What Happened This Year 1939

Historical Events from This Year 1939

Sports & Recreation

First Televised Collegiate Baseball Game

May 17th, 1939 85 years ago

Columbia Lions faced Princeton Tigers in a landmark event, marking the first televised collegiate baseball game in New York City. The game was broadcast live, showcasing the capabilities of television as a medium for sports entertainment. Fans could follow the game from home, a novel experience for the time.

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Military & Warfare

Canadian National War Memorial Unveiled

May 21st, 1939 85 years ago

The Canadian National War Memorial was unveiled by King George VI and Queen Elizabeth in Ottawa, Ontario. This significant event marked a tribute to the Canadian soldiers who served in World War I and subsequent conflicts. The memorial, designed by prominent Canadian architect Walter Seymour Allward, features a towering granite arch and was intended to honor the bravery of those who sacrificed for their country. The royal couple's presence underscored the importance of national remembrance.

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Politics & Government

Germany and Italy Forge a Military Alliance

May 22nd, 1939 85 years ago

On May 22, 1939, Germany and Italy solidified their military alliance by signing the Pact of Steel in Berlin. This agreement, formally known as the Pact of Friendship and Alliance between Germany and Italy, aimed to enhance cooperation in military and political matters. Adolf Hitler and Benito Mussolini underscored their commitment to mutual support and shared expansionist goals, setting the stage for closer military ties and collaboration in the forthcoming conflicts of World War II.

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Accidents & Tragedies

USS Squalus Sinks During Test Dive

May 23rd, 1939 85 years ago

The USS Squalus, a U.S. Navy submarine, sank off the coast of New Hampshire during a test dive due to a mechanical failure. This catastrophic event resulted in the tragic loss of 24 sailors and two civilian technicians aboard. However, the next day, a heroic rescue operation successfully saved 32 sailors and one civilian naval architect from the sunken vessel. The incident raised significant concerns regarding submarine safety protocols.

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Military & Warfare

First Flight of the Focke-Wulf Fw 190 Fighter

June 1st, 1939 85 years ago

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190, an influential German fighter aircraft, made its maiden flight in Germany. Designed by Kurt Tank, this advanced aircraft featured a powerful radial engine and innovative design elements. With its speed and firepower, the Fw 190 became a crucial asset for the Luftwaffe in World War II, offering a significant enhancement over earlier German fighters and competing effectively against Allied aircraft.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

MS St. Louis Denied Landing for Jewish Refugees

June 4th, 1939 85 years ago

The MS St. Louis, a German transatlantic liner, departed from Hamburg in May 1939 carrying 963 Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazi regime. After being denied entry to Cuba due to visa issues, the ship sailed to the United States, only to be turned away from Florida. The US refused to accept the passengers despite numerous pleas for asylum. Ultimately, the MS St. Louis returned to Europe, and tragically, more than 200 of the voyagers would later die in Nazi concentration camps.

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Arts & Culture

First Horror Film in Three-Strip Technicolor

June 12th, 1939 85 years ago

Paramount Pictures commenced shooting 'Dr. Cyclops', marking a significant milestone as the first horror film to be shot using the innovative three-strip Technicolor process. This groundbreaking decision not only showcased the emerging talents in the film industry but also highlighted the potential of color in enhancing the horror genre. Various scenes from the film were shot in lush locations, complementing the vivid imagery that Technicolor promised. The film’s unique approach aimed to attract audiences seeking a richer visual experience, particularly in horror cinema.

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Sports & Recreation

The Baseball Hall of Fame Opens in Cooperstown

June 12th, 1939 85 years ago

The Baseball Hall of Fame opened in Cooperstown, New York, honoring the contributions of legendary baseball players and teams. The inaugural ceremony took place with notable figures like Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis in attendance. The hall dedicated its first class of inductees, which included baseball greats such as Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, and Walter Johnson. Designed to celebrate the history of baseball, the Hall aims to preserve the sport's legacy and inspire future generations.

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Crime & Law

Final Execution by Guillotine in France

June 17th, 1939 85 years ago

Eugen Weidmann was publicly executed by guillotine in Versailles, outside Saint-Pierre prison. This event marked the end of public executions in France and was attended by a sizable crowd. Weidmann, convicted of multiple murders, had made headlines for his gruesome crimes, leading to significant public interest. The execution was performed by the authorities in a spectacle intended to serve as a deterrent to crime.

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