What Happened This Year 1940

Historical Events from This Year 1940

Politics & Government

Treznea Massacre in Transylvania

September 9th, 1940 84 years ago

The Treznea Massacre involved the killing of Székely Hungarians in a Transylvanian village by Romanian soldiers during the tense period following the Second Vienna Award. Tensions escalated due to the territorial changes after World War I, primarily affecting ethnic groups in Transylvania. On that day, soldiers retaliated against the Hungarian inhabitants of Treznea, leading to significant casualties and community impact.

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Science & Technology

George Stibitz's Remote Computer Operation

September 9th, 1940 84 years ago

George Stibitz successfully demonstrated the ability to operate a computer remotely using a telegraph in 1940. This innovative feat took place when Stibitz, a mathematician at Bell Telephone Laboratories, operated his binary calculator, the Model K, from his home in New York using a telegraph line connected to the laboratory. This revolutionary demonstration showcased the potential for remote computing that would later lay the groundwork for modern computing and networking.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Explosion at Hercules Powder Plant Claims Lives

September 12th, 1940 84 years ago

An explosion occurred at the Hercules Powder Company in Kenvil, New Jersey, resulting in the deaths of 51 individuals and injuring over 200 others. This catastrophic incident took place while workers were handling explosives at the facility. The blast was heard miles away, highlighting the immense power of the explosion and the tragedy that struck the local community. First responders and medical teams rushed to the scene to assist the injured and recover victims, marking a harrowing day in the history of industrial accidents in the United States.

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Exploration & Discovery

Discovery of Lascaux Cave Paintings

September 12th, 1940 84 years ago

In September 1940, four teenagers, including Marcel Ravidat, discovered a hidden cave in Lascaux, France that contained extensive prehistoric paintings. The cave features stunning depictions of various animals such as horses, stags, and bison, dating back approximately 17,000 years. This remarkable find provides significant insights into the lives and artistry of early humans and their relationship with nature.

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Military & Warfare

Massacre of Romanian Civilians in Ip

September 14th, 1940 84 years ago

In Ip, a village in Transylvania, the Hungarian Army, aided by local Hungarian civilians, conducted a violent attack resulting in the deaths of 158 Romanian residents. This operation was framed within the broader context of ethnic tensions heightened by territorial changes following World War I. The massacre occurred amidst a complex backdrop of nationalism and regional conflict, escalating the already fraught relationship between Hungarians and Romanians in the area.

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Military & Warfare

Luftwaffe's Largest Attack on Britain

September 15th, 1940 84 years ago

On this significant day, the Luftwaffe launched its most concentrated assault during the Battle of Britain, targeting London and other key areas. Known as the Battle of Britain Day, this escalation marked a pivotal moment in the aerial conflict between Germany and the United Kingdom. The Royal Air Force (RAF) faced overwhelming odds but managed to defend against the Luftwaffe's extensive bombing missions. The scale and intensity of the attack underlined the strategic importance of air superiority in the ongoing war, ultimately influencing the course of subsequent military operations.

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Military & Warfare

Italian Forces Capture Sidi Barrani

September 16th, 1940 84 years ago

On September 16, 1940, Italian troops successfully captured the coastal town of Sidi Barrani in Egypt during the North African Campaign. The operation was part of Italy's ambitious plan to expand its territory into British-controlled Egypt. Under the command of General Ettore Bastico, Italian forces swiftly moved into the town, exploiting British military preoccupations elsewhere. This strategic gain exemplified Italy's initial successes in the North African front.

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Military & Warfare

Hitler Postpones Operation Sea Lion's Launch

September 17th, 1940 84 years ago

After facing setbacks in the Battle of Britain, Adolf Hitler decided to postpone Operation Sea Lion, the planned invasion of Britain. The Luftwaffe struggled to gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force, and with the approaching autumn weather, the chances for success diminished. This strategic decision reflected the overall complexity of engaging Britain in warfare and indicated the resilience of British defenses during this critical phase of World War II.

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Military & Warfare

Witold Pilecki's Capture for Resistance Reporting

September 19th, 1940 84 years ago

Witold Pilecki, a Polish Army officer, volunteered to be captured by the Nazis in order to gather intelligence from Auschwitz concentration camp. This daring plan was aimed at reporting the atrocities occurring there and aiding the Polish resistance against the oppressive regime. Pilecki, under the guise of a homeless individual, allowed himself to be arrested during a round-up in Warsaw. His remarkable resolve and bravery would lead him into one of the deadliest places of the Holocaust, enabling him to document the horrific conditions inside and organize efforts for escape and resistance from within the camp.

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