In early 1942, MacArthur was ordered by President Roosevelt to go to Australia and leave the Philippine islands after heavy fighting. Given the Allies' precarious position, on March 11, the General left the islands, but vowed to return.

As the United States entered its fourth month in the war, Japanese successes continued throughout the Pacific. The Allies suffered a defeat at the Battle of Java Sea, and realized the challenges that lied ahead.

Multiple Axis victories in the winter of 1942 signified a long a difficult fight for the Allies. Many serious defeats would serve as roadblocks before the tide eventually turned in the Allies favor by mid-year.

The Roosevelt Administration's civil liberties record was barred, as thousands of Japanese Americans were relocated to internment camps this week in 1942.

On February 15, 1942, the Japanese captured Britain's critical base at Singapore. This event raise the stakes of the war in the Pacific, and eroded the prestige of the British Empire in Asia.

The media and government propaganda encouraged the participation of women, both on the homefront in production lines, and directly through the transportation of military supplies.

On January 26, 1942, the first US troops arrived in Europe, in Northern Ireland. This marked the beginning of the Allied effort to defeat Nazi tyranny.

Few could imagine the extent of Nazi Germany's antisemitic policies. The Wannsee Conference, held in January of 1942, outlined the horrific "Final Solution" to exterminate the European Jewish population.

American industry braced for the war effort on the homefront like never before in its history. President Roosevelt created the War Production Board to prepare war efforts accordingly.

In the opening weeks of 1942, the empire of Japan advanced throughout Southeast Asia; Singapore and the Dutch East Indies were under fierce attack.