1940s

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Timeline: 1940s

Years: 1940 - 1949	Subject: History, modern history (1700 to 1945)
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191735684

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Year	Event
1940	American Ballet Theatre, directed by Lucia Chase and Richard Pleasant, begins its first season in New York Go to American Ballet Theatre in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States English potter Bernard Leach publishes an influential manual, A Potter's Book Go to Leach, Bernard Howell (1887–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Decorative arts British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Mohammed Ali Jinnah puts forward the concept of independent Muslim states within India Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Religion Islam European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan Europe Empires Charles Eames and Eero Saarinen design an 'organic chair' for mass production in moulded plywood and aluminium Go to Eames, Charles Orman (1907–78) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Decorative arts American art North America United States The Conservative Colorados recover power in Paraguay and reimpose military rule Go to Paraguay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America South America Richard Addinsell writes the Warsaw Concerto as music for the film Dangerous Moonlight Go to Addinsell, Richard (13 Jan. 1904) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain British biologists Ernst Chain and Howard Florey develop penicillin as a safe and useful antibacterial drug Go to penicillin in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Medicine Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain German novelist Thomas Mann takes US citizenship and in 1941 moves to California Go to Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States US author Richard Wright publishes Native Son, his semi-autobiographical novel about racial equality Go to Native Son in The Concise Oxford Companion to African American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Bob Hope and Bing Crosby star together in Road to Singapore, the first of a long series of 'Road' films Go to Road To Singapore in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Gene Kelly makes his name on Broadway in the Rodgers and Hart musical Pal Joey Go to Kelly, Gene (3 Aug. 1912) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America United States Ernest Hemingway publishes the novel For Whom the Bell Tolls, set in the Spanish Civil War Go to For Whom the Bell Tolls in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Avraham Stern forms the Stern Gang, a new Jewish terrorist group in Palestine and an offshoot of Irgun Go to Stern Gang in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Flann O'Brien's The Third Policeman is rejected by numerous publishers before becoming, decades later, his best-known novel Go to Third Policeman, The in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Britain British actors Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier marry Go to Olivier, Laurence Kerr, Baron (1907–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Theatre Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Roger Schutz establishes an ecumenical religious order at Taizé in France Go to Taizé Community in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Christianity Europe France Radar masts along the coasts of Britain give early warning of German air attacks Go to Watson-Watt, Sir Robert Alexander (1892–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain John Ford directs Henry Fonda in the film of Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath Go to Ford, John (1895–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Charlie Chaplin ridicules Hitler in The Great Dictator, the first film in which he speaks coherent dialogue Go to Chaplin, Charlie (1889–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States An assassin sent by Stalin kills the exiled Trotsky in his home in Mexico City Go to Trotsky, Leon (1879–1940) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Terrorism and assassination Europe Russia Latin America Central America Mexico Schoolboys, out hunting, discover paintings in a cave at Lascaux after their dog falls into a hole Go to Lascaux, France in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Europe France Civilian heroism is rewarded in Britain with a new medal, the George Cross Go to George Cross and Medal in The Oxford Companion to British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Working as an official war artist, Henry Moore creates an iconic series of drawings of Londoners sleeping at night in underground stations Go to Official War Art in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Decorative arts British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain US author Carson McCullers publishes her first novel, The Heart Is a Lonely Hunter Go to Heart Is a Lonely Hunter, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Lord Craigavon (previously James Craig) dies in office after nineteen years as northern Ireland's prime minister Go to Craig, James, 1st Viscount Craigavon (1871–1940) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Britain After his London studio is bombed, Henry Moore moves to Much Hadham, where he works and lives for the rest of his life Go to Moore, Henry (1898–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Sculpture British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain In To the Finland Station Edmund Wilson discusses the development of socialism and revolution, culminating in Lenin and Trotsky Go to To the Finland Station in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Communism Finland North America United States US choreographer Agnes de Mille creates Black Ritual for American Ballet Theatre Go to de Mille, Agnes (1905–93) in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Theatre and Performance (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States William Joyce, broadcasting in English from Germany, becomes notorious in Britain as Lord Haw-Haw Go to Joyce, William (b. 24 Apr. 1906) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Performing arts War Germany Wars since 1900 January 8 - the ration book is introduced in Britain, at first just for bacon, butter and sugar, but soon also for meat, eggs, tea, milk, cheese, jam, and clothing Go to food rationing in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain February 16 - 303 captured merchant seamen are rescued in a daring British raid on the German supply ship Altmark, in use as a floating prison in a Norwegian fjord Go to Altmark in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 March 12 - the Treaty of Moscow ends the war between the USSR and Finland, after 200,000 Soviet deaths in the three months of hostilities Go to Finnish-Russian War (1939–40) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Finland Russia Wars since 1900 from April 4 - more than 4000 Polish officers are massacred at Katyń on Stalin's orders Go to Katyn Massacre in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Communism War Europe Poland Russia Wars since 1900 April 5 - inactivity during the Phoney War prompts Neville Chamberlain to assure the House of Commons that Hitler has 'missed the bus' Go to Phoney War (Sept. 1939–Apr. 1940) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April 9 - German ships and marines occupy the harbours of neutral Denmark and Norway Go to Narvik, naval battles at in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Denmark Germany Norway Wars since 1900 April 9 - the German invasion of Norway includes the world's first airborne assault, with troops arriving by plane to attack the airports of Oslo and Stavanger Go to Norwegian campaign (1940) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 April 10 - Allied ships on patrol in the North Sea, soon followed by troops, rush to the defence of Norway Go to Narvik, naval battles at in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 May 10 - German tanks cross the borders into neutral Netherlands, Luxembourg and Belgium Go to Dyle Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Belgium Netherlands Wars since 1900 May 10 - after the German invasion of the Netherlands and Belgium, Winston Churchill replaces Chamberlain as the British prime minister Go to Churchill, Sir Winston (1874–1965) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain May 10 - German troops force their way into France through the Ardennes, launching the Battle of France Go to Maginot Line in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 May 11 - the French rely on the heavily fortified Maginot Line to keep out the Germans, but they outflank it Go to Maginot Line in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 May 12 - only two days after crossing the Netherlands border, a German division reaches the coast near Rotterdam Go to Blitzkrieg in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Netherlands Wars since 1900 May 12 - Queen Wilhelmina and the Dutch government escape just in time to Britain Go to Wilhelmina (b. 31 Aug. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Netherlands Wars since 1900 Britain May 13 - Winston Churchill, in his first speech to the House of Commons as prime minister, offers the nation nothing but 'blood, toil, tears and sweat' Go to Churchill, Sir Winston Leonard Spencer (1874–1965) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain May 14 - the caretaker government of the Netherlands surrenders to the German invaders Go to Rotterdam raid in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Netherlands Wars since 1900 May 14 - the Local Defence Volunteers are formed in Britain and are soon given, on Winston Churchill's suggestion, the name Home Guard Go to Home Guard in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain May - a German army races west through northern France, aiming to cut off the Allied troops in Belgium Go to Dyle Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 May - fishing smacks and private launches are enlisted from southern England's coasts and rivers for a rescue mission across the Channel Go to Dunkirk in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain May 19 - German tanks reach the French coast at Abbeville, nine days after crossing the border from Germany Go to Blitzkrieg in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 May 26 - evacuation begins from Dunkirk, and over the next ten days some 860 vessels ferry troops across the Channel Go to Dunkirk Evacuation in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain May 27 - the Belgians surrender to the German armies encircling them north and south Go to Leopold III (b. 3 Nov. 1901) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 June 4 - some 340,000 British and French troops have by now been rescued from Dunkirk, but a million Allied soldiers are now prisoners of the Germans Go to Dunkirk Evacuation in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 7 - the last Allied forces withdraw from Norway, leaving the country entirely in the hands of its German occupiers Go to Norwegian campaign (1940) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 June 10 - Mussolini declares war on a France already on the verge of defeat Go to Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Italy Wars since 1900 June 10 - German and Italian planes begin a prolonged assault on the Mediterranean island of Malta Go to Malta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 June 14 - a German army takes Paris and pushes on further south into the Rhone valley Go to Blitzkrieg in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 16 - Marshal Pétain, French hero from World War I, becomes France's prime minister Go to Pétain, Henri Philippe (1856–1951) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 16 - Marshal Pétain, as the new premier of France, immediately asks Germany for an armistice Go to Pétain, H. O. Philippe (1856–1951) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 18 - Charles de Gaulle broadcasts to the French nation from London, declaring himself the leader of the Free French Go to Free French, the in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 20 - Mussolini invades France in the last-minute hope of gaining some territory in the armistice settlement Go to Maginot Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Italy Wars since 1900 June 22 - Adolf Hitler attends the signing of the armistice with France, in the railway carriage used for the armistice after the German defeat in 1918 Go to Vichy government (1940–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 22 - the armistice leaves France with the southern part of the country, with a new capital at Vichy Go to Vichy government (1940–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 24 - a delegation from France, defeated and partly occupied by Germany, signs in Rome an armistice with Mussolini's Italy Go to Vichy government (1940–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Rome Europe France Italy Wars since 1900 June 26 - the British government gives recognition to Charles de Gaulle as official leader of the Free French Go to Free French in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain July - increased German U-boat activity after the fall of France launches the crucial Battle of the Atlantic Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain July - Germany takes control of Romania, to secure the country's rich oil fields Go to Ploesti in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Wars since 1900 July 3 - British warships bombard the French fleet in harbour at Mers-el-Kébir, in Algeria, killing more than 1250 sailors Go to Mers el-Kebir (3 July 1940) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 July 6 - German bombers attack the barracks at Aldershot, in the first aerial raid of what becomes the Battle of Britain Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 July 16 - Hitler orders preparations for the invasion of England, under the codename Operation Sea Lion Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain August 13 - the Battle of Britain reaches its most intense phase, with 1500 German planes involved in a single day's assault Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain August 20 - Churchill says of the Battle of Britain pilots that never has so much been owed by so many to so few Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 7 - the first German night-time bombing raid on London signals the start of the Blitz on British cities Go to Blitz in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain September 27 - Germany, Italy and Japan form a Tripartite Pact as a military alliance Go to Tripartite Pact in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Europe Germany Italy Wars since 1900 October - President Roosevelt, campaigning for a third term, assures Americans that he will not send their sons to fight in Europe's war Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States October - the US government provides 50 destroyers to boost the British escort of convoys in the Atlantic Go to convoy system