Which 1941 news headlines caught the attention of newspaper audiences everywhere? At Historical Newspapers we have the most extensive collection of original old newspapers, containing over 4 million newspapers from publications such as The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Dallas Morning News. An authentic newspaper is a great gift idea to commemorate a birthday, anniversary or other special occasion.
Discover the 1941 newspaper articles which commemorate some the most important events of the year 1941. The 1940s were a period in history characterized by savage war and destruction. It was during 1941 that the dreadful attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, where Japan launched their surprise attack and killed over 2000 people.
Although war was the dominating topic in the headlines during this year, there was plenty more happening as the war raged on. This was the year the the first modern perfume Chanel No. 5, was released, Churchill launched his “V for Victory” campaign, and Walt Disney premiered his animated feature film “Dumbo”. 1941 was an extremely eventful year in history, and through our collection of original 1941 newspapers you can understand exactly how these stories were reported on at the time they were occurring.
January 6, 1941
President Roosevelt gives his Four Freedoms State of the Union address, where he presents his Four Freedoms as fundamental global human rights. These included the freedom of speech and expression, the freedom of every person to worship God in his own way, the freedom from want, and the freedom from fear.
January 20, 1941
President Roosevelt is sworn in for his third term.
January 22, 1941
British troops capture Tobruk from the Italians in the Second World War. This is seen as a major victory and an essential part of taking control of the desert that provides access into Libya and Egypt.
January 27, 1941
U.S. Ambassador Joseph C. Grew informs the White House of an imminent rumored attack upon Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.
February 8, 1941
The Lend-Lease Act is passed by the US House of Representatives.
February 9, 1941
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, in a worldwide broadcast, pleads with the United States to show its support by sending arms to the British: “Give us the tools, and we will finish the job.”
March 1, 1941
Captain America Comics #1 issues the first Captain America & Bucky comics.
April 10. 1941
The U.S. destroyer ‘Niblack‘ drops depth charges on a German U-Boat, while picking up survivors from a sunken Dutch freighter. This is the first “shot in anger” fired by America against Germany.
May 5, 1941
Emperor Haile Selassie enters Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, which had been liberated from Italian forces; this date has been since commemorated as Liberation Day in Ethiopia.
May 10, 1941
The British House of Commons is damaged by the Luftwaffe in an air raid.
May 15, 1941
Joe DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak begins as the New York Yankee center fielder goes one for 4 against Chicago White Sox pitcher Eddie Smith.
May 27, 1941
The German battleship ‘Bismarck’ is sunk in the North Atlantic, killing 2,300 people.
June 22, 1941
British Prime Minister Winston Churchill promises all possible British assistance to the Soviet Union in a worldwide broadcast: “Any man or state who fights against ‘Nazidom’ will have our aid. Any man or state who marches with Hitler is our foe.”
September 6, 1941
The requirement to wear the Star of David with the word “Jew” inscribed, is extended to all Jews over the age of six-years-old in German-occupied areas.
October 14, 1941
After 14 years, work ceases on sculpting Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
November 10, 1941
In a speech at the Mansion House in London, Winston Churchill promises, “should the United States become involved in war with Japan, the British declaration will follow within the hour.”
November 26, 1941
Attack on Pearl Harbor: A fleet of six aircraft carriers, commanded by Japanese Vice Admiral Chuichi Nagumo, leaves Hitokapu Bay for Pearl Harbor under strict radio silence.
December 7, 1941
The Japanese Navy launches a surprise attack on the United States’ fleet at Pearl Harbor, thus drawing the United States into the Second World War.
December 11, 1941
Germany and Italy declare war on the United States.
December 26, 1941
Winston Churchill becomes the first British Prime Minister to address a joint session of the U.S. Congress.