Category Archives: World War II

Norwegian Nazi collaborator Vidkun Quisling 80 years ago today (Sep 10 1945)


Video: '1945 Newsreel: Vidkun Quisling is executed'

(Monday, September 10, 1945) — His ashen face immobile, Vidkun Quisling, a Norwegian military officer, politician and Nazi collaborator who headed the government of Norway during the country’s occupation by Nazi Germany during World War II, was found guilty and sentenced to death today in Oslo, Norway. Continue reading Norwegian Nazi collaborator Vidkun Quisling 80 years ago today (Sep 10 1945)

Woman branded ‘Tokyo Rose’ arrested in Yokohama 80 years ago today (Sep 5 1945)


Video: 'Tokyo 'rose' Questioned (1945)'

(Wednesday, September 5, 1945) — Japanese-American Iva Toguri D’Aquino, suspected of being wartime broadcaster “Tokyo Rose,” was arrested today in Yokohama. Continue reading Woman branded ‘Tokyo Rose’ arrested in Yokohama 80 years ago today (Sep 5 1945)

Japan formally surrenders aboard USS Missouri, ending World War II 80 years ago this hour (Sep 2 1945)


Video: 'Japanese Sign Final Surrender'

(Sunday, September 2, 1945, 9:03-9:07 a.m. Japan Standard Time; during World War II) — Japan surrendered formally and unconditionally to the Allies today in a twenty-minute ceremony aboard the USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay which ended just as the sun burst through low-hanging clouds as a shining symbol to a ravaged world now done with war. Continue reading Japan formally surrenders aboard USS Missouri, ending World War II 80 years ago this hour (Sep 2 1945)

FDR signs Neutrality Act of 1935 90 years ago today (Aug 31 1935)


Video: 'Senator Nye announces the Neutrality Act of 1935 in an interview in Washington DC...HD Stock Footage'

(Saturday, August 31, 1935, afternoon EDT) — The neutrality resolution providing for an embargo on shipments of arms to countries at war, and laying down other rules of conduct designed to assure the maintenance of a strictly neutral position by the United States, was signed today by President Franklin D. Roosevelt today. Continue reading FDR signs Neutrality Act of 1935 90 years ago today (Aug 31 1935)

MacArthur arrives in Japan to set up Allied occupation headquarters 80 years ago this hour (Aug 30 1945)


Video: 'Allied Forces Land In Japan (1945)' (Aug. 30, 1945, at 7:34)

(Thursday, August 30, 1945, 2:00 p.m. JST; during World War II) — American Gen. Douglas MacArthur landed today at Atsugi Air Force Base in Japan to set up Allied occupation headquarters. Continue reading MacArthur arrives in Japan to set up Allied occupation headquarters 80 years ago this hour (Aug 30 1945)

Americans land at Atsugi Airfield, begin occupation of Japan 80 years ago this hour (Aug 28 1945)


Video: 'Allied Forces Land In Japan (1945)' (Aug. 28, 1945, at 1:45)

(Tuesday, August 28, 1945, 8:30 a.m. JST; during World War II) — 150 U.S. personnel flew to Atsugi Airfield today, beginning the American occupation of Japan following the surrender of the Japanese government in World War II.

U.S. President Harry S. Truman ends Lend-Lease program 80 years ago today (Aug 21 1945)


Video: 'The end of US neutrality? The Lend-Lease Act - WW2 Special Episode'

(Tuesday, August 21, 1945; during World War II) — U.S. President Harry S. Truman today ended the Lend-Lease program that had shipped some $50 billion in aid supplies to America’s allies during World War II. Continue reading U.S. President Harry S. Truman ends Lend-Lease program 80 years ago today (Aug 21 1945)

Indonesian nationalists declare independence from the Netherlands 80 years ago this hour (Aug 17 1945)


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

(Friday, August 17, 1945, 10:00 a.m. Japan Standard Time; 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.

British Cabinet War Rooms in London locked 80 years ago today (Aug 16 1945)


Video: 'The Secrets of Winston Churchill's Underground War Rooms'

(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.

Emperor Hirohito announces Japan has accepted terms of surrender 80 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1945)


Video: '[RARE] The Voice of Hirohito - 1945 Jewel Voice Broadcast'

(Wednesday, August 15, 1945, 12:00 p.m. Japan Standard Time; 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 80 years ago this hour (Aug 15 1945)