in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles US presidents Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States October 2 - after the summer's losses in the air, Hitler orders the effective cancellation of operation Sea Lion, the planned invasion of Britain Go to Britain, Battle of (1940) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain October 4 - Mussolini plans a new Roman empire, reaching like the first one round the entire Mediterranean Go to Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 October 23 - Moscow appoints Tito to head the Communist Party of Yugoslavia Go to Tito, Josip Broz (1892–1980) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Europe Wars since 1900 October 28 - Italian troops cross the Albanian border in the hope of a blitzkrieg against Greece Go to Metaxas, Ioannis (1871–1941) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Greece Italy Wars since 1900 October 31 - the castle at Colditz, adapted as a high-security prisoner-of-war camp, receives 140 Polish officers as its first inmates Go to Colditz in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 November 5 - F.D. Roosevelt wins an unprecedented third US presidential term, albeit it with a considerably reduced share of the vote Go to Roosevelt, Franklin D. (1882–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States November 11-12 - British aircraft sink three Italian battleships at anchor in Taranto harbour Go to Taranto raid in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 November 14-15 - Coventry suffers a raid of such intensity that the new technique becomes known as carpet bombing Go to Coventry in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain November 20 - Hungary, Romania and Slovakia sign the Tripartite Pact, joining the war on the German side Go to Tripartite Pact in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 November 25 - the de Havilland Mosquito, a multi-purpose wooden aeroplane widely used by the RAF in World War II, makes its first flight Go to De Havilland, Sir Geoffrey (1882–1965) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology Engineering War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain December 18 - Adolf Hitler orders preparations to be made for Operation Barbarossa, his planned invasion of the Soviet Union Go to Barbarossa (22 June 1941 – Dec. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Germany Russia Wars since 1900
1941	British aviator Amy Johnson is reported missing over the Thames estuary when flying on a mission for the Air Ministry Go to Johnson, Amy (1903–1941) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Scott Fitzgerald's final and incomplete novel, The Last Tycoon, is published posthumously Go to Last Tycoon, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Greta Garbo receives terrible reviews for Two Faced Woman, which turns out to be her last film and the beginning of a long retirement Go to Garbo, Greta (1905–1990) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States English composer Michael Tippett completes his oratorio A Child of our Time (not performed until 1944) Go to Child of our Time, A in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Agee and Evans give a warm personal view of America in Let Us Now Praise Famous Men Go to Let Us Now Praise Famous Men in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Social and domestic Society North America United States Bertolt Brecht's play set in the Thirty Years' War, Mother Courage, has its first performance in Zurich Go to Mother Courage and Her Children in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Switzerland Henri Matisse, recovering from an operation, develops his technique of gouaches découpées (cut-out patches of painted paper) Go to Matisse, Henri Emile Benoît (1869–1954) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts French art Europe France Greek soprano Maria Callas sings her first Tosca, in the opera house in Athens Go to Callas, Maria (1923–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Greece The US army invests in a significant new vehicle, placing an order for 16,000 jeeps Go to Jeep in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering North America United States Aung San and some revolutionary colleagues (the Thirty Comrades) receive military training in Japan, aiming to evict the British from Burma Go to Aung San (1915–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Japan Australian prime minister Robert Menzies is forced to resign after losing the confidence of his cabinet Go to Menzies, Sir Robert Gordon (b. 20 Dec. 1894) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Australia and Oceania Australia Citizen Kane is written, directed and starred in by 26-year-old Orson Welles Go to Welles, (George) Orson (1915–1985) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States John Huston, for his first film, directs Humphrey Bogart in the third screen adaptation of The Maltese Falcon Go to Bogart, Humphrey (1899–1957) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States British author Rebecca West publishes an account of Yugoslavia, Black Lamb and Grey Falcon Go to West, Dame Rebecca in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain US author Eudora Welty publishes her first collection of stories, A Curtain of Green Go to Welty, Eudora (1909–2001) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States The US Congress declares war on Japan and President Roosevelt endorses the order Go to Pearl Harbor in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War US presidents Asia East Asia Japan Rulers and politicians North America United States January 6 - President Roosevelt defines to Congress his concept of Four Freedoms – of speech, of worship, from want, from fear Go to Four Freedoms in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States January 22 - Archibald Wavell's Allied divisions, after a rapid desert campaign, drive the Italians from the Libyan port of Tobruk Go to Tobruk, Siege of (Apr. 1941–June 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Wars since 1900 February 3 - Adolf Hitler sends Erwin Rommel to save the Italians from looming disaster in north Africa Go to Rommel, Erwin (1891–1944) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 March 11 - Congress passes the Lend-lease Act, enabling President Roosevelt to provide much needed help to US allies Go to Lend-Lease Act (Mar. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States March 28 - the Italian navy, defeated off Cape Matapan, ceases to be a significant factor in the Mediterranean Go to Matapan, battle of (1941) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 April 6 - the Allies recover Ethiopia from the Italians and Haile Selassie returns to his throne in Addis Ababa Go to Abyssinia, WW II campaign in (1941) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires Wars since 1900 April 6 - German troops invade and rapidly overrun Yugoslavia Go to Paul (27 Apr. 1893) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 April 7-28 - German troops move on from Yugoslavia into Greece, driving a small British force from the mainland across the sea to Crete Go to Metaxas, Ioannis (1871–1941) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 May - in preparation for the invasion of Russia, Adolf Hitler and Heinrich Himmler set up Special Task Commandos (Einsatzkommando) to exterminate Communists and Jews Go to Einsatzgruppen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Germany Wars since 1900 May 10 - Rudolf Hess, Hitler's deputy in the Nazi party, flies to Britain on a bizarre secret mission Go to Hess, Rudolf (b. 26 Apr. 1894) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Germany Wars since 1900 Britain May 15 - a Gloster E.28/39 air frame becomes the first craft to fly with a Whittle jet engine Go to Whittle, Sir Frank (1907–1996) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology Engineering War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain May 19 - the Vietminh is founded as a guerrilla force to liberate Vietnam from the Japanese, and Ho Chi Minh soon emerges as the leader Go to Vietminh in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Wars since 1900 May 27 - Germany's latest battleship, the Bismarck, is sunk in the Atlantic with the loss of nearly all her 2222 crew Go to Bismarck, sinking of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain May 27 - with Iceland as an Allied base, convoys can now be escorted by warships for the entire Atlantic crossing Go to Iceland in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 May 30 - German forces evict the British from the island of Crete after a week-long battle Go to Crete in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 June 22 - German armies cross the border to invade Russia on a front from the Baltic to southern Poland Go to Barbarossa (22 June 1941 – Dec. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 June 27 - the Communist Party of Yugoslavia appoints Tito to head a guerrilla force to resist the recent German invasion of the country Go to Tito, Josip (b. 25 May 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 July - Churchill appoints Claude Auchinleck as British commander in North Africa and the Middle East Go to Auchinleck, Sir Claude John Eyre (1884–1981) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 July - the systematic shooting of Russian Jews by German Einsatzgruppen is the first step in the development of the Holocaust Go to Einsatzgruppen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Europe Germany Russia Wars since 1900 July - Britain's Special Air Service (SAS) is formed for unorthodox guerrilla operations in the north African desert Go to Special Air Service in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 July 16 - less than four weeks after crossing the Russian border, a German army is within 200 miles of Moscow Go to Barbarossa (22 June 1941 – Dec. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July 26 - Roosevelt appoints Douglas MacArthur commander of US forces in the Far East Go to MacArthur, Douglas (b. 26 Jan. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 North America United States July 31 - Goering orders Reinhard Heydrich to prepare plans for the 'final solution of the Jewish question' Go to Final Solution in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Germany Wars since 1900 August - Nazi experiments are carried out on Jews and Soviet prisoners of war to find effective means of murder by gas Go to zyklon-B in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Judaism War Germany Wars since 1900 August - British and USSR troops invade Iran to depose the oil-rich Reza Shah, fearing that he may take the side of the Germans Go to Reza Shah Pahlavi (1878–1944) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Wars since 1900 August 14 - Roosevelt and Churchill publish a joint Atlantic Charter, foreseeing a future free from 'Nazi tyranny' Go to Atlantic Charter in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States August 21 - the first of the Arctic convoys leaves Scapa Flow, in the north of Scotland, taking Hurricane fighters and raw materials to the Soviet Union Go to lend-lease in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 September - de Gaulle forms in London the French National Committee, a government in exile in London for the Free French Go to Free French, the in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 September 8 - a week or two after reaching Leningrad a Germany army establishes a siege that will last 900 days Go to Leningrad, Siege of (1941–4) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 September 16 - with British and Russian support, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi succeeds his deposed father as shah of Iran Go to Pahlavi, Muhammad Reza Shah (b. 26 Oct. 1919) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia Central Asia Iran (Persia) Wars since 1900 September 27 - Patrick Henry, the first of the US Liberty ships, is soon followed by more than 2700 others, built at record speed Go to Liberty ships in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 North America United States October 16 - Japanese emperor Hirohito appoints Tojo Hideki as the country's prime minister Go to Tojo Hideki (1884–1948) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 October 16 - Adolf Eichmann, in an official letter about policy in relation to the Jews, uses the phrase 'the final solution' Go to Eichmann, Karl Adolf (b. 19 Mar. 1906) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Germany Wars since 1900 November 13 - the British aircraft carrier Ark Royal is sunk by a U-boat in the Mediterranean Go to Ark Royal in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Maritime History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain December - Enigma is now being decoded fast enough at Bletchley to give the Allies advance warning of German plans Go to ENIGMA in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology War British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain December 5 - the German advance is held just short of Moscow as winter arrives Go to Barbarossa (22 June 1941 – Dec. 1941) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 December 7 - in three adapted vans at Chelmno, in western Poland, the Germans begin using poison gas to kill Jews Go to Chełmno in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 December 7 - without warning, 400 Japanese planes attack and destroy US warships at anchor in Pearl Harbor Go to Pearl Harbor in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 December 8 - within hours of Pearl Harbor, Japanese aircraft attack the Philippines and destroy half the available US planes Go to Clark Field, attack on in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 December 10 - Japanese planes sink the British battleship Prince of Wales and the battle cruiser Repulse off the coast of Malaya Go to Malayan campaign (Dec. 1941–Feb. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 December 13 - Bulgaria signs the Anti-Comintern Pact and joins the war on Germany's side Go to Anti‐Comintern Pact (25 November 1936) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 December 19 - Italian frogmen enter the harbour at Alexandria and cripple two British battleships Go to frogmen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Alexandria Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 December 25 - Hong Kong surrenders to an invading Japanese force Go to Hong Kong, fall of (1941) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia China Japan Wars since 1900 December 28 - Burmese politician Aung San raises a Burma Independence Army in Thailand to support the imminent Japanese invasion of his country Go to Thakin in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900
