Marshall Plan Comes to an End
On December 31, 1951, the Marshall Plan expired after providing aid to millions of people in Western Europe. The Plan was seen as a way to contain the spread of communism and increase US exports.
World War II
Birth of John von Neumann
Mathematician and scientist John von Neumann was born on December 28, 1903, in Budapest, Hungary.
Death of General George Patton
On December 21, 1945, General George S. Patton died from injuries he received in a car crash 12 days earlier. His death came mere months after the end of World War II, in which he’d commanded troops in some of the war’s major battles.
Birth of Edith Piaf
Singer, songwriter, and actress Édith Giovanna Gassion, better known as Édith Piaf was born on December 19, 1915, in Belleville, Paris, France. She was France’s most popular singer in the 1940s, earning worldwide acclaim for her signature song “La Vie en Rose.”
Birth Of Aviator Jimmy Doolittle
James “Jimmy” Doolittle was born on December 14, 1896, in Alameda, California. A pioneering aviator with many “firsts” to his name, he’s best remembered as the leader and namesake of the “Doolittle” Raid on Japan during World War II.
Eisenhower’s Atoms for Peace
On December 8, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower delivered his “Atoms for Peace” speech, introducing his goal of using nuclear power for peace.
“A Date Which Will Live In Infamy”
On December 7, 1941, Japanese bombers attacked American troops at Pearl Harbor, launching the US into World War II.
First Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade
On November 27, 1924, New York City hosted its first Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Hailed as the world’s largest parade, the popular event boasts over 3.5 million spectators every year!
Birth of Eric Sevareid
Journalist and author Arnold Eric Sevareid was born on November 26, 1912, in Velva, North Dakota. After fearlessly reporting from the front lines during World War II, he went on to have a successful career in television news.