1942-1953

  • Executive order 9066 is signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt

  • The G.I. Bill of Rights is signed into law, providing benefits to veterans.

  • President Roosevelt dies suddenly; Vice President Harry S. Truman assumes the presidency and role as commander in chief of World War II.

  • The first atomic bomb, the Trinity Test, is exploded at Alamogordo, New Mexico, after its production at Los Alamos.

  • The Atomic Energy Commission is established.

  • Jackie Robinson breaks Major League Baseball's barrier against colored players

  • Executive Order 9981, ending segregation in the United States military, is signed into effect by President Harry S. Truman. More

  • Executive Order 9981, ending segregation in the United States military, is signed into effect by President Harry S. Truman. More

  • Executive Order 9981, ending segregation in the United States military, is signed into effect by President Harry S. Truman. More

  • Thirty-five military advisors are sent to South Vietnam to give military and economic aid to the anti-Communist government.

  • Julius and Ethel Rosenberg were found guilty of conspiracy of wartime espionage and sentenced to death.

  • President-elect Dwight D. Eisenhower travels to Korea to try and end the conflict.

  • The first color televisions go on sale.