1942	Yitzhak Shamir becomes leader of the terrorist Stern gang in Palestine Go to Stern Gang in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel A report by UK economist William Beveridge proposes a wide-ranging social security programme for postwar Britain Go to Beveridge Report in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Dmitry Shostakovich's Seventh Symphony, mainly written during the siege of Leningrad, has its premiere in Kuybishev Go to Shostakovich, Dmitri (25 Sept. 1906) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Russia Leslie Howard directs and stars in The First of the Few, about the creator of the Spitfire, with music by William Walton Go to Howard, Leslie (1893–1943) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain US choreographer Merce Cunningham begins a long creative partnership with the composer John Cage Go to Cage, John (5 Sept. 1912) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Music North America United States Aaron Copland's ballet Rodeo has choreography by Agnes de Mille Go to Rodeo in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States David Lean and Noel Coward create a classic wartime film, In Which We Serve about the crew of a naval destroyer Go to Lean, Sir David (1908–91) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain A Jewish girl in Amsterdam, Anne Frank, is given a diary for her thirteenth birthday Go to Frank, Anne (1929–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Judaism Social and domestic Europe Netherlands Society Mahatma Gandhi launches the Quit India Movement, calling on a large crowd in Bombay to 'do or die' in the struggle to expel the British Go to Gandhi, Mahatma (1869–1948) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Algerian nationalist Ferhat Abbas produces a manifesto demanding independence from France Go to Abbas, Ferhat (b. 24 Oct. 1899) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires French author Albert Camus creates an early anti-hero in his novel The Outsider (L'étranger) Go to Camus, Albert (1913–60) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature French literature Fiction Europe France Mahatma Gandhi and nearly all the leaders of India's Congress party are arrested and will remain in prison until the end of the war Go to Gandhi, ‘Mahatma’ (1869–1948) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires French author Marguerite Duras makes her name with her partly autobiographical novel The Sea Wall Go to Duras, Marguerite (1914–1996) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Literature French literature Fiction Europe France French music student Pierre Boulez joins a harmony class taught by Olivier Messiaen at the Paris Conservatoire Go to Boulez, Pierre (1925) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe France Italian director Luchino Visconti's first film, Obsession, brings neorealism to the cinema Go to Visconti, Luchino (1906–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe Italy US poet Ezra Pound, in Italy during the war, broadcasts Fascist propaganda aimed at the United States Go to Pound, Ezra (1885–1972) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Italian literature Poetry Europe Italy North America United States US poet Randall Jarrell publishes his first collection, Blood for a Stranger Go to Jarrell, Randall (1914–65) in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States Michael Curtiz directs Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman in Casablanca Go to Bergman, Ingrid (1915–1982) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States James Cagney stars in the screen musical Yankee Doodle Dandy, directed by Michael Curtiz Go to Cagney, James (1899–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Katherine Hepburn and Spencer Tracy star in the first of many films together, Woman of the Year Go to Hepburn, Katharine (1909–2003) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States A rich hoard of Roman silver is unearthed near Mildenhall, in Suffolk Go to Mildenhall treasure in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain English children's author Enid Blyton introduces the Famous Five in Five on a Treasure Island Go to Blyton, Enid Mary (1897–1968) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Thornton Wilder's play The Skin of our Teeth has a mixed reception at its New Haven premiere Go to Skin of Our Teeth, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States US crooner Bing Crosby sings Irving Berlin's White Christmas Go to Crosby, Bing (1904–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States January - Aung San's Burma Independence Army enters Burma as part of the Japanese invasion Go to Burma Campaigns (January 1942–August 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 January - before the end of the month the Japanese control the whole of Malaya Go to Malayan campaign (Dec. 1941–Feb. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 January 20 - Reinhard Heydrich convenes a meeting at Wannsee to discuss the practical details of the 'final solution' Go to Wannsee conference in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 February - Arthur Harris is put in charge of British Bomber Command, and is later much criticized for his ruthless approach Go to Harris, Arthur Travers (b. 13 Apr. 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain February - Joseph Stilwell is appointed to head the US military mission to Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) Go to Stilwell, Gen Joseph Warren (1883–1946) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia China Wars since 1900 North America United States February - an Indian National Army is formed among Indian soldiers captured by the Japanese, with the purpose of evicting the British from India Go to Indian National Army in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 February - Hitler's chief architect, Albert Speer, is put in charge of Germany's armaments programme Go to Speer, Albert (b. 19 Mar. 1905) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 February 1 - Vidkun Quisling, founder of the Norwegian Fascist party, is appointed president of German-occupied Norway Go to Quisling, Vidkun Abraham Lauritz Jonsson (b. 18 July 1887) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 February 15 - Singapore falls to the continuing Japanese onslaught in southeast Asia Go to Singapore, fall of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 February 19 - Japanese aircraft attack Australia, bombing Darwin's harbour and air force base Go to Darwin bombing in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Australia and Oceania Wars since 1900 Australia March - the Nazis build a new style of concentration camp, at Auschwitz in Poland, in which the fit will work and the unfit will be killed Go to Auschwitz in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 from March - German industrial enterprises are moved from the vulnerable Ruhr valley to the slave labour facilities of Auschwitz Go to Auschwitz in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900 March 8 - the Japanese invasion of Papua signals the start of the three-year New Guinea campaign Go to New Guinea Campaign in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 April - British engineer Barnes Wallis designs a bouncing and rotating bomb for use against German dams Go to Wallis, Barnes (1887–1979) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain April - Pierre Laval becomes head of the government in German-backed Vichy France Go to Laval, Pierre (1883–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 April - Germany launches a bombing campaign specifically targeting historic British cities with three stars in the Baedeker guidebook Go to Baedeker raids in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain April 15 - George VI awards the George Cross (for civilian valour) to the entire besieged island of Malta Go to Malta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 April 18 - US planes, flying from an aircraft carrier, undertake a difficult bombing raid on Tokyo Go to Doolittle Raid in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 May - after losing the Philippines to the Japanese, Douglas MacArthur declares 'I shall return' Go to MacArthur, Douglas (1880–1964) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 May - Burma becomes the last in the series of important southeast Asian territories to fall into Japanese hands Go to Pacific Campaigns (1941–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 May - German theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer flies to neutral Sweden to contact the British on behalf of conspirators against Hitler Go to Bonhoeffer, Dietrich (1906–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Wars since 1900 May - William Slim gets the remaining British forces back to India from Burma, in a fighting withdrawal that lasts two months Go to Slim, William Joseph, 1st Viscount (b. 6 Aug. 1891) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 May 27 - Reinhard Heydrich is fatally wounded by Free Czech agents parachuted in from Britain Go to Heydrich, Reinhard (b. 7 Mar. 1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 May 31 - three Japanese midget submarines penetrate Sydney harbour in Australia Go to Sydney harbour, attack on in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Australia and Oceania Wars since 1900 Australia June - US physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer is appointed director of the Manhattan Project to develop a nuclear weapon Go to Manhattan Project in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Wars since 1900 North America United States June 7 - US planes sink four Japanese aircraft carriers in the battle of Midway, halting for the first time Japan's aggressive expansion Go to Midway Island, Battle of (4 June 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 June 9 - Hitler orders a massacre at Lidice, a village near Prague, in retaliation for the death of Heydrich Go to Heydrich, Reinhard (1904–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 June 21 - German general Erwin Rommel captures Tobruk, along with 33,000 British soldiers and valuable supplies Go to Tobruk, Siege of (1941–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 July - Anne Frank and her family go into hiding in an Amsterdam attic Go to Frank, Anne (1929–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Social and domestic War Europe Netherlands Society Wars since 1900 July - Treblinka is constructed, in Poland, as the Nazis' first large-scale and purpose-built death camp Go to Treblinka in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 July - a renewed German campaign eastwards in Russia results in the capture of Sebastopol and the Crimea Go to Eastern Front Campaigns in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July - Russia's new heavy industry is relocated to the east to escape the German advance Go to Urals in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July 4 - Auchinleck finally stops Rommel's advance, in the first battle of El Alamein Go to El Alamein, Battles of (1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 August - US general Dwight Eisenhower is appointed to command Allied landings in north Africa Go to North African Campaigns (June 1940–May 1943) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War US presidents Africa North Africa Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States August 7 - US and Japanese forces begin a violent six-month struggle for Guadalcanal, one of the Solomon Islands Go to Guadalcanal, battle for (1942–3) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 August 13 - Bernard Montgomery is appointed commander of the demoralized British and Commonwealth Eighth Army in North Africa Go to Montgomery, Bernard (1887–1976) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Africa North Africa Europe Wars since 1900 Britain August 19 - Canadian troops provide most of the assault force in a disastrous raid on Dieppe Go to Dieppe Raid (19 Aug. 1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 North America Canada August 30 - Rommel's new thrust towards Alexandria is halted by the British at Alam al-Halfa, a ridge near El Alamein Go to Alamein, El, Battle of (1942) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 September 13 - a desperate battle begins for the city of Stalingrad, with house-to-house fighting between Germans and Russians Go to Stalingrad, Battle of (1942–43) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 October 3 - the German V-2 rocket is successfully tested by Wernher von Braun and his team at Peenemünde Go to V-weapons in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering Weapons Germany October 23 - Montgomery launches the second battle of El Alamein against Rommel Go to El Alamein, Battles of (1942) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Africa North Africa Egypt Wars since 1900 November - in a few weeks Montgomery and the Eighth Army push Rommel back some 1200 miles, into Tunisia Go to North African Campaigns (June 1940–May 1943) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 November 8 - American and British forces, under Dwight Eisenhower, land in Morocco and Algeria Go to Torch, Operation in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War US presidents Africa North Africa Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 November 11 - Hitler, disregarding the armistice, sends German troops to take control of Vichy France Go to Vichy government (1940–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 November 12 - after three days of resistance the French commanders in north Africa bring their troops over to the Allied side Go to North African Campaigns (June 1940–May 1943) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 November 25 - Soviet tanks complete the encirclement of 20 German divisions at Stalingrad Go to Stalingrad, Battle of (Sept. 1942 – Jan. 1943) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 November 27 - French crews in Toulon scuttle the fleet to prevent it falling into German hands Go to French fleet, scuttling of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 December 2 - Enrico Fermi and his team in Chicago achieve the first nuclear chain reaction Go to Fermi, Enrico (1901–54) in A Dictionary of Physics (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Wars since 1900 North America United States December 2 - the loss of merchant shipping to U-boats reaches a peak in the Battle of the Atlantic, with 1.5 million tons sunk in the last quarter of the year Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada United States December 17 - an international declaration condemns Germany's 'bestial policy of cold-blooded extermination' Go to Karski, Jan (1914–2000) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900
