On this day in history, Feb. 9, 1942 feds enact Daylight Saving Time in darkest hours of World War II
Fox News
The U.S. federal government enacted nationwide daylight saving time on this day in history, Feb. 9, 1942. It was seen as a way to promote the national defense amid World War II.
The federal action went into effect just two months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor plunged the United States into World War II. "Daylight savings time was passed to promote the national security and defense." — Department of Defense. "Great Britain moved clocks ahead two hours during World War II. It was called British Double Summer Time." "The first time zones were established by United States railroads in 1883." The notion of time zones is a fairly recent concept in human history. Kerry J. Byrne is a lifestyle reporter with Fox News Digital.
The U.S. and its Allies struggled to contain Japanese advances in early 1942 and victory appeared hopeless.