Images of the 1940s
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CQ Almanac
CQ Almanac book cover
1944

The GI Bill provided unprecedented aid for veterans' education and employment training.
Broadening of GI Bill of Rights

1945

The Yalta conference shaped Allied and Soviet spheres of influence, demarking Cold War borders. The Yalta papers were later released in 1955, stirring fresh controversy regarding the political impact of concessions to Soviet side.
Yalta Papers

1945

The atomic bomb increased the risks of war, introducing new security concerns ahead of post-war negotiations.
President Truman's Message on Control of the Atomic Bomb

1945

As the Allies advanced in 1945, FDR urged Americans not to slacken their war mobilization efforts. The Allies celebrated Japan's surrender on August 15th.
State of the Union Address

1945

The UN was formed with the aim of enabling member states to prevent future wars after the carnage of WWI and WWII.
Implementation of United Nations Membership

1947

Truman announced a plan to aid Greece and Turkey in order to stem the growing power of communists. He pledged to assist any country resisting communist forces, citing a possible "domino effect" which could result in takeovers in surrounding regions if the United States did not intervene with economic assistance.
Aid to Greece and Turkey

1947

The Marshall Plan for reconstruction in Europe was introduced in order to rebuild war-ravaged countries and prevent the spread of communism.
Senate Debate on Foreign Aid