1943	French philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre expounds his theory of existentialism in Being and Nothingness ('L'Être et le néant') Go to Sartre, Jean‐Paul (1905–80) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature French literature Philosophy Europe France The musical Oklahoma! launches the partnership of Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II Go to Oklahoma! in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America United States English contralto Kathleen Ferrier makes her London début in Handel's Messiah in Westminster Abbey Go to Ferrier, Kathleen (1912–1953) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Power is seized in Argentina by a new military junta, the Group of United Officers Go to Perón, Juan Domingo (1895–1974) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Argentina South America 11-year-old Elizabeth Taylor co-stars with a collie in Lassie Come Home Go to Lassie in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Basil Brooke begins an unbroken 20-year period in office as Unionist prime minister of northern Ireland Go to Brooke, Basil Stanlake, 5th Baronet and 1st Viscount Brookeborough (b. 9 June 1888) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles Europe Ireland Britain William Tubman begins a 28-year spell as president of Liberia Go to Tubman, William Vacanarat Shadrach (Nov. 1895) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa West Africa Zoot Suit riots, starting in Los Angeles, target young Mexican Americans Go to zoot-suit riots in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression North America United States British conductor John Barbirolli is appointed to direct the Hallé orchestra Go to Barbirolli, Sir John (2 Dec. 1899) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Pablo Picasso transforms a bicycle's handlebars and saddle into Head of a Bull Go to Picasso, Pablo (1881–1973) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Sculpture French art Europe France The Ba'th party is founded by Michel Aflaq and others in Syria, with a pan-Arab political agenda Go to Aflaq, Michel (b. 1910) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Future Israeli prime minister Menachem Begin becomes leader of the underground terrorist group Irgun Go to Irgun in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 is repealed in the US, but there are to be only 105 Chinese immigrants each year Go to Chinese Exclusion Acts in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society North America United States Jean-Paul Sartre begins a new career as a dramatist with his first play, The Flies ('Les Mouches') Go to Flies, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature French literature Drama Europe France January - Hitler appoints Karl Dönitz as commander of the German navy Go to Dönitz, Karl (b. 16 Sept. 1891) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 January 12 - Roosevelt and Churchill meet in Casablanca for a strategic conference Go to Casablanca Conference in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Africa North Africa Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 January 24 - the Casablanca Conference includes the decision to insist on unconditional surrender by the Axis powers Go to Casablanca Conference in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 January 31 - with much of the German Sixth Army destroyed, the survivors led by Field Marshal Friedrich Paulus surrender at Stalingrad Go to Paulus, Friedrich (b. 23 Sept. 1890) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Europe Russia Wars since 1900 February 9 - Orde Wingate and his Chindits launch a guerrilla campaign behind the Japanese lines in Burma Go to Wingate, Orde (1903–44) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 February 9 - after a six-month battle, US troops win the Pacific base of Guadalcanal from the Japanese Go to Guadalcanal, battle for (1942–3) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 March 20 - Mao Zedong becomes official leader of the Chinese Communist Party, as the elected Chairman of the Central Committee and the Politburo Go to Mao Zedong (1893–1976) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Protest and rebellion War Asia East Asia China Wars since 1900 April - Martin Bormann, previously head of the party secretariat, becomes Hitler's personal secretary Go to Bormann, Martin (1900–?1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 April 19 - new Allied successes against the German U-boats provide a turning point in the battle of the Atlantic Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada United States April 19 - Jews in Warsaw resist a fierce German onslaught for a month before their ghetto is finally destroyed Go to Warsaw Ghetto in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 April-May - the Allied destruction of U-boats climbs to its highest level in the Battle of the Atlantic, with 56 sunk in two months Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 North America United States May - the victory of the Allies in north Africa brings to an end the three-year siege of Malta Go to Malta in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 May 7 - the Allies capture Tunis, taking 250,000 German and Italian prisoners and winning control of North Africa Go to North African campaigns (June 1940–May 1943) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa North Africa Wars since 1900 May 16 - two hydroelectric schemes in the Ruhr valley are destroyed by the RAF's Dam Busters and their bouncing bombs in Operation Chastise Go to Dam Busters in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 July 10 - British and American troops land in Sicily to begin the Italian campaign Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Sicily Europe Italy Wars since 1900 July 13 - Hitler's attempt to take Kursk (in response to Stalingrad) results in the German loss of 70,000 men and 1500 tanks Go to Kursk, Battle of (1943) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 July - Belsen, used as a prisoner-of-war camp since 1940, is turned into a concentration camp Go to Bergen-Belsen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 July 25 - the king of Italy, Victor Emmanuel III, has Mussolini arrested and appoints in his place a field marshal, Pietro Badoglio Go to Badoglio, Pietro (b. 28 Sept. 1871) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 July 28 - the Hamburg Fire Department coins the word Feuersturm ('firestorm') to describe the unprecedented effects of an RAF raid on the city Go to firestorms in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 August 3 - Italians signs a secret armistice with the Allies, as Allied troops land in Sicily Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Sicily Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 8 - British general Harold Alexander is appointed commander-in-chief of all Allied forces in the Italian campaign Go to Alexander, Harold Rupert Leofric George, 1st Earl Alexander (1891–1969) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 12 - on Hitler's orders, the SS rescue Mussolini from house arrest in the mountains of central Italy Go to Skorzeny, Otto (1908–75) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 16 - all German and Italian troops are by now driven out of Sicily or captured by the Allies Go to Sicily Campaign in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Sicily Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 17 - the RAF bomb the German V-2 rocket research station at Peenemünde Go to Peenemünde raid in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 August 23 - Allied bombers begin four months of night-time raids on Berlin Go to Berlin air offensive in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 September - a strong Allied force lands at Salerno, south of Naples Go to Salerno landing (1943) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 September 8 - Italy, abandoning her Axis partners, surrenders unconditionally to the Allies Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 September 27 - a premature uprising against the Germans in Naples results in a massacre of the inhabitants Go to Naples rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 October - British admiral Louis Mountbatten is appointed to head the new Southeast Asia Command, with his headquarters in Delhi Go to Mountbatten, Louis, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900–79) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Wars since 1900 Britain October - British general William Slim is appointed to command the Fourteenth Army, formed specifically for the campaign to recover Burma Go to Burma Campaigns (Jan. 1942–May 1945) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 October 1 - the Allies move north from Salerno and capture Naples Go to Naples rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 October 13 - Italy changes sides and declares war on her recent ally, Germany Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 October 24 - Subhash Chandra Bose, as leader of the Indian National Army, declares war on Britain Go to Indian National Army in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 November - the Germans halt the Allied advance along the Gustav Line, which includes Monte Cassino Go to Gustav Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 November - Mussolini becomes Hitler's puppet ruler of a new Fascist republic in north Italy Go to Salò, Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 December - Carl ('Tooey') Spaatz is appointed to command the US Strategic Air Forces in Europe Go to Spaatz, Carl A. (1891–1974) in The Oxford Companion to American Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 North America United States Colossus Mark I, the world's first computer, goes into decoding service at Bletchley Park in Britain Go to Colossus in A Dictionary of Computing (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Science War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain
1944	Ibn Saud and his US partners set up ARAMCO, the Arabia-American Oil Company Go to Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud (b. 24 Nov. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Asia West Asia Society North America United States Commissioned by a church in Northampton to sculpt a Madonna and Child, British sculptor Henry Moore produces the first of his family groups Go to Moore, Henry (1898–1986) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Sculpture British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Saul Bellow publishes his first novel, Dangling Man, a study of an intellectual adrift as he waits to be drafted into the army Go to Dangling Man in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Composer Leonard Bernstein and choreographer Jerome Robbins work together on the ballet Fancy Free Go to Fancy Free in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in Buchenwald, writes his Letters and Papers from Prison Go to Bonhoeffer, Dietrich (1906–45) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Germany The monastery and town of Monte Cassino are left in ruins after the Allies finally break through the German defences Go to Cassino, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Europe Italy Fancy Free becomes On the Town, a Broadway musical by Leonard Bernstein, directed by Jerome Robbins Go to On the Town (1944) in The Oxford Companion to American Theatre (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Theatre North America United States The World Bank and IMF are conceived at an international conference in the USA, at Bretton Woods, New Hampshire Go to Bretton Woods Conference (July 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Society North America United States 12-year-old Elizabeth Taylor co-stars with a horse in the film National Velvet Go to Taylor, Dame Elizabeth (1932–2011) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Boston writer Robert Lowell publishes his first book of poems, Land of Unlikeness Go to Lowell, Robert (1917–77) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States Jorge Luis Borges publishes Fictions, a collection of short stories Go to Borges, Jorge Luis (1899–1986) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Fiction Latin America Argentina South America The separate poems forming T.S. Eliot's Four Quartets are brought together for the first time as a single volume, published in New York Go to Eliot, T. S. (1888–1965) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America United States Laurence Olivier directs and stars in a patriotic film of Henry V with stirring music by William Walton Go to Olivier, Laurence Kerr, Baron Olivier of Brighton (1907–89) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain An uprising in Guatemala brings in a revolutionary junta and a left-wing programme of reform Go to Arévalo Bermejo, Juan José (10 Sept. 1904) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Latin America Central America Aaron Copland's ballet Appalachian Spring has choreography by Martha Graham Go to Appalachian Spring in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Music North America United States January - US general Dwight Eisenhower is appointed to command the Allied invasion of Normandy Go to Eisenhower, Dwight David (1890–1969) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 US presidents Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain North America United States January 10 - Galeazzo Ciano, Mussolini's son-in-law, is sentenced to death at the Verona trials and is executed Go to Verona trials in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 January 12 - the RAF's first jet, the Gloster Meteor, flies with a Whittle engine Go to Whittle, Sir Frank (1907–96) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology Engineering War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain January 22 - in Operation Shingle an Allied force lands at Anzio, on the west coast of Italy behind the German lines Go to Anzio, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 January 27 - the German siege of Leningrad is finally broken, after 900 days Go to Leningrad, Siege of (1941–4) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 February - after relieving Leningrad, the Russians begin to drive the Germans back on all fronts Go to Eastern Front Campaigns in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 February 17 - US bombers destroy Japanese warships and planes in Operation Hailstone, a radar-guided night attack on the Truk Islands Go to Truk Atoll in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 March - a volunteer force, known as Merrill's Marauders, is commanded by Frank Merrill in US operations against the Japanese in Burma Go to Merrill's Marauders in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 March-June - William Slim secures the first Allied victories in the Burma campaign, at Imphal and Kohima in northeast India Go to Imphal, battle of (1945) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 May 18 - after a campaign of four months the monastery at Monte Cassino is captured, by Polish troops Go to Cassino, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 June 4 - a multinational Allied force moves fast from Monte Cassino to capture Rome Go to Italian Campaign (July 1943–May 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 June 6 - the Allies cross the Channel on D-day for the Normandy invasion Go to Normandy Campaign (1944) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 6 - British general Bernard Montgomery commands the Allied land forces in the Normandy Landing on D-day Go to D‐Day (6 June 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 9 - two pre-constructed harbours, known by the code name Mulberries, are towed across the Channel to Normandy Go to Mulberry in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain June 10 - German troops massacre more than 600 civilians in the French village of Oradour Go to Oradour massacre in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe France Wars since 1900 June 13 - the first V-1 flying bombs (or doodlebugs) appear over London, numbering more than 2000 in two weeks Go to V-weapons in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain July 9 - American marines win the island of Saipan in the Marianas, bringing Japan within range of US bombers Go to Saipan, capture of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 July 20 - Adolf Hitler narrowly escapes death from a bomb placed by Claus von Stauffenberg Go to Stauffenberg, Claus, Graf Schenk von (1907–1944) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination War Germany Wars since 1900 July 25 - the Messerschmitt Me 262 fighter-bomber flies into combat, introducing the jet era in aerial warfare Go to Messerschmitt in A New Dictionary of Eponyms (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology Engineering War Germany Wars since 1900 from July - more than 5000 Germans, among them Rommel, die because of the Stauffenberg plot Go to July Plot (20 July 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion War Germany Wars since 1900 August - the Allied advance in Italy comes to a halt at the Gothic Line of German defences, north of Florence Go to Gothic Line in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 August 1 - members of the Polish resistance rise against the Germans in Warsaw, in a conflict lasting two months and bringing massive casualties Go to Warsaw Rising in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 August 4 - the hiding place in Amsterdam of Anne Frank and her family is discovered by the Gestapo Go to Frank, Anne (1929–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Netherlands Wars since 1900 August 15 - the Seventh US army, commanded by Alexander Patch, opens another front with a landing on the French Riviera Go to French Riviera in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 19 - George Patton gets a division of his Third US Army across the Seine southeast of Paris Go to Patton, George Smith (b. 11 Nov. 1885) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 19 - barricades are built in the streets as Parisians stage an impromptu uprising against the Germans Go to Paris rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 24 - tanks of the Second French Armoured Division are the first of the Allies to enter and liberate Paris Go to Paris, liberation of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 24 - Romania changes sides to fight with the Red Army against Germany Go to Michael (1921) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 August 26 - General de Gaulle walks down the Champs Elysées, and then on to Notre Dame, to massive acclaim Go to de Gaulle, Charles (1890–1970) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 September - Raoul Wallenberg, a Swedish diplomat in Budapest, saves thousands of Jews from extermination Go to Wallenberg, Raoul (1912–c. 1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Europe Hungary Sweden Wars since 1900 September 3 - British forces liberate Brussels and on the next day reach Antwerp Go to Antwerp, Liberation of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Belgium Wars since 1900 September 8 - the first V-2 rocket lands on London, killing three people in Chiswick Go to V-weapons in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain September 8 - the first of many thousands of war brides arrive in Canada, mainly from Great Britain Go to war brides in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain North America Canada September 8 - Bulgaria changes to the Allied side and Communists take control in Sofia Go to Bulgaria in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Communism War Europe Wars since 1900 September 20 - Douglas MacArthur lands US troops on Leyte as the first step in recovering the Philippines Go to Philippines Campaign (1944–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 September 25 - 7500 British troops, trapped on the far side of the Rhine at Arnhem, are captured by the Germans Go to Arnhem in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Belgium Netherlands Wars since 1900 October 7 - delegates from 39 nations meet at Dumbarton Oaks, near Washington DC, to plan the future United Nations Go to Dumbarton Oaks Conference (1944) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 North America United States October 11 - Hungary signs an armistice with the USSR Go to Horthy de Nagybánya, Admiral of the Fleet Miklós (1868–1957) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Hungary Russia Wars since 1900 October 18 - Athens is liberated and the Greek government-in-exile returns, with George Papandreou at its head Go to British expedition to Greece in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 October 25 - Japanese pilots fly the first of World War II's suicide or kamikaze missions Go to kamikaze in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Weapons Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 October 25 - victory over Japan in a massive 2-day battle at Leyte Gulf assures US recovery of Philippines Go to Leyte Gulf, Battle of (Oct. 1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles US presidents Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 November - Tito and his partisans, with Soviet assistance, liberate Belgrade Go to Tito (1892–1980) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Communism War Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 November 7 - President Roosevelt, although seriously ill, is elected for a fourth term with Harry S. Truman as his vice-president Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States November 24 - American B-29 bombers take off from the newly captured Saipan on the long trip to bomb Tokyo Go to Superfortress in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 November 28 - Allied bombs destroy the strategic bridge in Thailand over the River Kwai, built by the Japanese using prisoners of war as slave labour Go to Burma–Thailand railway in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 December 3 - civil war breaks out in Greece between rival groups of partisans resisting demobilization Go to Greek civil war (1944–5) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Greece Wars since 1900 December 16 - the Germans stage a counter-attack in the Ardennes region before being pushed back in the Battle of the Bulge Go to Ardennes offensive (1944) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 December 21 - with Budapest still in German hands, the Soviets set up a provisional Hungarian government, at Debrecen Go to Rakosi, Matyas (1892–1971) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 December 26 - the Soviet army surrounds the Hungarian capital, Budapest Go to Budapest, siege of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Communism War Cold war Europe Hungary Wars since 1900
1945	January - Allied bombing of Berlin forces Hitler to take refuge in his underground bunker Go to Hitler, Adolf (b. 20 Apr. 1889) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 January 17 - after Soviet troops liberate Hungary, Raoul Wallenberg is abducted and vanishes Go to Wallenberg, Raoul (1912–c. 1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 January 27 - the Red Army liberates the surviving prisoners at Auschwitz, who include the Italian novelist Primo Levi Go to Auschwitz in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 Gamal Abdel Nasser and army colleagues form a secret party, the Free Officers, to fight for an independent Egyptian republic Go to Nasser, Gamal Abdel (1918–1970) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization British empire European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Empires Arab countries, gathered for a conference in Cairo, form the Arab League to further their joint interests Go to Arab League in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Africa North Africa Egypt English painter Francis Bacon creates a sensation with his Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion Go to Bacon, Francis (1909–1992) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain English author Nancy Mitford has her first success with the novel The Pursuit of Love Go to Mitford, Nancy (1904–73) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Maurice 'Rocket' Richard is the first to score 50 goals in a Canadian National Hockey League season Go to Richard, Maurice ‘Rocket’ (1921–2000) in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America Canada Austrian philosopher Karl Popper publishes The Open Society and its Enemies Go to Popper, Karl (1902–94) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Philosophy Austria US dramatist Tennessee Williams has his first success with The Glass Menagerie Go to Glass Menagerie, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States Benjamin Britten's opera Peter Grimes has its premiere in London, at the Sadler's Wells theatre Go to Peter Grimes in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Jean-Louis Barrault directs and stars in the film Les Enfants du Paradis Go to Barrault, Jean-Louis (1910–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe France Alexander Solzhenitsyn is sentenced to eight years in a Soviet labour camp for criticizing Stalin in a private correspondence Go to Solzhenitsyn, Alexander (1918–2008) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Europe Russia Demonstrations in Algeria spark off an uprising against French rule, which is put down with the loss of perhaps 10,000 Muslim lives Go to Parti du Peuple Algérien in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires Igor Stravinsky's Symphony in Three Movements, premiered in New York, derives from music written for or inspired by films Go to Stravinsky, Igor Feodorovich (1882–1971) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Russia North America United States Achmed Sukarno makes a unilateral declaration of Indonesian independence, and leads the subsequent struggle against the Dutch Go to Indonesian Revolution (1945–49) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire European empires from 1415 Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Europe Empires Austrian composer Anton Webern is accidentally killed near Salzburg by a soldier in the US occupation force Go to Webern, Anton Friedrich Wilhelm von (1883–1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Austria Juan Perón, professed friend of the poor in Argentina, is arrested by brother officers Go to Perón, Juan Domingo (8 Oct. 1895) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Argentina South America A mass demonstration by trade unions in Buenos Aires results in the release of Perón Go to Perón, Juan Domingo (8 Oct. 1895) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Argentina Brazil South America Russian-born novelist Vladimir Nabokov becomes a US citizen Go to Nabokov, Vladimir (1899–1977) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States British chemist Dorothy Hodgkin describes the molecular structure of penicillin Go to Hodgkin, Dorothy Crowfoot (1910–1994) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Chemistry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Le Corbusier's use of béton brut (raw concrete) introduces Brutalism Go to Brutalism in The Oxford Companion to Architecture (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture French architecture Europe France A new constitution strengthens Tito's hold on Yugoslavia, and is soon followed by repressive measures Go to Tito, Josip (b. 25 May 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe February 4 - Roosevelt, Stalin and Churchill meet at Yalta to discuss Allied post-war plans Go to Yalta Conference (February 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Communism War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Cold war Europe Russia Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 February 11 - Stalin agrees at Yalta to declare war on Japan after the end of the European war Go to Yalta Conference in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 February 11 - Stalin, at Yalta, promises free elections in post-war eastern Europe Go to Yalta conference (11 February 1945) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Cold war Europe Russia Wars since 1900 February 13 - British bombers launch a devastating raid against Dresden, killing tens of thousands in a firestorm Go to Dresden raid (February 1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 February 13 - the Germans surrender Budapest to the Soviets after a costly siege Go to Budapest, siege of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Hungary Wars since 1900 February 19 - American marines land on Japanese-occupied Iwo Jima, a volcanic island 650 miles southeast of Tokyo Go to Iwo Jima, Battle of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Wars since 1900 March 3 - after a four-month siege of the city Douglas MacArthur returns to Manila, from which he was ejected in 1942 by the Japanese Go to Philippines campaign (Oct. 1944–July 1945) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 March 6 - the Soviets install a puppet government in Romania while the fight continues against Germany Go to Groza, Petru (1884) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 March 7 - Tito becomes head of a provisional government in newly liberated Yugoslavia Go to Tito, Josip (b. 25 May 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 March 9 - napalm, used to bomb a crowded part of Tokyo, creates a firestorm in which 80,000 die Go to napalm in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Weapons Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 March 20 - William Slim drives the Japanese from Mandalay and moves on south to take Rangoon Go to Mandalay, battle of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 March 22 - Patton's Third US Army is the first Allied force to cross the Rhine, at Oppenheim, south of Mainz Go to Rhineland, battle of (1945) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 March 23 - Montgomery's Twenty-First Army Group crosses the Rhine at several points in the north Go to VERITABLE in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 March 24 - at a cost of 20,000 dead, US marines win full control of the small strategic island of Iwo Jima Go to Iwo Jima, Battle of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War US presidents Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 March 27 - Aung San's army, now named the Burma National Army, changes sides in a surprise move and attacks the Japanese Go to Aung San (1914–47) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Wars since 1900 April - Adolf Hitler orders a scorched earth policy within Germany, in the path of the advancing Allies Go to Germany, Battle for in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April 5 - US troops land on the island of Okinawa, only 300 miles from the main islands of Japan Go to Okinawa, Battle of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 April 5 - Dietrich Bonhoeffer is executed in a Nazi concentration camp just a month before the end of the war in Europe Go to Bonhoeffer, Dietrich (1906–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 April 6 - thousands of Japanese kamikaze pilots die in massed suicide attacks in