World Events in 1946
Nuremberg Trials Verdicts
The International Military Tribunal delivered its verdicts in October, convicting 19 of 22 major Nazi war criminals. Twelve were sentenced to death, including Hermann Göring, who committed suicide the night before his scheduled execution.
Churchill's Iron Curtain Speech
On 5 March, Winston Churchill delivered his famous speech at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, declaring that an 'iron curtain' had descended across Europe. The speech is widely regarded as marking the beginning of the Cold War.
Bread Rationing in Britain
In July, bread was rationed in Britain for the first time — something that had never happened during the war. The measure reflected severe post-war food shortages across Europe and angered the British public.
Italian Republic Established
In June, Italians voted in a referendum to abolish the monarchy and establish a republic. King Umberto II went into exile, ending the House of Savoy's rule over Italy.
Philippine Independence
On 4 July, the Philippines gained independence from the United States after nearly half a century of American rule. Manuel Roxas became the first president of the new republic.
Music in 1946
"Cruising Down the River"
Primo Scala's Accordion Band
A gentle, nostalgic melody that captured the post-war desire for simple pleasures and a return to normality.
"To Each His Own"
The Ink Spots
This romantic ballad from the pioneering vocal group topped the charts for several weeks and showcased the smooth harmony style that influenced generations of doo-wop and R&B artists.
#1 Film of 1946
The Best Years of Our Lives
Box Office: $23.6 million
William Wyler's drama about three veterans returning to civilian life won seven Academy Awards including Best Picture and powerfully captured the challenges of post-war readjustment.
Born in 1946
Donald Trump
45th President of the United States and businessman
Freddie Mercury
Lead singer of Queen, considered one of the greatest rock vocalists of all time
Dolly Parton
Country music legend, singer-songwriter, and philanthropist
Steven Spielberg
Film director of Jaws, Schindler's List, and E.T.
Bill Clinton
42nd President of the United States
Lost in 1946
H. G. Wells
English author known as the father of science fiction, wrote The War of the Worlds
Age 79
John Maynard Keynes
Influential British economist whose ideas fundamentally changed macroeconomics
Age 62
Hermann Göring
Head of the Nazi Luftwaffe, committed suicide before his execution at Nuremberg
Age 53
Gertrude Stein
American modernist writer and art collector in Paris
Age 72
Technology in 1946
ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer, was unveiled at the University of Pennsylvania. Television broadcasting resumed in Britain after the wartime suspension. The first mobile phone call was made using radio telephone technology. Mass production of civilian goods restarted as factories converted from wartime production.
- ● ENIAC, the first general-purpose electronic computer, unveiled at the University of Pennsylvania
- ● BBC Television Service resumed broadcasting after the wartime shutdown
- ● First car phone service launched by AT&T in St. Louis
- ● Vespa motor scooter introduced by Piaggio in Italy
Cost of Living in 1946
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £700 | $5,150 |
| Average salary | £280 | $2,400 |
| Pint of milk | 2½d | $0.17 |
| Loaf of bread | 5d | $0.10 |
| Dozen eggs | 2s | $0.59 |
| Pint of beer | 9d | $0.19 |
| Cinema ticket | 1s | $0.35 |
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The Zeitgeist of 1946
Demobilised soldiers returned home to start families, launching the baby boom. Housing shortages were severe on both sides of the Atlantic. In Britain, rationing actually intensified — bread was rationed for the first time, something that had not happened during the war. The Nuremberg trials forced a global reckoning with Nazi atrocities.
In the News in 1946
The bikini swimsuit was introduced in Paris by Louis Réard. The first Cannes Film Festival was held. Estée Lauder founded her cosmetics company. Dr. Benjamin Spock published 'The Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care', which would sell over 50 million copies.