May 21
Today In History

Historical Events in 1946

1946 Popular jockey George Woolf dies in race accident; George Woolf Memorial Jockey Award is created.

1946 The first general election ever in Vietnam was held.

1946 Andrei Zhdanov submits evidence of Finnish-German military contacts before the Continuation War and Hitler's Barbarossa plan.

1946 In 1946, the first General Assembly of the United Nations convened in Westminster, representing 51 nations.

1946 The United States Army Signal Corps achieved a scientific milestone in 1946, bouncing radio waves off the Moon in Project Diana.

1946 People's Republic of Albania: Enver Hoxha declares the People's Republic of Albania, assuming leadership of the nation.

1946 The UN Security Council convened its inaugural session, marking a significant step in international diplomacy and peacekeeping efforts.

1946 General Douglas MacArthur's establishment of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East in Tokyo heralds a new era of accountability for Japanese war criminals. This momentous decision shapes the post-war landscape in the Pacific region.

1946 In a historic moment, Qazi Muhammad declared the independent People's Republic of Mahabad in Iran's Kurdish city of Mahabad, with hopes of self-determination, appointing Haji Baba Sheikh as the prime minister.

1946 The forerunner of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Central Intelligence Group, was established, marking the beginning of a new era in intelligence and espionage activities.

1946 The United Nations General Assembly passes its first resolution, establishing the United Nations Atomic Energy Commission, a step toward global cooperation on nuclear issues.

1946 United Mine Workers Reunion: The United Mine Workers rejoin the American Federation of Labor, uniting to advocate for workers' rights.

1946 UN Security Council Resolution 1: United Nations Security Council Resolution 1, concerning the Military Staff Committee, is adopted, initiating UN's peacekeeping efforts.

1946 During the Cold War, Yugoslavia adopted a new constitution on January 31, 1946, modeling it after the Soviet Union and establishing six constituent republics: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, and Slovenia.

1946 The Democratic Republic of Vietnam introduced the đồng on January 31, 1946, as the official currency, replacing the French Indochinese piastre at par, symbolizing a move towards independence.

1946 The Revised Standard Version of the Bible emerges, challenging the supremacy of the Authorized King James Version and reshaping religious literature.

1946 The People's Republic of Korea dissolves in the North, making way for the communist-controlled Provisional People's Committee of North Korea, reshaping the Korean Peninsula's future.

1946 The Bank of England undergoes nationalization, a major development in the history of central banking.

1946 The formal dedication of ENIAC in Philadelphia signals a new era of electronic computing.

1946 Sailors of the Royal Indian Navy initiated a mutiny in Bombay harbor, sparking widespread actions throughout British India. A total of 78 ships, 20 shore establishments, and 20,000 sailors were involved in this significant protest.

1946 The "Long Telegram" arrived from the U.S. embassy in Moscow, presenting a comprehensive strategy on how the United States should navigate its complex relationship with the Soviet Union during the Cold War.

1946 Colonel Juan Perón, founder of the political movement that became known as Peronism, is elected to his first term as President of Argentina.

1946 The Bank of England undergoes a transformation as it is nationalized, marking a significant shift in the financial landscape of the United Kingdom.

1946 Winston Churchill, in a defining moment of the Cold War, coins the enduring phrase "Iron Curtain" during his impassioned speech at Westminster College in Missouri, vividly encapsulating the ideological divide of the era.

1946 The Bolton Wanderers stadium disaster unfolded at Burnden Park, Bolton, England, claiming the lives of 33 and injuring hundreds more in a tragic event that left a lasting impact on the world of sports.

1946 The capture of Rudolf Höss, the inaugural commandant of Auschwitz concentration camp, by British troops in 1946 marked a significant moment in bringing war criminals to justice.

1946 French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, and Réunion officially became overseas départements of France, reshaping their political status.

1946 The Los Angeles Rams made history by signing Kenny Washington, breaking racial barriers and reintegrating African Americans into professional American football.

1946 The United Kingdom's decision to grant full independence to Transjordan is a momentous event in the Middle East's journey toward self-determination.

1946 The United States Department of State unveiled the Acheson, a significant Cold War policy document, which outlined America's global strategy during the post-war era.

