followed initial surrender announcement on August 14, triggering massive celebrations across America.

September 2, 1945

Japanese Surrender in WWII

The formal surrender of Japan aboard USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay marked the definitive end of World War II. Following the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, Emperor Hirohito accepted Allied terms, leading to a historic 23-minute ceremony where representatives from twelve Allied nations witnessed Japan's official capitulation.

June 24, 1948

Berlin Airlift

The Berlin Airlift was a remarkable humanitarian operation from June 1948 to September 1949, where Western allies delivered essential supplies to over 2 million West Berliners during Soviet blockade. Allied forces conducted 278,228 flights delivering 2.3 million tons of supplies.