Despite opposition from isolationists, the U. S. Congress passes the Lend-Lease Act of 1941, which allows for the shipment of war materials to Britain (and later the Soviet Union).
A. Philip Randolph threatens to march on Washington, D. C., with 100,000 African Americans to protest racial discrimination and segregation in defense industry and the military. In response, President Roosevelt issues Executive Order 8802, which bans discrimination in defense industries and in government.
Joe DiMaggio, “the Yankee Clipper,” sets a baseball record by hitting safely in 56 consecutive games.
Former U. S. attorney general Harlan Fiske Stone becomes chief justice of the United States.
The United States and Britain issue the Atlantic Charter, which states their common standards for world peace.
President Franklin Roosevelt’s message to Emperor Hirohito urges the Japanese monarch to do his part to avoid hostilities with the United States.
Orson Welles releases Citizen Kane; the film breaks new technical ground in cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing, but fails to win over contemporary audiences and critics.
The Japanese attack the U. S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii; the United States declares war on Japan.
Italy and Germany declare war on the United States; the United States responds in kind.
Six agencies pool their resources to form the United Service Organizations (USO) to sustain the morale of the armed forces during World War II.
World History
