Video: 'Indonesia Declares Independence, translated- 17th August, 1945'

(Friday, August 17, 1945, 10:00 a.m.; during World War II) — Indonesian nationalists declared their independence from the Netherlands today, marking the start of the diplomatic and armed resistance of the Indonesian National Revolution against the forces of the Netherlands and pro-Dutch civilians.

Video: 'Churchill and The Cabinet War Rooms - Sir Winston Churchill's secrets unveiled' (Aug. 16, 1945, at 43:36)

(Thursday, August 16, 1945; during World War II) — The Cabinet War Rooms, which provided the secret underground headquarters for the core of the British government throughout World War II, were locked today following the surrender of Japanese forces and left undisturbed until Parliament ensured its preservation as a historic site in 1948.

Video: 'Emperor Hirohito Rescript at WWII end, English Translation'

(Wednesday, August 15, 1945, 12:00 p.m. JST; during World War II) — Japanese Emperor Hirohito’s recorded radio address that his country had accepted terms of surrender for ending World War II was broadcast today all over Japan. Continue reading Emperor Hirohito announces Japan has accepted terms of surrender 70 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1945) →

Video: 'The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary)Episode 24-The Bomb(February–September 1945)' (Aug. 15, 1945, at 48:53)

(Wednesday, August 15, 1945, 1:00-8:00 a.m. JST; during World War II) — A group of Japanese junior officers invaded the Tokyo Imperial Palace this morning and tried to seize the recording of the emperor’s surrender message, but could not find it.

Video: 'The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary)Episode 24-The Bomb(February–September 1945)' (Aug. 14, 1945, at 48:38)

(Tuesday, August 14, 1945; during World War II) — Japanese Emperor Hirohito met with his most senior Army and Navy officers again today and told them they must accept the Allied ultimatum to surrender. Continue reading Japanese emperor orders military to accept Allied ultimatum 70 years ago today (Aug 14 1945) →

Video: 'The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary)Episode 24-The Bomb(February–September 1945)' (Aug. 13, 1945, at 47:51)

(Monday, August 13, 1945; during World War II) — At the suggestion of American psychological operations experts, American B-29s spent today dropping leaflets over Japan, describing the Japanese offer of surrender and the Allied response, raising concerns of of the possibility of a military coup.

Video: 'The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary)Episode 24-The Bomb(February–September 1945)' (Aug. 12, 1945, at 47:15)

(Sunday, August 12, 1945; during World War II) — The United States indicated today that it would accept the Japanese surrender, making clear in its statement that the emperor could remain in a purely ceremonial capacity only. Debate raged within the Japanese government over whether to accept the American terms or fight on.