What Happened in 1943
Interesting Facts About 1943
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The U.S. started large-scale production of penicillin, an important antibiotic that saved many lives on and off the battlefield.
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The world’s first operational jet-powered fighter, the Messerschmitt Me 262 was deployed by Germany.
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The all-Black fighter pilot group from Tuskegee Institute earned distinction flying escort missions over Europe.
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The Pentagon, considered to be the world’s largest office building, was completed.
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Due to wartime blackouts, a no-lit New Year’s Eve Ball was held at One Times Square in 1942 and 1943.
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The “We Can Do It!” poster by J. Howard Miller was created in 1943, representing women's strength in wartime industry.
1943 Pop Culture & Fun Facts
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The Jefferson Memorial in Washington, DC, was dedicated on the 200th anniversary of Thomas Jefferson’s birthday.
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Duke Ellington played at New York City’s Carnegie Hall for the first time.
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Sliced bread was banned temporarily in the United States in 1943 for wartime conservation.
1943 Inventions & First Appearances
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Nachos were invented by Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya in Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico.
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Jacques-Yves Cousteau and Émile Gagnan invented the first commercially successful open circuit type of scuba diving equipment, the Aqua-lung.
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The first Deep-Dish Pizza was created by Pizza Uno.
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James Wright created silly putty.
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A Swiss chemist, Albert Hofman discovered "the hallucinogenic properties" of LSD.
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Air Wick air fresheners appeared in the marketplace for the first time.
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Richard James invented the slinky.
Sports Highlights of 1943
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Many star players were serving in the military, including Ted Williams, Joe DiMaggio, and Bob Feller. Teams often filled rosters with older players, young prospects, or those deferred from service.
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“The Brown Bomber” Joe Louis remained heavyweight champ, continuing exhibition fights to boost troop morale.
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Due to a player shortage caused by WWII, The Pittsburgh Steelers and The Philadelphia Eagles merged and were known as the Steagles.
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The first game of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League was played.
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NFL Champions: Chicago Bears
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Stanley Cup: Detroit Red Wings
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World Series: New York Yankees
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U.S. Open Golf: Not held because of World War II
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U S. Open Tennis (Men/Women): Lt. Joseph Hunt/Pauline Betz
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Wimbledon: Not held because of World War II
Top Songs of 1943
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You'll Never Know – Dick Haymes / Frank Sinatra
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Paper Doll – The Mills Brothers
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Pistol Packin' Mama – Al Dexter & later covered by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
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Sunday, Monday or Always – Bing Crosby
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As Time Goes By – Dooley Wilson (from Casablanca)
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People Will Say We’re in Love – Bing Crosby & Trudy Erwin (from Oklahoma!)
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In the Blue of Evening – Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra
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Don’t Get Around Much Anymore – Duke Ellington
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That Old Black Magic – Glenn Miller / Margaret Whiting
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Comin’ In on a Wing and a Prayer – The Song Spinners
Top Movies of 1943
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You'll Never Know – Dick Haymes / Frank Sinatra
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Paper Doll – The Mills Brothers
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Pistol Packin' Mama – Al Dexter & later covered by Bing Crosby and The Andrews Sisters
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Sunday, Monday or Always – Bing Crosby
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As Time Goes By – Dooley Wilson (from Casablanca)
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People Will Say We’re in Love – Bing Crosby & Trudy Erwin (from Oklahoma!)
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In the Blue of Evening – Tommy Dorsey and Frank Sinatra
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Don’t Get Around Much Anymore – Duke Ellington
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That Old Black Magic – Glenn Miller / Margaret Whiting
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Comin’ In on a Wing and a Prayer – The Song Spinners
FREE 1943 Year You Were Born Printable
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