What Happened This Year 1945

Historical Events from This Year 1945

Politics & Government

Roosevelt and Ibn Saud Forge U.S.-Saudi Relations

February 14th, 1945 80 years ago

President Franklin D. Roosevelt met King Ibn Saud aboard the USS Quincy in the Red Sea, marking the official beginning of diplomatic relations between the United States and Saudi Arabia. This pivotal encounter established a framework for cooperation centered around oil and security interests, laying the groundwork for a lasting alliance. Roosevelt and Ibn Saud discussed the importance of maintaining stability in the Middle East while addressing mutual concerns about the post-war world order.

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Military & Warfare

Mostar Liberation by Yugoslav Partisans

February 14th, 1945 80 years ago

On February 14, 1945, Yugoslav partisans liberated the city of Mostar in Bosnia and Herzegovina from Axis occupation. This strategic city, known for its historic bridge and diverse cultural heritage, witnessed intense fighting as partisan forces advanced against the German and Croatian Ustasha troops. The successful operation marked a significant turning point in the broader Yugoslav Front of World War II, contributing to the eventual liberation of Yugoslavia from Axis powers.

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Military & Warfare

Mistaken Bombing of Prague by B-17s

February 14th, 1945 80 years ago

On February 14, 1945, a squadron of United States Army Air Forces B-17 bombers mistakenly targeted Prague, Czechoslovakia, during an operation supporting the Soviet Red Army's Vistula–Oder Offensive. The aircraft were on a bombing mission aimed at German positions, but a navigational error led to the tragic misidentification of the capital city as a target. This resulted in significant civilian damage and loss of life, highlighting the challenges faced during wartime operations in unclear territories.

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Military & Warfare

Dresden Firebombing Begins

February 14th, 1945 80 years ago

On February 14, 1945, the British Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces initiated a massive firebombing campaign against the city of Dresden, Germany. This operation, intended to disrupt German military movements, resulted in widespread destruction and significant civilian casualties. The air raid began with the dropping of incendiary bombs, igniting huge firestorms that engulfed the city. Dresden, previously considered a safe haven for refugees, turned into a scene of devastation as fires raged uncontrollably. The attacks continued over several days, with the intent to cripple the German war effort as World War II neared its conclusion.

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Military & Warfare

Intense Bombing Campaign in Dresden

February 15th, 1945 80 years ago

Dresden endured its third consecutive day of bombing by Allied forces, with air raids led by the Royal Air Force and the United States Army Air Forces. The raids resulted in extensive destruction of the city, including its renowned historic architecture. The bombing aimed to diminish German morale and support the Soviet offensive. The ferocity of the attacks and the resulting firestorm claimed thousands of lives and obliterated large parts of Dresden, marking a significant moment in the air war over Europe.

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Military & Warfare

American Forces Storm Corregidor Island

February 16th, 1945 80 years ago

American forces launched an amphibious assault on Corregidor Island, a strategic military stronghold in the Philippines, on February 16, 1945. The island was heavily fortified by Japanese troops who had occupied it since the earlier phases of the war. This operation was part of the broader campaign to reclaim the Philippines from Japanese control and reduce their influence in the region. The assault involved extensive naval support and aimed to secure the island as a staging area for future operations. It marked a significant step in the liberation of the Philippines and involved fierce fighting between American and Japanese soldiers.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

Alaska's Groundbreaking Anti-Discrimination Law

February 16th, 1945 80 years ago

The Alaska Equal Rights Act of 1945 marked a significant milestone in the fight against discrimination in the United States. Signed into law by Governor Ernest Gruening, this legislation prohibited discrimination based on race, color, creed, or national origin in employment and public accommodations. It set a precedent for other anti-discrimination laws that would follow in the U.S. by establishing standards for equality before the law, even in a territory. The initiative aimed to promote fairness and build a more inclusive society in Alaska.

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Military & Warfare

American and Brazilian Troops Launch Operation Encore

February 18th, 1945 80 years ago

In a coordinated effort, American and Brazilian forces commenced Operation Encore in the Northern Apennines, marking a significant advance in the Italian Campaign of World War II. With an aim to secure a strategic foothold ahead of the Allied Spring offensive, these combined troops executed limited yet impactful actions. This operation took place in a challenging mountainous terrain on the Italian front every gain was crucial towards the ultimate goal of defeating Axis forces in Europe.

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Military & Warfare

U.S. Marines Land on Iwo Jima

February 19th, 1945 80 years ago

About 30,000 United States Marines landed on Iwo Jima, a small but strategically significant island in the Pacific, on February 19, 1945. The objective of this operation was to capture the island and its airfields from Japanese control, facilitating a potential invasion of Japan. This landing marked the beginning of one of the bloodiest battles in the Pacific Theater of World War II. It involved intense fighting against entrenched Japanese forces preparing to defend their territory against the American invasion.

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