1942-1953 By madisonbristow Feb 19, 1942 Executive order 9066 is signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt Jun 22, 1944 The G.I. Bill of Rights is signed into law, providing benefits to veterans. Apr 12, 1945 President Roosevelt dies suddenly; Vice President Harry S. Truman assumes the presidency and role as commander in chief of World War II. Jul 16, 1945 The first atomic bomb, the Trinity Test, is exploded at Alamogordo, New Mexico, after its production at Los Alamos. Aug 1, 1946 The Atomic Energy Commission is established. Apr 15, 1947 Jackie Robinson breaks Major League Baseball's barrier against colored players Jun 26, 1948 Executive Order 9981, ending segregation in the United States military, is signed into effect by President Harry S. Truman. More Mar 2, 1949 Executive Order 9981, ending segregation in the United States military, is signed into effect by President Harry S. Truman. More Jun 29, 1949 Executive Order 9981, ending segregation in the United States military, is signed into effect by President Harry S. Truman. More Jun 27, 1950 Thirty-five military advisors are sent to South Vietnam to give military and economic aid to the anti-Communist government. Mar 29, 1951 Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were found guilty of conspiracy of wartime espionage and sentenced to death. Nov 29, 1952 President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower travels to Korea to try and end the conflict. Dec 30, 1953 The first color televisions go on sale.