Welcome to the 1940's. The 1940’s was a decade to remember. During that time, there were many famous people, important events, new inventions, entertainment, sport, fads, fashions and other cultural advances in areas such as art, literature and music.

    Famous people like President Roosevelt, General Dwight Eisenhower, and Omar Nelson Bradley helped the United States fight and win World War II. Important events such as the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the invasion of Normandy and the bombing of Japan shaped the course of events during this critical decade in U.S. and world history.

    War brought the need for new inventions and innovations. Innovations  such as the computer and the microwave would shape lifestyles of the future making Americans' lives much more convenient. American artist Jackson Pollock popularized a new art style which started in Europe. This style created a new art era in the 1940's called Abstract Expressionism. Famous authors like Shirley Jackson and Dr. Spock gave literature new dimensions. Musicians such as Aaron Copland and Billie Holiday wrote and sang music that Americans all enjoy during their leisure time. The great athlete Jackie Robinson broke many records in his baseball career. Multitalented Bing Crosby excelled in both singing and acting. The new trend of eating in diners gave Americans more dinning choices. Toys like the Slinky were a huge sensation throughout the country. Due to the lack of materials for clothes, a new era of fashion was created for the war time.

    One reason for this website besides displaying information about the 1940's is to give survivors from this time period a place to preserve their memories before they are lost to future generations. These memories will become primary sources for students of this time period in the future. As we receive the stories, we will be displaying them on our Achieve of Memories page that is located under Multimedia.   

    Use the links at the left to find out more about the 1940's and when you finish, you are more than welcome to take the quiz and sign the Guestbook.