2.  Percy Spencer discovered microwaves could heat food on accident in 1945.  Popcorn was the first food tested in the microwave.  The first commercial microwave was 6ft. tall and 750 lbs.

3. I chose to research the invention of the microwave because it impacts our everyday lives. While building magnetrons for radar sets, Percy Spencer accidently discovered the affect microwaves had on food. His findings led to the invention. The microwave oven was first used by the defense industry, then restaurants, and now in everyone's home. (Microwave oven)

4.  Bob Hope was born May 29, 1903. His real name was Leslie Townes Hope.  He was famous as an entertainer, staring in vaudeville, on Broadway, on radio and television, movies.  “On May 6, 1941 at California's March Field, Hope performed his first USO show. He continued entertaining troops for the rest of World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War all the way until the 1990-1991 Persian Gulf War.” (Bob Hope)

5. Bob Hope became famous in the late 1930s and continued to be one of the most popular entertainers through the 1990s. “Hope starred in numerous hit comedies. He was one of the top film stars throughout the 1940s” (Bob Hope Biography) During World War II he began broadcasting his radio shows on military bases in the U.S., Europe, and the Pacific. (Entertaining the Troops) Because he spent his life making people happy and supporting our military, I choose Bob Hope as my Famous Person of the 1940s.

6.  “The 1940s were the decade of the crooner. Such household names as Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra and Perry Como.” (Music in the1940s)  “Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong dominated the jazz scene.” (Music in the 1940s)  “Music in the 1940s was mainly built around the jazz and big band styles” (Music in the 40's: Bands groups singers)

7. I chose to research the music of the 1940s pop culture. Coming out of the depression of the 30s and moving into another world war brought about many cultural changes. One way people express their feeling and deal with change is through music. “This was also the era of World War II, and many musical acts strived to reflect the pain that the country was going through while still remaining upbeat and positive about the impending future.” (Music in the 40's: Bands groups singers)

8.  Ted Williams played 19 seasons of base ball with the Boston Red Sox.  In 1941, he had a batting average of.406.  No one has had a batting average of.400 or higher since. (.400 Hitters Club)

9. I chose Ted Williams to represent sports in the 1940s because he was not only a great baseball player, but he also “served in the military as a US Marine pilot during both World War II and the Korean War.” “In 1970 he wrote a book, The Science of Hitting, which is read by virtually every baseball player. (Ted Williams) His record of being the last player having a batting average of.400 or higher since 1941 still stands. (.400 Hitters Club)

10.  “During World War II, President Roosevelt had responded to complaints about discrimination at home against African Americans by issuing Executive Order 9981 in June 1941.” (Executive Order 9981: Desegregation of the Armed Forces -1948)  “July 26, 1948 - The US Armed Forces were desegregated by President Truman’s Executive Order 9981, which barred segregation and discrimination in the armed services.” (This Day in Truman History; July 26, 1948 President Truman issues Executive Order No. 9981 Desegregating the Military)

11. In my research I learned about many social and political changes that shaped the American culture. One of the most important factors that occurred during the 1940s was desegregation of the military. The graphic feature I chose to share is a picture of Tuskegee Airmen. "Our mission of escort was really the prime mission to carry out successfully and this we did. The 332nd became known as the best escort operator in the 15th Air Force. We never lost a bomber to enemy action of airplanes." — Gen. Benjamin O. Davis, Jr., Commanding Officer, 332 nd Fighter Group (Tuskegee Airmen Facts)

12.  The U.S. economy in the early 1940s began to improve due to “New Deal” programs and production of military and civilian supplies sold to European countries that were at war.  “By 1945, more than 18 million women were in the workforce - - up from 12 million in 1940.”  Women filled the jobs of the men that had gone to serve in the war, however, they were not treated equally and did not earn equal pay.  “The United States emerged from the Second World War with a strong economy. The dreary depression and war years were over, and its citizens could return to the business of producing and consuming goods.” (THE AMERICAN ECONOMY DURING THE 1940s)

13. The graphic feature I chose for my Economy slide is the “Rosie the Riveter” poster used during World War II to encourage women to enter the workforce. Since men had been called to serve in the war, women were needed to fill their jobs. “By 1945, more than 18 million women were in the workforce -- up from 12 million in 1940.” However, they were not treated equally. They were paid less, dealt with the negative attitudes of male co- workers, and were excluded from higher-ranking positions. (Who was Rosie the Riveter?)

14.  Coming Soon! Under construction in Noodletools!