1946 Instituto Tecnológico Autónomo de México, a prestigious Mexican university, takes its inaugural steps in the world of academia as it is founded.

1946 The Aleutian Islands are rocked by an 8.6 Mw earthquake, causing a destructive tsunami that reaches the Hawaiian Islands, particularly devastating Hilo, Hawaii.

1946 The formation of the Malayan Union sets the stage for local protests, ultimately leading to the establishment of the Federation of Malaya two years later.

1946 Japanese Lt General Masaharu Homma was executed in the Philippines for leading the Bataan Death March.

1946 In the early days of the Cold War, twelve nations signed the North Atlantic Treaty, giving birth to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a pivotal alliance that would shape the geopolitical landscape.

1946 The tides of occupation recede as Soviet troops conclude their year-long presence on the Danish island of Bornholm.

1946 A tragic aviation accident occurs during a training exercise in Rabat, Malta, as a Fleet Air Arm Vickers Wellington crashes into a residential area, claiming the lives of all four crew members and 16 civilians on the ground.

1946 The Soviet Union's annexation of East Prussia marks a significant geopolitical shift as it transforms into the Kaliningrad Oblast within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic.

1946 The formation of Électricité de France in 1946 through the nationalization of electricity producers, transporters, and distributors marked a transformative moment in the energy sector.

1946 The last French troops bid farewell to Syrian soil as they withdrew from the nation, marking a significant chapter in the country's history.

1946 A milestone in international diplomacy occurred as The International Court of Justice convened its inaugural meeting in The Hague, Netherlands, ushering in an era of global cooperation in conflict resolution.

1946 Manuel Roxas was elected as the last President of the Commonwealth of the Philippines in 1946, marking a transitional period for the nation.

1946 The International Military Tribunal for the Far East convened, delivering indictments against former Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo and 28 other Japanese leaders for war crimes, marking a pursuit of justice in the post-war era.

1946 Indigenous Australians embark on a three-year strike in the Pilbara region, demanding improved working conditions and land rights, a pivotal moment in the nation's history.

1946 San Francisco Bay witnessed a tragic riot in 1946 as U.S. Marines quelled disturbances at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary, resulting in fatalities and sparking debates on prison reform.

1946 The International Military Tribunal for the Far East begins in Tokyo, prosecuting Japanese officials for war crimes.

1946 Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering, later known as Sony, is founded in Saint Petersburg, Russia, marking a significant event celebrated as Radio Day in some parts of the former Soviet Union.

1946 Estonian schoolgirls Aili Jõgi and Ageeda Paavel left an indelible mark on their nation's history by detonating a Soviet memorial, foreshadowing the eventual Bronze Soldier of Tallinn controversy. This provocative act carried profound significance during a turbulent era.

1946 A moment of scientific achievement: The first successful launch of an American V-2 rocket takes place at White Sands Proving Ground, propelling advancements in rocketry and space exploration.

1946 Physicist Louis Slotin's fatal radiation exposure during a critical experiment with the demon core at Los Alamos underscored the dangers of nuclear research.

1946 The parliament of Transjordan, in a significant move, proclaims Abdullah I of Jordan as their Emir, setting the stage for a dynamic period in the region's political landscape.

1946 Birth of a Republic: Italy's fate changes as Italians vote to establish a republic in a historic referendum, leading to the exile of King Umberto II.

1946 Tragedy struck in Chicago, Illinois, as a devastating fire in the La Salle Hotel claimed the lives of 61 people, leaving a lasting impact on the city and fire safety regulations.

1946 The BBC resumes its television service in the United Kingdom after a seven-year hiatus due to World War II, bringing televised entertainment back to British households.

1946 Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia's call for a Direct Action Day against Portuguese rule in Goa marked a crucial step in the Indian independence movement.

1946 In 1946, the Vancouver Island earthquake shook British Columbia, Canada, leaving a lasting impact as the region coped with the aftermath of this natural disaster.

1946 In a significant move, the Parliament of Canada established the definition of Canadian citizenship on June 27, 1946, through the Canadian Citizenship Act.

1946 Crossroads Able, the first postwar nuclear weapon test, took place in 1946, representing a pivotal moment in the history of nuclear weaponry and testing. This event had far-reaching implications for global security.

