Vol. 1940s · No. 1940 · PRICE 25¢
The 1940 Times
AI-Generated Historical Illustration
May 26 – June 4, 1940 | France
Darkest Hour, Brave Defiance, and Cultural Icons
As totalitarian shadows engulfed Europe, Britain stood alone through devastating air raids and dramatic military rescues. Amidst the global turmoil, groundbreaking achievements in animation, cinema, and archeology offered enduring sparks of wonder and resilience.
The Battle of Britain
The Royal Air Force defended British skies against relentless Luftwaffe bombardment, delivering Nazi Germany its first major strategic defeat.
Winston Churchill Becomes Prime Minister
Taking leadership during Britain's darkest hour, Churchill rallied the nation with iconic speeches promising nothing but blood, toil, tears, and sweat.
Also this year
Disney Releases 'Fantasia'
November 13, 1940 | Cinema
Walt Disney revolutionized animation by pairing classical music with stunning visual sequences in groundbreaking multi-channel Fantasound.
Discovery of the Lascaux Cave Paintings
September 12, 1940 | France
Four teenagers and a dog accidentally discovered nearly 20,000-year-old Paleolithic cave art hidden beneath the hills of southwestern France.
Collapse of the Tacoma Narrows Bridge
November 7, 1940 | Washington, USA
Aeroelastic flutter caused the suspension bridge known as 'Galloping Gertie' to dramatically twist and plunge into Puget Sound.
Bugs Bunny Debuts in 'A Wild Hare'
July 27, 1940 | Animation
Warner Bros. introduced the world to the wise-cracking, carrot-munching rabbit with his signature catchphrase, 'What's up, doc?'
FDR Wins Historic Third Term
November 5, 1940 | United States
Franklin D. Roosevelt defeated Wendell Willkie to become the first and only U.S. President elected to a third term in office.