This Month in History: September

Written by Lauren Ko

The Start and End of World War II

World War II officially started on September 1st, 1939 and ended on September 2nd, 1945. Lasting six years and one day, World War II caused catastrophic damage. The war officially started in 1939, after Germany invaded Poland, causing the Allies (the U.K., France, Canada and others) to declare war on Germany and the Axis powers (Italy and Japan). The war ended after Adolf Hitler committed suicide on April 30, 1945 and after the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, causing Japan to surrender in September 1945. Between 35 to 60 million people died. 6 million of those were Jews, and 5 million were other groups the Nazis saw as “unfit”.¹ China and the Soviet Union lost the most people of any country. World War II was the bloodiest conflict and the largest war in history.

The 9/11 Terrorist Attacks

On September 11th, 2001, two planes crashed into the World Trade Center in New York City. Another plane also crashed into the Pentagon just outside Washington, DC. A third plane crashed into a field in Pennsylvania after the passengers attacked the hijackers.² This plane was possibly intended for the White House or the Capitol building. These crashes were not accidents; they were organized by a terrorist group known as al-Qaeda. These attacks were organized in hopes they would cause widespread panic and weaken the U.S. Overall, 9/11 killed 2,977 people. 2,753 died in New York, 184 people were killed in the Pentagon, and 40 people died on the flight headed to Washington, DC. The 9/11 attacks had many effects on America and the World, and are still remembered today.

New Zealand Gives Women the Right to Vote

On September 19th, 1893, New Zealand became the first country to give women the right to vote. While other countries waited until the early 20th century to grant this right, New Zealand became a social trailblazer. This event was caused by years of suffrage movements led by Kate Sheppard.³ She has been recognized for her achievements and is now on the New Zealand 10-dollar bill. The next country to grant women the right to vote was Australia in 1902.

Famous Birthdays

Zendaya, September 1st, 1996

Keanu Reeves, September 2nd, 1964

Nick Jonas, September 16th, 1992

Jenna Ortega, September 27th, 2002

Bibliography:

¹(Hughes, Thomas A., and John Graham Royde-Smith. “World War II | Facts, Summary, History, Dates, Combatants, & Causes.” Encyclopedia Britannica, 23 Aug. 1998, www.britannica.com/event/World-War-II. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025.)

²(“9/11 FAQs | National September 11 Memorial & Museum.” 911memorial.org, 2024, www.911memorial.org/911-faqs. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025.)

³(“New Zealand Women and the Vote | NZ History.” Govt.nz, 19 Sept. 2024, nzhistory.govt.nz/politics/womens-suffrage. Accessed 16 Sept. 2025.)