What Happened in 1939
Historical Highlights of 1939
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Germany invaded Poland, prompting Britain and France to declare war on Germany on September 3. This marked the official start of WWII.
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As WWII began, the United States declared itself neutral.
Pop Culture & Fun Facts from 1939
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"The Wizard of Oz" and "Gone with the Wind" both premiered — two of the most iconic films in Hollywood history.
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Batman debuted in Detective Comics #27 (May 1939), becoming a legendary superhero.
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Theme: “The World of Tomorrow” — featured futuristic exhibits, early TVs, and modernist architecture.
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The first Thin Mint cookies were baked by the Girl Scouts.
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The first Little League Baseball game was played in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
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The current world record holder for the world’s oldest dog was Bluey, who lived from 1910 to 1939 and died at the age of 29 years and five months.
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Billie Holiday Releases “Strange Fruit”A haunting protest song against lynching in America — one of the first major examples of music as social activism.
Science & Inventions of 1939
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The first televised U.S. presidential speech was given by Franklin D. Roosevelt at the opening of the 1939 New York World's Fair.
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FM radio broadcasting began, offering clearer sound than AM radio.
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The Nylon stocking was introduced by DuPont.
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Physicists Albert Einstein and Leó Szilárd warned President Roosevelt about Nazi Germany's interest in nuclear weapons — leading to the launch of the Manhattan Project.
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First Commercial Flight Across the Atlantic (Pan Am Clipper)
Transatlantic air service became a reality, opening the skies to new global travel possibilities.
Sports Highlights of 1939
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Lou Gehrig Retires from Baseball. Diagnosed with ALS, the legendary Yankee gave his famous “Luckiest Man on the Face of the Earth” farewell speech on July 4.
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Joe Louis retains the Heavyweight title and continued his reign as boxing’s champ and an inspirational figure.
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World Series Champions: New York Yankees
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NFL Champs: Green Bay Packers
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Stanley Cup Champs: Boston Bruins
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U.S. Open Golf: Byron Nelson
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U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): Bobby Riggs/Alice Marble
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Wimbledon (Men/Women): Bobby Riggs
Top Songs of 1939
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Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland
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God Bless America – Kate Smith
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Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller Orchestra
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All the Things You Are – Tommy Dorsey
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Stardust – Artie Shaw
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Beer Barrel Polka (Roll Out the Barrel) – The Andrews Sisters
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Darn That Dream – Benny Goodman (vocals by Mildred Bailey)
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In the Mood – Glenn Miller
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Deep Purple – Larry Clinton Orchestra (vocals by Bea Wain)
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South of the Border (Down Mexico Way) – Gene Autry
Top Movies of 1939
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Gone with the Wind
Epic Civil War romance starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh; swept the Academy Awards. -
The Wizard of Oz
Judy Garland’s iconic role as Dorothy; packed with unforgettable songs and groundbreaking Technicolor visuals. -
Mr. Smith Goes to Washington
James Stewart stars in this powerful political drama directed by Frank Capra. -
Stagecoach
John Wayne’s breakout Western, directed by John Ford — revolutionized the genre. -
Wuthering Heights
A romantic drama adaptation of Emily Brontë’s novel, starring Laurence Olivier. -
Goodbye, Mr. Chips
A heartwarming tale of a British schoolteacher’s long career. -
Ninotchka
Greta Garbo laughs! A smart, romantic comedy with political satire. -
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Charles Laughton stars in this dark and emotional adaptation of Victor Hugo’s novel. -
Of Mice and Men
Powerful adaptation of John Steinbeck’s classic about friendship and hardship. -
Gunga Din
Action-adventure film starring Cary Grant, based on Rudyard Kipling’s poem.
FREE 1939 Year You Were Born Printable
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