Timeline: 1940s

President Roosevelt, in a 1941 speech to Congress, identifies “Four Freedoms” essential for all people: freedom of speech and religion, freedom from want and fear. Roosevelt forbids racial and religious discrimination in government programs.

In 1941, Congress extends citizenship rights to Chinese living in U.S.

A massive government and industry media campaign persuades women to take jobs during the war. Almost 7 million women respond, 2 million as "Rosie the Riveters" and 400,000 join the military.

In 1943, blacks protest exclusion from civilian defense jobs in Detroit.

In 1944, Supreme Court rules blacks cannot be denied the right to vote in primary elections.

On Aug. 6, 1945, U.S. drops nuclear bomb on Hiroshima and later Nagasaki, killing about 210,000 people. The overwhelming majority were civilian.

End of WWII Aug 15, 1945

lose their industrial jobs to returning servicemen, although surveys show 80 percent want to continue working. Almost 7 million women had joined the wartime workforce.

Oct. 24, 1945: United Nations is formed to promote “respect for human rights and for fundamental freedoms for all.” Unlike the League of Nations Covenant, the Charter underscores the principle of individual human rights.

In 1946, Supreme Court bans segregation in interstate bus travel.

The Cold War: 1940s-1980s

In 1947, the House Un-American Activities Committee subpoenas film actors, directors, and screenwriters to testify about their Communist beliefs. Hollywood blacklists follow.

Dec. 10, 1948: U.N. adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Fair Employment Board formed to eliminate racial discrimination in federal jobs.

Alfred Kinsey publishes Sexual Behavior in the Human Male, revealing to the public that homosexuality is far more widespread than was commonly believed.

1949 Geneva Conventions set standards for humane treatment of prisoners and other victims of war.