What Happened This Year 1946

Historical Events from This Year 1946

Crime & Law

Marines Quell Alcatraz Riot, Five Killed

May 4th, 1946 78 years ago

A two-day riot at Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary was stopped by U.S. Marines from the nearby Treasure Island Naval Base. The unrest broke out on May 2, 1946, in response to growing tensions among inmates following accusations of mistreatment and poor conditions. The riot escalated, leading to hostage situations and violence, ultimately resulting in five deaths among both inmates and guards. Marines were deployed to restore order, marking a rare federal military intervention in a prison uprising. The incident captured national attention and highlighted issues within the prison system.

Continue Reading
Crime & Law

Trial of Japanese Leaders Begins in Tokyo

May 5th, 1946 78 years ago

The International Military Tribunal for the Far East commenced in Tokyo, where twenty-eight prominent Japanese military and government officials were indicted for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The tribunal aimed to legal accountability for atrocities committed during World War II. Notable figures such as General Hideki Tojo were among the accused, facing scrutiny for their roles in wartime decisions that led to extensive suffering and loss of life across Asia. This landmark trial sought to establish principles of international law in post-war Japan.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Founding of Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering

May 7th, 1946 78 years ago

Tokyo Telecommunications Engineering Corporation, which later became known as Sony, was established by Masaru Ibuka and Akio Morita. The company originated in Tokyo, Japan, with a vision to create innovative electronics products. Initial products included a rice cooker, and a number of other consumer electronics were developed shortly thereafter. The founders' experience in radio technology during World War II guided their early efforts in electronics post-war, aiming to contribute to Japan's economic recovery and modernization.

Continue Reading
Social Movements & Civil Rights

Estonian Schoolgirls Attack Soviet Memorial

May 8th, 1946 78 years ago

Aili Jõgi and Ageeda Paavel, two Estonian schoolgirls, executed a bold act of defiance when they blew up a Soviet war memorial that had been erected in Tallinn. The attack took place on May 8, 1946, as a statement against Soviet occupation post-World War II. Using explosives, they targeted the monument, symbolizing their resistance to Soviet authority and the struggle for national identity. This act caught significant attention, reflecting the growing unrest among the Estonian populace.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Victor Emmanuel III Abdicates in Favor of Umberto II

May 9th, 1946 78 years ago

King Victor Emmanuel III of Italy abdicated in favor of his son, Umberto II, marking the end of the monarchy in Italy. Following World War II, rising republican sentiment led to the king's decision as Italy sought a new political direction. His abdication came just over a year after Italy had been liberated from Fascist rule, which had profoundly impacted the monarchy's reputation.

Continue Reading
Space Exploration

First American V-2 Rocket Launch Success

May 10th, 1946 78 years ago

The V-2 rocket, originally developed during World War II, was successfully launched at the White Sands Proving Ground in New Mexico. This marked the first time an American version of the V-2 was put to flight, showcasing the U.S. commitment to advancing rocket technology. The test was part of a broader series of evaluations to understand the capabilities of captured German rocket technology and to lay the groundwork for future developments in missile and space exploration.

Continue Reading
Science & Technology

Louis Slotin Fatally Irradiated at Los Alamos

May 21st, 1946 78 years ago

During an experiment with the demon core at the Los Alamos National Laboratory, physicist Louis Slotin was fatally irradiated due to a criticality incident. Using a meticulous manual method to approach critical mass, Slotin inadvertently caused a prompt critical reaction. This resulted in an intense burst of radiation exposure, which later proved to be fatal.

Continue Reading
Natural Disasters

Severe Tornado Outbreak Across the Midwest

May 23rd, 1946 78 years ago

A two-day tornado outbreak swept through the Central United States, resulting in the formation of at least 15 significant tornadoes. The outbreak began as conditions became favorable for severe weather across the region, with reports of tornadic activity stretching from Missouri to Indiana. Numerous towns were affected, leading to damage to homes and infrastructure. Meteorologists noted the intense nature of the storms, making this outbreak one of the more severe of its time.

Continue Reading
Politics & Government

Abdullah I Becomes Emir of Transjordan

May 25th, 1946 78 years ago

Abdullah I was declared the Emir of Transjordan by the parliament, marking a significant step towards the establishment of a modern Jordanian state. This decision was part of the broader political landscape in the Middle East following World War II and the shifting dynamics of power and governance in the region. It reflected the aspiration of the local leadership to assert sovereignty and self-governance, while Abdullah I’s leadership aimed to unify various tribes and communities under a centralized authority.

Continue Reading