1946 A dark and shameful episode unfolded in Kielce as the Kielce pogrom saw violence erupt against Jewish Holocaust survivors in Poland, a painful reminder of the horrors of the past.

1946 A momentous day as the Philippines, after 381 years under various colonial powers, finally attained full independence from the United States, marking a new chapter in its history.

1946 Micheline Bernardini made history as she boldly modeled the first modern bikini at a Parisian swimming pool, forever altering the fashion landscape and capturing the world's imagination.

1946 Mother Francesca S. Cabrini becomes the first American to attain sainthood, a milestone in Catholicism's history in the United States.

1946 Howard Hughes survives a harrowing crash of his XF-11 reconnaissance aircraft prototype in a Beverly Hills neighborhood, narrowly avoiding disaster.

1946 The annexation of the State of North Borneo (now Sabah, Malaysia) by the United Kingdom shapes the destiny of the region, leaving an indelible mark on its cultural and political identity.

1946 The King David Hotel in Jerusalem is bombed by the Irgun, a Zionist underground organization, resulting in 91 casualties during the King David Hotel bombing.

1946 The Crossroads Baker underwater nuclear weapon test in 1946 marked a crucial moment in the development of nuclear capabilities during the early Cold War era.

1946 Aloha Airlines commences its service from Honolulu International Airport, contributing to the growth of aviation in the Pacific region.

1946 Leaders of the Russian Liberation Army, a force of Russian prisoners of war who collaborated with Nazi Germany, faced execution in Moscow, Soviet Union, for their actions during the war, a significant moment of reckoning.

1946 The world witnesses the birth of Santa Claus Land, the pioneering themed amusement park located in Santa Claus, Indiana, ushering in a new era of family entertainment.

1946 Northern Dominican Republic is struck by a devastating earthquake, measuring a magnitude of 8.0. This natural disaster claims the lives of a hundred people and leaves thousands homeless.

1946 The Soviet Union's note refuting Turkish sovereignty over the Turkish Straits marked the beginning of the Turkish Straits crisis.

1946 The maiden flight of the Convair B-36, a pioneering nuclear weapon delivery vehicle with unparalleled wingspan and range, forever transforms the landscape of aerial warfare.

1946 Mass riots erupt in Kolkata, resulting in the tragic loss of over 4,000 lives within a span of 72 hours, leaving an indelible mark on the city's history.

1946 The All Hyderabad Trade Union Congress is founded in Secunderabad, playing a vital role in advancing labor rights and advocacy in the region.

1946 On August 23, 1946, Ordinance No. 46 of the British Military Government established the German states of Hanover and Schleswig-Holstein, a step in the post-World War II reconstruction of Germany.

1946 A historic moment unfolds as the Workers’ Party of North Korea is founded during a congress held in Pyongyang, North Korea, ultimately paving the way for the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea.

1946 The formation of the Interim Government of India, led by Jawaharlal Nehru, with powers akin to a Prime Minister, played a pivotal role in India's post-independence era.

1946 United States Secretary of State James F. Byrnes announced a pivotal policy shift, outlining plans for economic reconstruction in postwar Germany.

1946 The referendum that abolished the monarchy in Bulgaria was a watershed moment in the nation's political evolution.

1946 The Council of Europe is founded after Winston Churchill's speech at the University of Zurich.

1946 The first Cannes Film Festival is held, resuming after a seven-year hiatus due to World War II, marking a prestigious film industry event.

1946 King Christian X of Denmark annuls the Faroe Islands' declaration of independence, a significant political decision for the islands.

1946 Cathay Pacific Airways is founded in Hong Kong, marking the beginning of a major airline's legacy.

1946 The top-secret Clifford-Elsey Report on the Soviet Union is delivered to President Truman, shaping Cold War policy.

1946 The Nuremberg Trials pass judgment on Nazi leaders, holding them accountable for their atrocities during World War II, a landmark in the pursuit of justice and human rights.

1946 The Daegu October incident unfolds in Allied-occupied Korea, underscoring the challenges of post-war governance and the complex geopolitical landscape of the Korean Peninsula.

