US military under General MacArthur land at Inchon to aid South Korea after North Korean forces invade, but retreat after defeat by Chinese at Yalu River. MacArthur threatens to use nuclear weapons in Korea. Senator McCarthy accuses State Department employees of being Communists.
Communists establish People’s Republic of China led by Mao Zedong.
Germany is divided with Communist Federal Republic the east. NATO is established. FBI condemns popular movie and literary celebrities as Communist Party members in the second US “Red Scare”.
After serving the remainder of the late FDR’s term, Harry Truman is elected in a political upset. He signs the Marshall Plan to aid 16 war-torn nations. U.S. conducts an airlift, saving Berlin from Russian control. The World Health Organization is established by the U.N.
The US Marshall Plan aids rebuilding of European cities. Post-war tensions between US and Russia are described as a “Cold War”.
The S. S. Exodus leaves France for Palestine with 4,500 Jewish survivors. Without British immigration certificates, passengers were sent back to refugee camps in Europe.
President Roosevelt dies; Vice President Harry Truman takes his place.
Germany surrenders in May. Germany is divided among Allied occupation troops.
The first nuclear device of the Manhattan Project is detonated in New Mexico. In August, the US launches two atomic explosions over Japan: that country surrenders.
The war: In June (D Day), 176,000 Allied troops assault a 60-mile German front at Normandy the largest amphibious operation in history. Paris and Rome are liberated. In Amsterdam, a Nazi informer reveals the Frank family hideout. By July the Japanese are retreat from their conquests in British and American Pacific Island possessions.
Russians defend against invasion, encircling German divisions at Stalingrad with heavy military and civilian loss of life. Allies fight in Italy and by September, Italy surrenders. General Eisenhower becomes Supreme Commander in Europe.
Federal law declares all persons born in Puerto Rico are U.S. citizens.
In a radio broadcast, Churchill asks US to “Give us the arms, and we will finish the job”. Congress passes the Lend-Lease Act. The United Services Organization (USO) is created to entertain to troops.