defence of the island of Okinawa Go to kamikaze in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 April 11 - American troops discover the German concentration camp at Buchenwald Go to Buchenwald in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 April 12 - President Franklin D. Roosevelt dies and is succeeded by his vice-president, Harry S. Truman Go to Truman, Harry S. (1884–1972) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States April 12 - a US destroyer is sunk by a baka, a rocket-propelled version of a kamikaze attack Go to Baka bomb in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Weapons Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 April 13 - Russian forces reach and capture the Austrian capital, Vienna Go to Allied Control Commissions in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Austria Wars since 1900 April 15 - the British reach Belsen and reveal appalling Nazi atrocities, worse even than at Buchenwald Go to Bergen-Belsen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 April 25 - American and Soviet troops join up at Torgau, 70 miles south of Berlin Go to Torgau in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 April 25 - Soviet armies form a complete circle around Berlin to isolate the city Go to Berlin, battle of (May 1945) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 April 28 - Benito Mussolini and his mistress, Clara Petacci, are shot by partisans and their bodies are hung from a gibbet in Milan Go to Mussolini, Benito (1883–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 April 29 - against Hitler's specific orders, the commander of the German army in Italy surrenders to the Allies Go to Argenta Gap, battle of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 April 29 - Adolf Hitler marries Eva Braun in his bunker, and holds a champagne reception with Goebbels as the principal guest Go to Braun, Eva (1912–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 April 30 - Hitler chooses Admiral Dönitz as his successor and appoints his cabinet Go to Doenitz, Karl (1881–1980) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 April 30 - Adolf Hitler and Eva Braun retire to their marital quarters in the Berlin bunker and commit suicide Go to Hitler, Adolf (1889–1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 April 30 - Soviet troops storm the Reichstag in the centre of Berlin on the day when Adolf Hitler commits suicide in his bunker below them Go to Berlin, fall of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Cold war Germany Wars since 1900 April 30 - Anglo-US Fascist William Joyce ('Lord Haw Haw') makes his final English broadcast from Hamburg Go to Joyce, William (1906–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Performing arts War Germany Wars since 1900 May 1 - in the Berlin bunker, on the day after Hitler's death, Goebbels arranges for his six children to be lethally injected, and himself and his wife to be shot Go to Goebbels, Josef (1897–1945) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War Germany Society Wars since 1900 May 2 - the German general commanding Berlin, Karl Weidling, surrenders the city to the Allies Go to Berlin, fall of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 May 4 - British general Bernard Montgomery receives the surrender of German forces in the north and west of Europe Go to Montgomery, Bernard Law, 1st Viscount Montgomery of Alamein (b. 17 Nov. 1887) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 May 5 - the citizens of Prague, and other cities in Czechoslovakia, rise against the Germans as the Red Army approaches from the east Go to Prague rising in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 May 7 - the unconditional surrender of all German forces is accepted at Eisenhower's headquarters Go to unconditional surrender in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 May 8 - World War II ends in Europe on V-E day (Victory in Europe day) Go to V-E Day in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War British prime ministers - from 1830 Society Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 May 23 - Heinrich Himmler, escaping in disguise, takes poison when he is identified Go to Himmler, Heinrich (7 Oct. 1900) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 June 21 - the Sudetenland is restored to Czechoslovakia, seven years after its transfer to Germany under the Munich Agreement Go to Sudetenland in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 June 22 - after a ferocious three-month battle, Okinawa is in US hands Go to Okinawa, capture of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 July 3 - the four Allied powers (USA, UK, France, USSR) provide occupation forces for separate zones of Austria, Germany and Berlin Go to Occupation of Germany in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Cold war Austria Germany Wars since 1900 July 16 - US scientists succeed in exploding an atom bomb at Alamogordo, a test site in the New Mexican desert Go to Nuclear Weapons. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Science Physics War Weapons US presidents Cold war Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States July 17 - Truman, Stalin and Churchill meet for a summit conference in Potsdam Go to Potsdam Conference (July–August 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Cold war Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 July 26 - the Japanese emperor Hirohito argues the case for surrender but fails to persuade the military Go to Hirohito (b. 29 Apr. 1904) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 July 26 - the British electorate dismisses Winston Churchill, giving the Labour party and Clement Attlee a landslide victory Go to Attlee, Clement, 1st Earl Attlee (1883–1967) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain July 26 - Winston Churchill, losing the postwar general election in Britain, has to yield his seat at Potsdam in mid-conference to Clement Attlee Go to Potsdam Conference (July–August 1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain August 6 - an atom bomb is dropped on Hiroshima, destroying four square miles of the city and killing 80,000 people Go to Hiroshima in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Science Physics War Weapons US presidents Asia East Asia Japan Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 August 8 - the USSR declares war on Japan, two days after an atom bomb has been dropped on Hiroshima Go to Japanese–Soviet campaigns and relations, 1939–45 in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Europe Russia Wars since 1900 August 9 - a second atom bomb is dropped from a US plane, this time over Nagasaki Go to Nagasaki in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Weapons Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August 12 - the Japanese in Korea surrender to the Russians in the north and to the Americans in the south Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Cold war Asia East Asia Korea Wars since 1900 August 14 - the emperor Hirohito, on the first occasion that his people have heard his voce, declares on radio that defeat must be accepted Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Performing arts Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August 15 - the Allies celebrate V-J Day – victory over Japan and the end of the war Go to V-J Day in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Japan Australia and Oceania Europe France Society Wars since 1900 Australia Britain North America Canada United States August 15 - a death sentence for the 89-year-old Vichy leader Philippe Pétain is commuted by de Gaulle to life imprisonment Go to Pétain, Philippe (b. 24 Apr. 1856) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 August 19 - with the surrender of the Japanese, Vietminh guerrillas seize the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi Go to Vietminh in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Wars since 1900 August 29 - Douglas MacArthur – in his role as Supreme Commander, Allied Powers – is appointed to administer postwar Japan Go to Japan, Occupation of (1945–52) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 September 2 - Ho Chi Minh proclaims the democratic republic of Vietnam, independent of the colonial power, France Go to Ho Chi Minh (1890–1969) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Europe Empires Wars since 1900 September 2 - World War II ends officially with the surrender of Japan, formally accepted by Douglas MacArthur Go to Japan, surrender of in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 US presidents Asia East Asia Japan Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 [1939-1945] - the death toll in World War II, double that of World War I, includes 17 million Russians and 8 million Chinese Go to World War II in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 [1939-1945] - by the end of the war the total number of Jews killed by the Nazis is around 6 million Go to Holocaust, the (1933–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism War Wars since 1900 [1939-1945] - in addition to 6 million Jews, the Nazi death camps have killed some 400,000 Gypsies and 100,000 'useless defectives' Go to Eugenics in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 September - Wernher von Braun and his team of scientists are taken to the USA to develop the German V-2 rocket into an intercontinental ballistic missile Go to von Braun, Werner Magnus Maximilian (1912–1977) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering North America United States October 15 - Vichy leader Pierre Laval, sentenced in a French court as a collaborator, is executed Go to Laval, Pierre (1883–1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe France Wars since 1900 October 24 - Vidkun Quisling, Fascist president of occupied Norway from 1942, is tried and executed for treason Go to Quisling, Vidkun Abraham Lauritz Jonsson (1887–1945) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Norway Wars since 1900 October 24 - fifty-one states agree the Charter of the United Nations, thus establishing the UN Go to United Nations in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 November 20 - twenty-two German defendants are put on trial in Nuremberg, charged with war crimes Go to Nuremberg Trials (1945–46) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 Evelyn Waugh publishes Brideshead Revisited, a novel about a rich Catholic family in England between the wars Go to Brideshead Revisited in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain In George Orwell's fable Animal Farm a ruthless pig, Napoleon, controls the farmyard using the techniques of Stalin Go to Animal Farm in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Richard Wright publishes Black Boy, an account of his early life in Mississippi and then Chicago Go to Black Boy in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States
1946	Sergei Eisenstein completes Part 2 of his intended epic film trilogy Ivan the Terrible Go to Eisenstein, Sergei Mikhailovich (1898–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe Russia Sadler's Wells Ballet moves to the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden (and is known from 1956 as the Royal Ballet) Go to Royal Ballet, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Perón, with the orchestrated support of gangs of thugs, is elected president of Argentina Go to Perón, Juan (b. 8 Oct. 1895) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Argentina South America The takeover of the Bank of England launches an extensive programme of nationalization by the Attlee government Go to nationalization in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain Eudora Welty sets her novel Delta Wedding in a contemporary southern plantation Go to Welty, Eudora (1909–2001) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Howard Hawks directs Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall in The Big Sleep Go to Big Sleep, The in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Syria becomes fully independent with the withdrawal of French forces Go to Syria in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Aung San's party, the Anti-Fascist People's Freedom League, wins a landslide victory in the Burmese election Go to Aung San (1915–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Frederick Ashton choreographs Symphonic Variations, to music by César Franck Go to Ashton, (Sir) Frederick (17 Sept. 1904) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain David Lean directs Trevor Howard and Celia Johnson in Noel Coward's Brief Encounter Go to Lean, Sir David (1908–1991) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Sonatine, for flute and piano, brings early success to French composer Pierre Boulez Go to Boulez, Pierre (1925– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe France The Communists become the largest party in Czechoslovakia, winning 38% of the vote in a free election Go to Czechoslovakia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Bohemia Cold war Czech Republic Wars since 1900 A new style of American painting, involving artists such as Arshile Gorky and Jackson Pollock, is given the name Abstract Expressionism Go to Abstract Expressionism in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting American painting American art North America United States US paediatrician Benjamin Spock recommends a permissive approach in his Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care Go to Baby and Child Care in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Society North America United States Eugene O'Neill's The Iceman Cometh, set in a down-and-out bar of the kind he had known in his youth, is performed in New York Go to Iceman Cometh, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States Victor Emmanuel III abdicates in favour of his son a month before a referendum on the Italian monarchy Go to Victor Emmanuel III (1869–1947) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Europe Italy Bulgarian bass Boris Christoff makes his debut in Puccini's La Bohème in Reggio Calabria Go to Christoff, Boris (Kirilov) (18 May 1914) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe The National Insurance Act secures state benefits in Britain for the sick, old and unemployed Go to National Insurance in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain The marriage of George Balanchine and Maria Tallchief unites two major stars of the US ballet scene Go to Tallchief, Maria (24 Jan. 1925) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States The first of about 20 US tests of atomic and hydrogen bombs is carried out on Bikini Atoll, in the Pacific Go to Bikini atoll in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Weapons Australia and Oceania Pacific Islands Australian painter Sidney Nolan begins a series of paintings on the theme of Ned Kelly Go to Nolan, Sir Sidney (22 Apr. 1917) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting Australia and Oceania Australia Irgun terrorists detonate a bomb in the King David Hotel in Jerusalem, killing 91 people Go to Irgun in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Jerusalem Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Robert Lowell's second collection, Lord Weary's