1940s Gallery
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The 1940s were a decade of great change and turmoil in the United States. The country had just emerged from the Great Depression, and was now embroiled in World War II. Despite the hardships of war, this decade saw many advances in technology, culture, and social progress.
The 1940s began with America's entry into World War II after the attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7th 1941. This event marked a major turning point for America as it became involved in a global conflict that would shape its future for decades to come. During this time, millions of Americans enlisted or were drafted into military service to fight overseas against Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan. The war also brought about an increase in industrial production as factories churned out weapons and supplies to support troops abroad. This increased production led to an economic boom which helped pull America out of the Great Depression that had plagued it since 1929.
In addition to its involvement in World War II, the 1940s saw many technological advancements that would shape modern life today. Television sets became widely available during this time period which allowed people to watch news reports from around the world as well as entertainment programs like I Love Lucy or The Ed Sullivan Show. Advances were also made in aviation technology with new jet engines being developed for military use during this decade while commercial airlines began offering transcontinental flights across North America for civilians by 1946.
The 1940s also saw great changes socially with civil rights becoming a major issue throughout much of the United States during this time period due largely to efforts by African-Americans such as Rosa Parks who refused to give up her seat on a bus due racial segregation laws at that time leading up what would become known as "the Montgomery Bus Boycott" which eventually lead to desegregation laws being passed throughout much of America by 1954 . Additionally women's rights became more prominent during this era with organizations such as NOW (National Organization for Women) being founded by Betty Friedan who wrote "The Feminine Mystique" which argued against traditional gender roles imposed upon women at that time . These movements helped pave way towards greater equality between men and women within society today .
Overall ,the 1940s was an important decade full of both hardship due wartime but also progress socially , technologically ,and economically . It is no wonder why it is often referred too fondly by those who lived through it simply known as "the good old days"