24 Facts About 1939

A Year of Historical Significance

1939 was a year that changed the course of history. From groundbreaking inventions to pivotal political events, this year had it all. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about 1939.

1. World War II Begins: On September 1, Germany invaded Poland, marking the start of World War II. This conflict would last until 1945 and involve most of the world's nations.

2. Nazi-Soviet Pact: In August, Germany and the Soviet Union signed a non-aggression pact, shocking the world. This agreement included a secret protocol dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence.

3. Einstein's Letter to Roosevelt: Albert Einstein wrote a letter to President Franklin D. Roosevelt, warning about the potential for Nazi Germany to develop atomic weapons. This letter led to the creation of the Manhattan Project.

Cultural Milestones

1939 wasn't just about war and politics. It was also a year of significant cultural achievements that left a lasting impact.

4. The Wizard of Oz: This iconic film, starring Judy Garland, premiered in 1939. It introduced the world to the magical land of Oz and the unforgettable song "Over the Rainbow."

5. Gone with the Wind: Another cinematic masterpiece, "Gone with the Wind," was released this year. It won ten Academy Awards and remains one of the highest-grossing films of all time.

6. Batman Debuts: Detective Comics #27 hit the stands in May, introducing the world to Batman. Created by Bob Kane and Bill Finger, Batman became one of the most popular superheroes ever.

Scientific and Technological Advances

1939 was a year of remarkable progress in science and technology, setting the stage for future innovations.

7. First Helicopter Flight: Igor Sikorsky piloted the first successful helicopter flight in the United States. This invention revolutionized aviation and had a significant impact on various industries.

8. Nylon Stockings: DuPont introduced nylon stockings to the public at the New York World's Fair. This new material quickly became popular, replacing silk in many applications.

9. First Commercial TV Broadcast: RCA broadcasted the first commercial television program in the United States from the New York World's Fair. This event marked the beginning of the television era.

Political and Social Changes

The world saw significant political and social changes in 1939, many of which would shape the future.

10. Spanish Civil War Ends: The Spanish Civil War concluded in April with the victory of Francisco Franco's Nationalist forces. This conflict had a profound impact on Spain and the broader European political landscape.

11. British Royal Visit to the U.S.: King George VI and Queen Elizabeth made a historic visit to the United States, strengthening the bond between the two nations. This was the first time a reigning British monarch visited America.

12. Women's Army Auxiliary Corps: The British government established the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps, allowing women to serve in non-combat roles during World War II. This move was a significant step toward gender equality in the military.

Sports and Entertainment

1939 was also a notable year for sports and entertainment, with several memorable events and achievements.

13. Lou Gehrig's Farewell: Baseball legend Lou Gehrig delivered his famous farewell speech at Yankee Stadium on July 4. Diagnosed with ALS, Gehrig's emotional speech remains one of the most memorable moments in sports history.

14. First NFL Draft: The National Football League held its first-ever draft in 1939. This event has since become a cornerstone of the NFL's annual calendar.

15. Billie Holiday's "Strange Fruit": Jazz singer Billie Holiday recorded "Strange Fruit," a powerful song protesting racial violence in America. The song became an anthem for the civil rights movement.

Global Events and Discoveries

The world witnessed several significant global events and discoveries in 1939, further highlighting the year's importance.

16. Soviet-Japanese Border War: The Soviet Union and Japan fought a series of border conflicts in 1939, culminating in the Battle of Khalkhin Gol. The Soviet victory helped deter Japanese expansion into Siberia.

17. Discovery of Nuclear Fission: German scientists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassmann discovered nuclear fission, a breakthrough that would eventually lead to the development of nuclear power and weapons.

18. Pan American Airways: Pan American Airways inaugurated the first transatlantic passenger flight, connecting the United States and Europe. This milestone marked a new era in international air travel.

Literature and Arts

1939 was a year of significant contributions to literature and the arts, with several notable works and events.

19. John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath": Steinbeck published his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Grapes of Wrath" in 1939. The book depicted the struggles of American farmers during the Great Depression.

20. Picasso's "Guernica": Pablo Picasso's powerful anti-war painting "Guernica" was displayed at the New York World's Fair. The artwork remains one of the most famous pieces of modern art.

21. Marian Anderson's Lincoln Memorial Concert: After being denied the opportunity to perform at Constitution Hall due to her race, African American singer Marian Anderson gave a historic concert at the Lincoln Memorial. This event was a significant moment in the civil rights movement.

Miscellaneous Facts

A few more interesting tidbits from 1939 that don't fit neatly into other categories but are worth mentioning.

22. World's Fair in New York: The 1939 New York World's Fair showcased numerous innovations and attracted millions of visitors. The fair's theme, "The World of Tomorrow," highlighted the potential of science and technology.

23. First Appearance of the Jeep: The first prototype of the Jeep, a versatile military vehicle, was developed in 1939. It would become an essential tool for Allied forces during World War II.

24. Hewlett-Packard Founded: Bill Hewlett and Dave Packard founded Hewlett-Packard (HP) in a garage in Palo Alto, California. This company would grow to become one of the world's leading technology firms.

The Legacy of 1939

1939 wasn't just another year. It marked the beginning of World War II, forever changing global politics. The world saw the debut of iconic films like "Gone with the Wind" and "The Wizard of Oz," which still captivate audiences. The New York World's Fair introduced futuristic innovations, sparking imaginations. Meanwhile, the first regular television broadcasts began, setting the stage for modern media.

In sports, Joe DiMaggio and the New York Yankees dominated baseball, while the first NCAA basketball tournament took place. The year also witnessed significant scientific advancements, including the discovery of nuclear fission.

From cultural milestones to groundbreaking discoveries, 1939 left an indelible mark on history. Its events continue to influence our lives, reminding us of a time when the world stood on the brink of monumental change. Reflecting on 1939 helps us appreciate how far we've come and the lessons learned along the way.