1941
Dr. Robert Weaver is appointed director of the U.S. government office charged with integrating blacks into the National Defense program in Washington, D.C.
1941
The U.S. Supreme Court, in a case brought by Congressman Arthur Mitchell, rules that separate facilities in railroad travel must be substantially equal.
1941
Threats by black leaders to stage a massive protest march on the U.S. capital result in the issuance of Executive Order 8802, prohibiting discrimination in the defense establishment. The order states: "There shall be no discrimination in the employment of workers in defense industries or Government because of race, creed, color or national origin."
1941
Dr. Charles R. Drew, a black physician, sets up the blood bank in Washington, D.C.
1941
Rudolf Hess is imprisoned in the Tower of London.
1941
Edward R. Stettinius Jr. becomes director of priorities of the
Office of Production Management. Nine months later Stettinius will be named
administrator of the gigantic Lend-Lease Program.
1941
Ho Chi Minh organizes the Viet Minh to combat the Japanese in Indochina (Vietnam).
1941 January
More than 2000 Jews die of starvation in the Warsaw ghetto. Between January and June 1941, 13,000 Jews will die of starvation in the Warsaw ghetto and another 5,000 in the ghetto at Lodz. (Atlas)
1941 January
Industrialist Fritz Thyssen claims that Hitler is the illegitimate grandson of Baron Rothschild of Vienna. Hans-Jurgen Koehler collaborates this story in a top secret OSS report written in 1943. Even though
unlikely, possible choices are: Salomon Mayer Rothschild (1774-1885, 62 in 1836) and Amschel Salomon Rothschild (1803-1874, 33 in 1836. Amschel Salomon lived in Frankfurt until 1850) (Langer)
1941 January
Himmler meets with twelve high-ranking SS generals at Wewelsburg castle. Himmler claims that the purpose of the coming war with Russia is to reduce the indigenous population by thirty million, presumably to provide living space for German settlers. (Architect)
1941 January
Ezra Pound, an admirer of Mussolini, begins recording talks for broadcast over Rome Radio. He makes more than 300 broadcasts for the Fascists.
1941 January
Hitler advises Antonescu to "liquidate" the Romanian Legionary Movement and German forces are soon ordered to help crush the Legionaries.
1941 January
In early January, Harry Hopkins arrives in Britain. He is the first of several envoys making personal assessments of the situation on behalf of President Roosevelt and will be followed shortly by Wendell Willkie and Averell Harriman. (Churchill Center)
1941 January 1
Another 439 old and sick Jewsfrom the Old Peoples Home in Kalisz, Poland, are gassed wiith exhaust fumes in the nearby woods. (Atlas)
1941 January 6
President Roosevelt calls for the "Four Freedoms" in his State of the Union address to Congress, again referring to America as the "arsenal of democracy."
1941 January 7
Himmler writes to Seyss-Inquart, inviting him to Wewelsburg castle to discuss "Many important and ultimate matters." (Architect)
1941 January 10
The "Lend-Lease" Bill is introduced to the U.S. Congress, where it encounters considerable opposition. Former ambassador to Great Britain Joseph Kennedy and Charles Lindbergh are among its most vocal opponents.
1941 January 15
Hitler meets with Antonescu at Salzburg and and informs him of his intention to invade Russia with Romanian collaboration. Antonescu tells Hitler that first he must liquidate the Legionary Movement, but neglects to ask for more than just a promise of additional aid, armaments, and war materiels. (Sturdza)
1941 January 21
Antonescu stages a coup against his own government. A number of Legionaries are killed, but they continue to hold out in some places.
1941 January 22
The German Charge d'Affaires in Romania Dr.
Neubacher, gives Horia Sima a solemn promise from both Hitler and Antonescu of
complete impunity for Legionaries, and suggests participation in a new
government, if resistance ends before noon on January 23. (Sturdza)
1941 January 22
In Bulgaria, A "Law for the Defense of the
Nation" gives Jews one month to leave all public posts, and forces almost
all Jewish doctors, dentists and lawyers to give up their practices. A special
tax was imposed on all Jewish homes, shops and other property, amounting to 25%
of its value. (Atlas)
1941 January 22
Antisemitic violence in Bucharest leaves 120 Jews dead in the streets. Men, women and children are hunted down by armed gangs. Some survivors flee to Palestine (See March 9). (Atlas)
1941 January 23
In Bucharest, Legionary resistance ends before 8AM,
and in the provinces, prior to 11AM. Nevertheless, Antonescu's forces stage a
massacre of peaceful crowds in Bucharest. At least 360 are killed including many
women and children. No Legionaries are killed, they have already peacefully
withdrawn on Sima's orders, as agreed. Trials and executions of other
Legionaries are commonplace until June. (Sturdza)
