MARCH 5, 1936

Full News Archive

• Headline: Diplomats Watch Red Army War Film. Impact: This little screening led to a surge in spy movie budgets decades later. You see, the more diplomats watched war films, the more they believed they could negotiate like they were in a 'Mission Impossible' sequel.. Fact: The only thing scarier than watching the Red Army in action was the fact that many diplomats were still using typewriters..
• Headline: Litvinoff Rejects Further Propaganda Talks. Impact: This statement effectively set the tone for diplomatic discussions for the next century, where everyone just pretended to agree while secretly rolling their eyes.. Fact: The term 'propaganda' was originally coined in the 17th century. So, congratulations Litvinoff, you’re just two centuries late to the party!.
• Headline: Discover 'Books of the Times'. Impact: This headline marks the moment when people started to realize that reading books might actually make them smarter. Shockingly, this led to an increase in book clubs, and now we have a plethora of people discussing 'The Great Gatsby' over wine.. Fact: There are more books published each year than there are people in some countries. So good luck finding that one bestseller in the sea of literary chaos..
• Headline: STALIN SAYS RUSSIA IS READY FOR JAPAN; Would Go to War to Protect Outer Mongolia, He Warns in Talk With Roy Howard. DISAVOWS 'WORLD REVOLT' Dictator Views American and Soviet Systems as Capable of Working Side by Side.. Impact: Stalin's readiness for war reshaped alliances, causing Japan to rethink their entire strategy. This led to a series of events that would eventually result in the most awkward family reunions at future summits.. Fact: Stalin and Japan would eventually become frenemies, which is the best kind of relationship if you're into international diplomacy..
• Headline: BRITISH NAVY ASKS u69,930,000 IN 1936; u9,880,000 Rise Is Exclusive of Sums to Be Spent Under Vast Rearmament Scheme. MOSQUITO FLEET' IN VIEW Monsell Hints at Flotilla Like Those of Germany and Italy -- Conference Nears Goal. BRITISH NAVY ASKS 69,980,000 IN 1936. Impact: This request for funds sparked a naval arms race that would eventually lead to more ships than you could ever count. Who knew that asking for money could lead to a glorified game of battleship?. Fact: The British Navy was once so powerful that they could have literally blocked out the sun. But instead, they just asked for more money..
• Headline: BROWDER RADIO BID STIRS HOUSE DEBATE; McClellan Assails Columbia's Invitation to Communist -- Pierce Makes Reply.. Impact: This debate set off a chain reaction of red-baiting that would make any McCarthyite proud. It taught future politicians that controversy generates attention, even if it’s just people yelling at each other.. Fact: The term 'Communist' was so overused in the 20th century that it was practically a catchphrase. Next, they’ll be putting it on a T-shirt..
• Headline: CAMILLE LEMERCIER RITES.; 200 Attend Funeral of Official of Havas News Agency,. Impact: The attendance of 200 people demonstrates the importance of media figures. This event subtly reminded everyone on the planet that if you don’t make a splash, you might just end up as a footnote in history.. Fact: Funerals often have the most interesting guest lists. You can learn a lot about a person by seeing who shows up to say goodbye..
• Headline: PAYS FOR WAR PRISONERS.; Bolivia Presents Check for Upkeep by Paraguay.. Impact: Bolivia's gesture of paying for war prisoners set a precedent for future negotiations over prisoners, proving that sometimes, you can buy your way out of trouble. Who knew diplomacy could be so transactional?. Fact: This is basically the historical equivalent of Venmoing someone for lunch. 'Hey, here's a check for your troubles!'.
• Headline: CALIFORNIA OIL FLOW UP.; Daily Output Now 20,000 Barrels Larger Than on Feb. 29.. Impact: The increase in oil production led to California's eventual dominance in the energy sector and gave birth to a million hipster coffee shops that would later lament the impact of fossil fuels.. Fact: If oil were water, California would be the proverbial kid with a garden hose in a drought..
• Headline: GAS KILLS THREE CHILDREN; Alone in Home, They Are Believed to Have Played With Stove.. Impact: This tragic incident highlighted the need for better gas safety regulations, ultimately leading to modern safety protocols that save lives today. It's a dark reminder of how some lessons must be learned the hard way.. Fact: Gas safety campaigns were born out of tragedies like this, so the legacy of these children indirectly contributes to saving lives today..