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Walt Disney Studios
Walt Disney Animation Studios released Pinocchio (1940), Fantasia (1940), Dumbo (1941), and Bambi (1942), All of which are now considred classics and some of Disney's best animation work. Production was soon suspended due to the drafting of many animators and because much of what was produced by the studio was for the army, like propaganda films. -
The Beginning of McDonalds
McDonalds began in 1940 with the opening of the resturant by brothers Richard and Maurice McDonald in San Bernardio, California. The fast food joint is now one of the most successful resturants worldwide. -
The Attack on Pearl Harbor
Pearl Harbor is a naval base based in Hawaii that sustained a surprise attack by the Japanese on December 7th 1941. The attack ended with 2,402 American lives lost. After the attack the US officially declares war on Japan and is eventually ended with the US dropping atomic bombs on Nagasaki and Hiroshima. -
The Release of 'White Christmas'
The best selling single of all time is released by Bing Crosby in 1942 entitled 'White Christmas'. The single has been released five more times after it's debut because of the rate of acclaim and success it was receiving. It has sold over 50 million copies worldwide. -
Nuclear Production
In 1942 President Roosevelt authorizes use of the Manhattan Project to try and build the world’s first atomic bomb. The first test of nuclear weaponry of the United States takes place in Alamogordo, New Mexico and is called the Trinity Test. It occurs in 1945 and is a success. -
The release of 'Casablanca'
Casablanca is an american romantic film directed by Michael Curtiz. The film consists of many A-list actors, writers, and producers. The film has one three Academy Awards, including best picture. It's memorable lines and theme song have all become iconic and the film is ranked almost at the top of many greatest films lists. -
The Invention of Silly Putty
In 1943 rubber products were rationed in the US and the government was funding programs to make synthetic rubber products and James Wright patented it in 1943. Soon after it's creation Wright found that it didn't have all the properties to replace rubber. In 1949 the putty reached a toy shop owner, Ruth Fallgatter, and she began to sell it in a clear plastic egg shaped case. It sold very well. -
Harry S. Truman assumes the position of President of the US
On April 12th 1945 President Roosevelt succumbs to a brain hemorrhage and Harry S. Truman takes the position of commander in chief of the last part of World War II. -
The Bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki
On August the United States dropped one of their atomic bombs on Hiroshima, Japan, killing tens of thousands of civilians. Three days later on August 9th the US dropped other atomic bomb on Japan but this time on Nagasaki killing more civilians. These bombing eventually lead to Japan's surrender from World War II. -
Jackie Robinson's Intergration with Baseball
Six days before the start of the baseball season in 1947 Jackie Robinson The Los Angeles Dodgers called him up and brought him up the the Major Leagues. He played his first game April 15th 1947 infront of 26,263 patrons, about 14,000 of which were black. Reception for Branch Rickey's decision of recruiting an african american to their Major League team was mixed.
