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Dumbarton Oaks Conference to form the United Nations opens in Washington 70 years ago today (Aug 21 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'dumbarton oaks conference'

(Monday, August 21, 1944; during World War II) — The United States, Britain, the Soviet Union and China opened talks at Dumbarton Oaks in Washington today, paving the way for establishment of the United Nations.

Allies close Falaise pocket, defeating Germans 70 years ago this hour (Aug 21 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The World At War: Morning 5/5' (August 6-21, 1944, at 3:23)

(Monday, August 21, 1944, 2:00 p.m. CET; part of Operation Overlord during World War II) — Canadian and Polish units captured the strategically important town of Falaise, Calvados, France, today, closing the Falaise Pocket, resulting in the destruction of most of Germany’s Army Group B west of the River Seine and opening the way to Paris and the German border for the Allied armies.

French resistance rises up against German garrison in Paris 70 years ago today (Aug 19 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'The World At War: Morning 5/5' (August 19, 1944, at 8:43)

(Saturday, August 19, 1944; during the Liberation of Paris, part of Operation Overlord, World War II) — The Liberation of Paris began today with an uprising by the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) against their German (and Vichy) rulers, encouraged by reports of approaching Allied forces.

Germans approve vesting sole executive power in Adolf Hitler 80 years ago today (Aug 19 1934)

1930s


Video: 'The World At War: A New Germany 2/5' (Aug. 19, 1934, at 8:23)

(Sunday, August 19, 1934) — 89.9% German voters in today’s plebiscite endorsed Chancellor Adolf Hitler’s assumption of greater power than has ever been possessed by any other ruler in modern times. Nearly 10 per cent indicated their disapproval.

‘Dragnet’ film premieres in Chicago 60 years ago today (Aug 18 1954)

1950s, Movies 1950s, Television 1950s


Video: 'Rear Window' trailer

(Wednesday, August 18, 1954) — Dragnet, a crime drama film (based on the weekly TV series) about two homicide detectives who investigate the brutal shotgun murder of a crime syndicate member, opened today in Chicago.

Directed by Jack Webb, the film starred Webb, Ben Alexander, Richard Boone and Ann Robinson.

Roosevelt, Truman pose for pictures 70 years ago this hour (Aug 18 1944)

1940s, U.S. Presidents

(Friday, August 18, 1944, 12:45 p.m. EWT; during World War II) — President Franklin Roosevelt hosted a private luncheon today with new running mate Sen. Harry Truman at the White House. Roosevelt told Truman nothing of importance, posed for photographers and made small talk (click here to watch a clip from today on “The Presidents: Truman” at 1:29:15)

President Wilson declares U.S. neutrality in European war 100 years ago today (Aug 18 1914)

1910s, World War I

(Tuesday, August 18, 1914; during World War I) — U.S. President Woodrow Wilson issued his Proclamation of Neutrality today, aimed at keeping the United States out of World War I, saying, “The United States must be neutral in fact as well as in name during these days that are to try men’s souls.”

Allied forces land in southern France 70 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1944)

1940s, World War II


Video: 'Allied Invasion of Southern France - Operation Dragoon, the Other D-Day_Full Length WWII Documentary'

(Tuesday, August 15, 1944, just before 8:00 a.m. CET; Operation Dragoon, part of Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre and the European Theatre of World War II during World War II) — Thousands of Allied troops, mainly American and French, swarmed on to the south coast of France on a broad front between Marseille and Nice this morning, seized and extended firm beachheads against inconsequential German opposition and, taking high ground inland, drove northward with the avowed intention of joining the Allies in northwestern France. Continue reading Allied forces land in southern France 70 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1944) →