1946 A tragic aviation accident claims 39 lives as an American Overseas Airlines Douglas DC-4 crashes near Ernest Harmon Air Force Base in Stephenville, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

1946 France adopts the constitution of the Fourth Republic, shaping the country's political landscape and governance for years to come.

1946 The Nuremberg trials concluded in 1946, with the execution of ten defendants found guilty, marking a significant chapter in international justice.

1946 Over 2,200 engineers and technicians from Eastern Germany undergo a forced relocation to the Soviet Union, impacting the nation's technological landscape.

1946 A camera aboard the V-2 No. 13 rocket captured the first-ever photograph of Earth from outer space, a historic achievement.

1946 The Constitution of Japan is adopted through Emperor's assent.

1946 A formidable earthquake, measuring 6.9 on the Richter scale, strikes the Peruvian Andes mountains, exacting a heavy toll of at least 1,400 lives, leaving an enduring mark on the nation's seismic history.

1946 Afghanistan, Iceland, and Sweden joined the United Nations on November 19, 1946, contributing to the global diplomatic landscape and fostering international cooperation.

1946 A devastating chapter unfolds in Hai Phong, Vietnam, as a French naval bombardment claims thousands of civilian lives. The tragedy highlights the human cost of geopolitical conflicts and colonial legacies.

1946 Atlanta, Georgia, bears witness to the Winecoff Hotel fire, a catastrophic tragedy that claims the lives of 119 people. It stands as the deadliest hotel fire in U.S. history, leaving an enduring mark on the city's history.

1946 The Nuremberg Trials commenced with the Doctors' Trial, prosecuting physicians and officers involved in Nazi human experimentation and mass murder, under the guise of euthanasia.

1946 India embarked on the historic journey of writing its Constitution as the Constituent Assembly of India convened for the first time, setting the stage for a democratic nation.

1946 In 1946, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) is established, providing crucial support to children worldwide in the aftermath of World War II and beyond.

1946 United Nations Security Council Resolution 13's acceptance of Siam (now Thailand) into the United Nations in 1946 fostered international cooperation.

1946 The First Indochina War commences, setting the stage for a protracted conflict in Southeast Asia with far-reaching consequences.

1946 "It's a Wonderful Life" premieres at the Globe Theatre in New York, provoking mixed reviews but later becoming a cherished classic.

1946 A devastating earthquake rocks Nankaidō, Japan, triggering a tsunami that claims lives and reshapes communities.

1946 A devastating 8.1 Mw earthquake and tsunami in Nankaidō, Japan, leave over 1,300 casualties and a trail of destruction.

1946 The Soviet Union achieves a significant milestone with the initiation of the first European self-sustaining nuclear chain reaction in the F-1 nuclear reactor.

1946 In a momentous proclamation, President Harry S. Truman officially declared the end of hostilities in World War II, marking a new era of global reconstruction and diplomacy.

1946 In 1946, Trygve Lie of Norway assumed the role of the first United Nations Secretary-General, ushering in a new era of international diplomacy.

1946 Hungary underwent a historic transformation in 1946 when its parliament abolished the monarchy after nine centuries and declared the Hungarian Republic.

1946 The tumultuous waters of World War II subside as Operation Deadlight concludes, consigning 121 captured U-boats to the ocean's depths. A final chapter in the battle beneath the waves is etched in history's annals.

1946 A dark chapter unfolds in the annals of civil rights as African American U.S. Army veteran Isaac Woodard falls victim to a brutal assault by a South Carolina police officer. From this tragic event emerges a spark that ignites the fires of the civil rights movement.

1946 Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh and France reach an agreement recognizing Vietnam as an autonomous state within the Indochinese Federation and the French Union.

1946 A British Cabinet Mission arrived in India on March 24, 1946, marking a crucial step in discussions and planning for the eventual transfer of power from the British Raj to Indian leadership.

1946 Romania's wartime leader, Ion Antonescu, known as the "Conductor" or "Leader," meets his end as he is executed, marking the culmination of a tumultuous era in Romanian history.

1946 King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy abdicates, paving the way for the reign of Umberto II and Italy's royal history.

1946 The League of Nations, a once-hopeful global organization, officially dissolved, ushering in the era of the United Nations and a new world order.

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