Castle, contains 'The Quaker Graveyard in Nantucket' and 'Mr Edwards and the Spider' Go to Lord Weary's Castle in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States Communist leader Enver Hoxha begins nearly 40 years as dictator of Albania Go to Hoxha, Enver (16 Oct. 1908) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 ENIAC is the world's first general-purpose electronic calculator Go to ENIAC in A Dictionary of Computing (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America United States Ezra Pound, charged with treason for his wartime broadcasts, begins twelve years in a US hospital for the criminally insane Go to Pound, Ezra Weston Loomis (1885–1972) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States US poet Elizabeth Bishop publishes her first collection of poems, North and South Go to Bishop, Elizabeth (1911–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States Benjamin Britten bases his Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra on a theme by Purcell Go to Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra, The in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Germany's former foreign minister, Joachim von Ribbentrop, is sentenced to death at Nuremberg and is hanged Go to Ribbentrop, Joachim von (1893–1946) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Germany German conductor Wilhelm Furtwängler is acquitted of the charge of collaborating with the Nazis Go to Furtwängler, (Gustav Heinrich Ernst Martin) Wilhelm (25 Jan. 1886) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Germany The Indochina War breaks out in Vietnam between the French colonial forces and the Vietminh Go to Indochina War (1946–54) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War European empires from 1415 French empire Cold war Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Vietnam Europe Empires Wars since 1900 Rationing in Britain gets worse rather than better, with bread and potatoes now added to the list Go to food rationing in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Titus Groan begins British author Mervyn Peake's trilogy of gothic novels Go to Peake, Mervyn (1911–68) in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain British conductor Thomas Beecham founds the third orchestra of his career, calling it the Royal Philharmonic Go to Beecham, Sir Thomas (1869–1961) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain January 1: the Japanese emperor Hirohito renounces his traditional divine status and declares that he is mortal Go to Hirohito in The Oxford Companion to the Politics of the World (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 January 5: William Joyce, widely known as Lord Haw-Haw, is hanged by the British as a traitor Go to Joyce, William (1906–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain March 5: Winston Churchill, in a speech in Fulton, Missouri, expresses the harsh truth that an iron curtain has descended across Europe Go to ”Iron Curtain” speech in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Cold war Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain March 27: twenty-five Japanese defendants are put on trial in Tokyo, charged with war crimes Go to Tokyo War Crimes Trial in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 April 18 - the discredited League of Nations is finally disbanded Go to League of Nations in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 October 1 - twelve of the defendants at Nuremberg are sentenced to death by hanging Go to Nuremberg Trials in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 October 15: Hermann Goering, sentenced to death at Nuremberg, kills himself with a potassium cyanide capsule the night before he is due to be hanged Go to Goering, Hermann Wilhelm (1893–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 December - John D. Rockefeller Jr. gives land along the East River in New York for a permanent United Nations headquarters Go to UN in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Wars since 1900 North America United States
1947	An election campaign in Poland, marked by violence and the use of terror, brings a Communist landslide Go to Poland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Democracy and dissent War Cold war Europe Poland Wars since 1900 Peacetime conscription, known as national service, is introduced in Britain for all 18-year-old males Go to conscription in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain US scientist Edwin Land demonstrates a new device, the Polaroid camera, to the Optical Society of America Go to instant photography in The Oxford Companion to the Photograph (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America United States English author and alcoholic Malcolm Lowry publishes an autobiographical novel, Under the Volcano Go to Under the Volcano in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The US Congress passes a National Security Act, setting up the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Go to CIA in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Capa, Cartier-Bresson and others found Magnum, a cooperative of leading photographers running their own picture agency Go to Magnum in The Oxford Companion to the Photograph (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Photography French art Europe France Swiss sculptor Alberto Giacometti begins to develop his characteristic style of tense elongated bronze sculpture Go to Giacometti, Alberto (10 Oct. 1901) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Sculpture Switzerland President Truman defines postwar US policy by pledging support for any nation defending itself against Communism Go to Truman Doctrine in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism War US presidents Cold war Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 North America United States Francis Poulenc makes an opera of Guillaume Apollinaire's play Les Mamelles de Tirésias ('The Breasts of Tiresias') Go to Poulenc, Francis Jean Marcel (1899–1963) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe France Thor Heyerdahl sets sail across the Pacific from Peru in a balsa wood boat, the Kon-Tiki Go to Heyerdahl, Thor (1914–2002) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Exploration Society Latin America Peru South America Bertolt Brecht's play The Life of Galileo has its premiere in Los Angeles with Charles Laughton in the lead Go to Life of Galileo in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English German literature Drama Germany North America United States Marlon Brando stars on Broadway in Tennessee Williams' A Streetcar named Desire Go to Streetcar Named Desire, A in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States Hungarian-born British engineer Dennis Gabor creates the first three-dimensional image from reflected light, subsequently known as a hologram Go to Gabor, Dennis (1900–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Technology Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Saxophonist 'Bird' Parker forms his own quintet in New York, often to be heard at Minton's Playhouse in Harlem Go to Parker, Charlie (1920) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States 33-year old Aung San, prime minister of Burma, and six of his ministers are assassinated during a cabinet meeting Go to Aung San (1915–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia East Asia Southeast Asia In granting independence to India, Britain partitions the subcontinent along sectarian lines into Pakistan and the republic of India Go to Partition in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Religion Islam British empire European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Louis Mountbatten, the last viceroy of India, becomes also the first governor-general Go to Mountbatten, Louis Francis Albert Victor Nicholas, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma (1900–79) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Empires Jawaharlal Nehru becomes prime minister of the newly independent republic of India Go to Nehru, Jawaharlal (1889–1964) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British empire European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe Empires Muslim leader Mohammed Ali Jinnah becomes the first governor-general of the new state of Pakistan Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British empire European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Pakistan Europe Empires J.B. Priestley challenges audiences with An Inspector Calls, a play in which moral guilt spreads like an infection Go to Inspector Calls, An in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Baseball-player Jackie Robinson becomes the first African American in a major league team Go to Robinson, Jackie (1919–1972) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States French designer Christian Dior introduces the 'New Look', a lavish feminine style of dress welcomed by all after wartime austerity Go to Dior, Christian (1905–57) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Europe France Society US artist Jackson Pollock's drip paintings cause a stir in New York Go to Pollock, Jackson (28 Jan. 1912) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting American painting American art North America United States Muslims proclaim an independent state in west Kashmir, defying the wishes of the maharaja Go to Kashmir in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Religion Islam Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Italian author Primo Levi publishes If This Is a Man, based on his experiences in Auschwitz Go to Levi, Primo (1919–1987) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Europe Italy Violent sectarian division in Kashmir results in war between India and Pakistan in support of the rival sides Go to Kashmir in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Pakistan The UN puts forward a plan for the partition of Palestine into separate Arab and Jewish states Go to Palestine in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Stafford Cripps becomes Britain's chancellor of the Exchequer in the Attlee government Go to Cripps, Richard Stafford (24 Apr. 1889) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Jean-Louis Barrault and his wife Madeleine Renaud establish their own company at the Théâtre Marigny in Paris Go to Barrault, Jean-Louis (1910–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Europe France An Arab boy, herding goats in the Qumran desert, finds the first of the Dead Sea Scrolls Go to Dead Sea Scrolls in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Judaism Science Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel The first transistor is produced in the Bell Laboratories in Murray Hill, New Jersey Go to transistor in The Oxford Companion to the History of Modern Science (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics North America United States The Italian novelist Primo Levi publishes If This Is a Man, describing his ten months in Auschwitz Go to Levi, Primo (1919–1987) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Italy Poland
1948	Mahatma Gandhi is assassinated at a Delhi prayer meeting by a Hindu extremist, Nathuram Godse Go to Gāndhī, Mohandas Karamchand (1869–1948) in A Dictionary of Hinduism (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Empires US zoologist Alfred Charles Kinsey publishes some unexpected findings in his Sexual Behaviour in the Human Male Go to Kinsey, Alfred Charles (1894–1956) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Social and domestic Society North America United States An armed coup, led by Klement Gottwald, imposes single-party Communist rule in Czechoslovakia Go to Gottwald, Klement (b. 23 Nov. 1896) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism War Bohemia Cold war Czech Republic Wars since 1900 The British government advertises in Jamaica for people to come and work in Britain Go to Empire Windrush in The Oxford Companion to Black British History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Society Latin America Caribbean The Cello Sonata by US composer Elliott Carter introduces 'metric modulation' Go to metric modulation in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States Norman Mailer has immediate success with his first novel, The Naked and the Dead, based on his military service in the Pacific Go to Naked and the Dead, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States US poet Theodore Roethke publishes The Lost Son, his second collection Go to Roethke, Theodore (1908–63) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States British dancer Robert Helpmann choreographs the ballet scenes in the film The Red Shoes, featuring Moira Shearer Go to Red Shoes, The (film musical) in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Australia, aiming for a 2% population increase each year, takes steps to encourage European immigration Go to Immigration in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Australia and Oceania Society Australia U Saw, a political rival of Aung San in Burma, is hanged for having plotted his assassination Go to Saw, U (1900–48) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Terrorism and assassination The Morris Minor is launched, designed by Alec Issigonis, and becomes one of Britain's best-selling cars Go to Issigonis, Sir Alec Arnold Constantine (1906–1988) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Israel declares its independence as a new Jewish state, with David Ben-Gurion as prime minister Go to Israel in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Six Arab states attack Israel in support of the Palestinians, starting the first Arab-Israeli war Go to Arab-Israeli Wars (1948–49) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Ezra Pound publishes Pisan Cantos, about his postwar imprisonment in an American detention centre near Pisa Go to Cantos, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Italian literature Poetry Europe Italy US novelist and poet Jack Kerouac coins a term for his contemporaries, the Beat Generation Go to Beat and Beat Generation in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction Poetry Social and domestic Society North America United States Christopher Fry's verse drama The Lady's Not For Burning engages in high-spirited poetic word play Go to Lady's Not for Burning, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain In the title of a new book US mathematician Norbert Wiener popularizes a term that he has coined, Cybernetics Go to Wiener, Norbert (1894–1964) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science North America United States The first West Indian immigrants to Britain arrive from Jamaica on the Empire Windrush Go to Empire Windrush in The Oxford Companion to Black British History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Migration Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Caribbean Vittorio de Sica directs the film Bicycle Thieves, a classic of Italian neorealism Go to De Sica, Vittorio (1901–1974) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe Italy George Balanchine's New York City Ballet becomes the resident company in the City Center for Music and Drama Go to New York City Ballet in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States