Video: 'World War II: Winston Churchill speech on receiving freedom of City of London (1943)'

(Wednesday, June 30, 1943, during the Battle of the Atlantic, part of World War II) — British Prime Minister Winston Churchill said in a speech at Guildhall in London today that the Allies had achieved a “total defeat” of the German U-boat attack in May and June, sinking more than 30 in May alone, and that Great Britain would fight until Japan submits or “bite the dust.” Continue reading British Prime Minister Winston Churchill declares victory in Battle of the Atlantic, citing ‘total defeat’ of German U-boats since April 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 30 1943) →

Video: 'How Anti-Mexican Racism in L.A. Caused the Zoot Suit Riots | History'

(Thursday, June 3, 1943, evening PWT; during the Zoot Suit Riots and World War II) — The Zoot Suit Riots, a series of riots that took place from June 3–8, 1943, in Los Angeles, California, United States, involving American servicemen stationed in Southern California and young Latino and Mexican American city residents, began tonight. Continue reading Zoot Suit Riots involving American servicemen and young Latino and Mexican Americans begin in Los Angeles 80 years ago #OnThisDay #OTD (Jun 3 1943) →

Video: 'Sir Winston Churchill's Fighting Speech To U.S. Congress (1943) | British Pathé'

(Wednesday, May 19, 1943, 12:32 p.m. EWT; during the Third Washington Conference, codenamed Trident, during World War II)— On his second wartime visit to the U.S. Capitol, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill today gave a cheering, applauding joint session of Congress a generalized preview of plans for American-British aerial attacks that will lay the great cities and munitions centers of Japan in ashes, and other British-American military moves designed to “take more of the weight off Russia in 1943.” Continue reading British Prime Minister Winston Churchill pledges Japan’s ruin, but reaffirms Nazis come first in address before joint session of Congress 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (May 19 1943) →

Video: '194 - The End of the War in Africa - WW2 - May 14, 1943' (May 9-13, 1943, at 8:57)

(Thursday, May 13, 1943, UK General Alexander cabled PM Churchill at 1:16 p.m. Central European Summer Time (CEST); part of Mediterranean and Middle East Theatre of World War II)— The North African Campaign — fought between the Allies and the Axis Powers since June 10, 1940 — came to an end today after the 1st Italian Army of General Giovanni Messe Messe surrendered at 12:20 p.m. CEST and the last German radio station in Africa closed down at 1:12 p.m. Continue reading Axis forces in North Africa surrender after nearly three years of fighting during World War II 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (May 13 1943) →

Video: 'Alaska vs. Japan - The Battle of Attu'

(Tuesday, May 11, 1943, 8:42 a.m. CAWT; during the Battle of Attu, part of the American Theater of World War II) — An assault force of 12,500 U.S. soldiers landed on the northern and southern ends of Attu Island in the Aleutian Islands today in an attempt to expel occupying Japanese Imperial Army forces led by Colonel Yasuyo Yamasaki. Continue reading U.S. forces land on Aleutian island of Attu in attempt to expel occupying Japanese forces 80 years ago this hour #OnThisDay #OTD (May 11 1943) →

Video: 'The World At War 1973(World War II Documentary)Episode 21-Nemesis:Germany(February-May 1945)' (Apr. 23, 1945, at 33:05)

(Monday, April 23, 1945, afternoon CEST; during the Battle of Berlin on the Eastern Front during World War II) — German Field Marshal and head of the Luftwaffe Hermann Göring sent a telegram to Adolf Hitler today asking for permission to take over the leadership of the Reich in accordance with Hitler’s 1941 decree naming Göring his successor. Continue reading Göring attempts to take over Reich leadership 80 years ago today (Apr 23 1945) →