1940 • 1941 • 1942 • 1943 • 1944 • 1945 • 1946 • 1947 • 1948 • 1949
What Happened in 1942
Interesting Facts About 1942
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Japan launched a surprise military strike on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. This attack led to the U.S. entering World War II.
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Mount Rushmore was completed.
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Science fiction author Isaac Asimov coined the term “robotics”.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt began his third term as president of the United States. He was the first and only U.S. president to serve four terms.
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1941 Pop Culture & Fun Facts
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Citizen Cane by Orson Welles premieres, it redefined cinematic storytelling and is often called the greatest film ever made.
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NBC aired an ad for Bulova watches. This was the first television commercial and cost $7.
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Walt Disney released his animated feature film "Dumbo".
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During World War II, M&Ms were sold exclusively to the military.
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The phrase “You can run but can't hide” dates back to a taunt by boxer Joe Louis during his fight against Billy Conn.
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Comedian Bob Hope began his famous USO tours in 1941, entertaining American troops overseas.
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The song “Chattanooga Choo Choo” by Glenn Miller, became the first gold record in history, selling over 1 million copies.
1941 Inventions & First Appearances
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The Heinkel He 280, the world's first jet-powered fighter aircraft, made its maiden flight in April
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Konrad Zuse completed the Z3 computer, the first functional program-controlled automatic computer.
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The British Royal Air Force introduced the VIII radar, the first operational microwave-frequency aircraft interception radar.
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Coach bags were first introduced. They were based on a baseball glove’s design.
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Chanel No. 5 perfume was released.
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Comic book hero Captain America appeared for the first time. He became a symbol of patriotism and resistance to tyranny
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Created by psychologist William Moulton Marston, Wonder Woman first appeared in All Star Comics.
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General Mills introduced Cheerioats, the breakfast cereal.
Sports Highlights of 1941
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New York Yankees' Joe DiMaggio set a Major League Baseball record with a 56-game hitting streak.
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The 1941 NFL Championship Game was the first to be broadcast on national radio, expanding the reach of professional football.
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World Series Champions: New York Yankees
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NFL Champs: Chicago Bears
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Stanley Cup Champs: Boston Bruins
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U.S. Open Golf: Craig Wood
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U.S. Tennis (Men/Ladies): Robert Riggs/Sarah Palfrey Cooke
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Wimbledon (Men/Women): not held
Top Songs of 1941
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In the Mood – Glenn Miller Orchestra
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Chattanooga Choo Choo – Glenn Miller Orchestra
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A String of Pearls – Glenn Miller
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I Don’t Want to Set the World on Fire – The Ink Spots
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Maria Elena – Jimmy Dorsey
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Daddy – Sammy Kaye
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Green Eyes – Jimmy Dorsey & Helen O'Connell
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Piano Concerto in B Flat – Freddy Martin Orchestra
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You and I – Glenn Miller
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Song of the Volga Boatmen – Glenn Miller
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Yes, My Darling Daughter – Dinah Shore
Top Movies of 1941
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Citizen Kane – Directed by Orson Welles; considered one of the greatest films of all time for its groundbreaking storytelling and cinematography.
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The Maltese Falcon – A noir classic starring Humphrey Bogart as detective Sam Spade.
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Sergeant York – Gary Cooper won an Oscar for portraying a real-life WWI hero.
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Dumbo – Disney’s fourth animated film; a touching tale of an outcast elephant with big ears.
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Suspicion – Directed by Alfred Hitchcock, starring Cary Grant and Joan Fontaine.
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How Green Was My Valley – A family saga that beat Citizen Kane for Best Picture at the Oscars.
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Meet John Doe – Frank Capra’s social commentary wrapped in a feel-good story.
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The Little Foxes – A dramatic Southern family tale starring Bette Davis.
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Hold That Ghost – Comedy and mystery blend with Abbott and Costello.
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Ball of Fire – A screwball comedy with Barbara Stanwyck and Gary Cooper.
FREE 1945 Year You Were Born Printable
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