George Marshall, the US secretary of state, launches a plan to distribute aid to sixteen European countries Go to Marshall Plan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 North America United States Daniel Malan becomes South Africa's prime minister after his National Party wins the general election Go to Malan, Daniel François (1874–1959) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Richard Strauss completes his Four Last Songs in the year before his death Go to Vier letzte Lieder in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Germany British astronomer Fred Hoyle puts forward a 'steady-state' theory of the universe, in which matter is continually created Go to Hoyle, Fred (1915–2001) in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Astronomy and space Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain John Huston directs Humphrey Bogart in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre, a film based on B. Traven's novel of 1927 Go to Huston, John (1906–1987) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States A 200-inch telescope goes into service at the Mount Palomar Observatory in California Go to Palomar Observatory in A Dictionary of Astronomy (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Astronomy and space North America United States Tito accepts Marshall Aid from the USA, setting Yugoslavia on the path of non-alignment in the Cold War Go to Yugoslavia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 The World Council of Churches is established in Amsterdam – a significant step in the ecumenical movement Go to World Council of Churches in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Christianity Europe Netherlands Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears together establish an annual festival in the Suffolk seaside town of Aldeburgh Go to Aldeburgh Festival in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The National Health Service comes into effect in Britain, providing free medical, dental and hospital services for the entire population Go to National Health Service in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Society Rulers and politicians Britain US lawyer Alger Hiss is denounced, controversially, as a Soviet spy Go to Hiss, Alger (1904–1996) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Cold war Wars since 1900 North America United States Ballerina Mikiko Matsuyama and her husband establish a family-run ballet company in Tokyo Go to Matsuyama Ballet in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Asia East Asia Japan In their manifesto Refus global fifteen artists and authors attack the values of conservative Quebec Go to Refus global in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion North America Canada Daniel Malan moves swiftly to reinforce apartheid, South Africa's already existing system of racial segregation Go to apartheid in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Social and domestic Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Society US psychologist B.F. Skinner trains laboratory rats to use their brains in his 'Skinner box' Go to Skinner box in The Oxford Companion to the Mind (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Life sciences North America United States Swiss-born French architect Le Corbusier introduces the Modulor, an architectural unit based on the Golden Section Go to Corbusier, Le. in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture French architecture Europe France Kim Il Sung becomes prime minister of North Korea on the withdrawal of the Soviet occupying force Go to Kim Il Sung (1912–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Asia East Asia Korea Wars since 1900 700,000 Palestinian Arabs flee from their homes in Israel and become refugees Go to Palestine in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Social and domestic Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Society The UN mediator in Palestine, Folke Bernadotte, proposes a peace plan involving the partition of Palestine Go to Palestine in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Jewish terrorists, opposed to the partition of Palestine, murder the UN peacemaker Folke Bernadotte Go to Bernadotte, Folke, Count (1895–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Donald Bradman retires from Test cricket with a tantalizing career average of 99.94 runs Go to Bradman, Sir Don (1908–2001) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Australia and Oceania Society Australia A nine-year civil war begins in Colombia, bringing eventually some 200,000 deaths Go to Colombia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Latin America South America French composer Pierre Schaeffer writes the first pieces of musique concrète, and coins the term Go to musique concrète in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe France Louis St-Laurent succeeds Mackenzie King as Liberal leader and prime minister of Canada Go to St Laurent, Louis (1 Feb. 1882) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics North America Canada US president Harry S. Truman wins election to the office in his own right Go to Truman, Harry S (8 May 1884) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Prime minister Ben Chifley sees Australia's first mass-produced car, the Holden, roll off the production line Go to Holden in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Travel and transport Technology Engineering Australia and Oceania Society Australia The Muslim Brotherhood carries out acts of terrorism against the Egyptian authorities and British troops Go to Muslim Brotherhood in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Religion Islam Africa North Africa Egypt Olivier Messiaen completes Turangaîlila-symphonie, a symphony in ten movements for an orchestra including ondes martenot Go to Turangalîla-symphonie in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe France Frederick Ashton's Cinderella, to music by Prokofiev, is the first full-length ballet by an English choreographer Go to Ashton, (Sir) Frederick (17 Sept. 1904) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain June 24 - the Soviet Union imposes a blockade on Berlin by denying the other powers access through the land corridor to the city Go to Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Europe Germany Russia Wars since 1900 June 26 - the Western powers respond to the Soviet blockade by launching the Berlin airlift, flying in necessary provisions of every kind Go to Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Cold war Germany Wars since 1900 December 23 - Japanese premier Tojo Hideki is convicted in the Tokyo war crimes trial and is hanged Go to Tojo, Hideki (1885–1948) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900
1949	The first Indo-Pakistani war ends with a Kashmir demarcation line approved by the UN but acceptable to neither state Go to Kashmir in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Pakistan Defeated by the Communists, Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) resigns before the final collapse of his regime Go to Chiang Kai-shek (1887–1975) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Asia East Asia China Roland Petit's ballet Carmen, starring himself and his wife Zizi Jeanmaire, is a sensation at its London premiere Go to Carmen in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Europe France Egypt controls the Gaza Strip area of Palestine at the end of the Arab-Israeli war Go to Gaza Strip in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Africa North Africa Egypt French ex-convict Jean Genet begins his literary career with an autobiographical Thief's Journal Go to Genet, Jean (1910–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Europe France Newfoundland joins Canada as its tenth province, completing the Confederation Go to Newfoundland and Labrador in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics North America Canada Jordan occupies the West Bank area of Palestine at the end of the Arab-Israeli war Go to West Bank in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is set up by the USA and Canada, together with Britain and other European countries, for purposes of collective security Go to NATO in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Cold war Wars since 1900 North America Canada United States Annie Allen, by US author Gwendolyn Brooks, describes in narrative verse the life of a black girl in contemporary USA Go to Annie Allen in The Concise Oxford Companion to African American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States Death of a Salesman, by US playwright Arthur Miller, has its first performance in New York Go to Death of a Salesman in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States The musical South Pacific, by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II, opens on Broadway Go to South Pacific (1949) in The Oxford Companion to American Theatre (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America United States US architect Philip Johnson builds the Glass House in Connecticut in the International Style Go to Johnson, Philip (1906–2005) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture American architecture North America United States Exceptional Scythian remains are found in frozen burial mounds at Pazyryk, in the Altai region of Siberia Go to Pazyryk, Siberia, Russia in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Asia Central Asia Radical young members, including Nelson Mandela, take control of the ANC Go to ANC in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Ealing Studios produce a film of Compton Mackenzie's 1947 novel Whisky Galore, about an alcoholic windfall on the island of Barra Go to Mackenzie, Sir Compton (1883–1972) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The first Soviet atomic bomb, called by the Americans Joe One, is successfully tested in Kazakhstan Go to Joe One in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Cold war Asia Central Asia Wars since 1900 Karl von Frisch demonstrates that bees make use of the polarized light of the sun to calculate direction Go to Frisch, Karl von (1886–1982) in A Dictionary of Zoology (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Life sciences Austria Germany Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra and Jules Munchin star as three US sailors on shore leave in the screen version of On the Town Go to On the Town in The Oxford Companion to the American Musical (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America United States The Christian Democrats win the first elections in Germany since 1933, and Konrad Adenauer becomes chancellor of West Germany Go to Adenauer, Konrad (b. 5 Jan. 1876) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany French author Simone de Beauvoir publishes The Second Sex, a widely influential feminist polemic Go to de Beauvoir, Simone (1908–86) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Europe France Society Bertolt Brecht establishes a new theatrical company, the Berliner Ensemble, in East Germany Go to Berliner Ensemble in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Germany Carol Reed directs The Third Man, starring Orson Welles and written by Graham Greene Go to Third Man, The in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Enid Blyton introduces her most successful character, Noddy, a small boy who can't avoid nodding when he speaks Go to Blyton, Enid in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Children's Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain French anthropologist Claude Lévi-Strauss publishes Elementary Structures of Kinship Go to Lévi-Strauss, Claude (1908–2009) in Dictionary of the Social Sciences (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Europe France British atomic physicist Klaus Fuchs is discovered to be a Soviet agent, passing nuclear secrets to the USSR Go to Fuchs, Klaus (1912–88) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Cold war Europe Wars since 1900 Britain The world's first commercial jet airliner, the Comet, designed by de Havilland, goes into service with BOAC (British Overseas Airways Corporation) Go to De Havilland, Sir Geoffrey (1882–1965) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Eire is renamed the republic of Ireland and withdraws from the Commonwealth, severing the last link with the British crown Go to Ireland, Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Mao Zedong, standing on the Gate of Heavenly Peace in Beijing, proclaims the new People's Republic of China Go to China, People's Republic of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Asia East Asia China Wars since 1900 Mao Zedong's long-standing ally Zhou Enlai heads both the home and foreign departments of the new republic Go to Zhou Enlai (b. 1898) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia East Asia China The British government declares that northern Ireland will remain British unless the parliament in Stormont decides otherwise Go to Ireland Act (1949) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Northern Ireland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Ireland Rulers and politicians Britain The technique of radiocarbon dating is developed by US chemist Willard Libby Go to Libby, Willard Frank (1908–1980) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Chemistry North America United States Robert Menzies returns as Australia's prime minister, and remains in the post for an unbroken sixteen years Go to Menzies, Robert Gordon (20 Dec. 1894) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Australia and Oceania Australia Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) sets up a new Republic of China in Taiwan, vowing to recapture the rest of the nation in due course Go to Taiwan in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War Cold war Asia East Asia Wars since 1900 The Dutch concede independence for Indonesia with Achmed Sukarno as president Go to Indonesia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dutch empire Asia East Asia Southeast Asia Empires Batavia reverts to its original name of Jakarta and becomes the capital of Indonesia Go to Jakarta in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Dutch empire Asia East Asia Empires George Orwell publishes Nineteen Eighty-Four, a novel set in a terrifying totalitarian state of the future, watched over by Big Brother Go to Nineteen Eighty‐Four in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain May 12 - the Soviet Union lifts the blockade on Berlin and the airlift ends, after providing for nearly a year a lifeline to the city Go to Berlin Blockade and Airlift (1948–1949) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Cold war Germany Wars since 1900 May 25 - the Federal Republic of Germany is formed from the British, French and US zones of occupation Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Cold war Germany Wars since 1900 May 30 - the USSR grants nominal independence to east Germany as the newly established German Democratic Republic Go to Germany in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Communism War Cold war Germany Wars since 1900

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date: 13 May 2025

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