DECEMBER 25, 1939

Full News Archive

• Headline: Dewey's Youth Celebrated in Political Commentary. Impact: Mrs. Simms' glowing review of Dewey's youth sparked a trend of politicians casting themselves as 'young at heart,' leading to decades of middle-aged candidates trying to connect with voters by awkwardly using slang.. Fact: Youth in politics is so sought after that one day, we might see a toddler run for office. 'Vote for me! I can promise nap time!'.
• Headline: Crerar Reviews War Efforts in Europe. Impact: Crerar's optimistic assessment fostered a belief in international teamwork that eventually led to the formation of numerous alliances, countless summits, and, of course, an endless amount of diplomatic jargon that no one really understands.. Fact: The only thing that flies higher than military aircraft during wartime? The number of diplomatic meetings that produce absolutely no results!.
• Headline: 2 WOMEN DROP TEST OF BELLIGERENT ZONE; Americans in Paris Decide Not to Sail on French Liner. Impact: Their decision to avoid the French liner caused a ripple effect that led to increased caution among travelers. This paved the way for the invention of travel insurance and the rise of 'staycation' culture decades later.. Fact: Fun fact: Avoiding danger is a time-honored tradition in travel, as evidenced by countless films where characters make the questionable decision to stay in haunted hotels..
• Headline: Messages of President Span a Year of History. Impact: The comparison of presidential messages over time led to the establishment of the tradition of analyzing speeches for hidden meanings, leading to the creation of countless conspiracy theories that claim presidents are secretly lizards.. Fact: Presidential messages are like your aunt's holiday letters: long, filled with good intentions, and often leaving you wondering if you really needed to read the whole thing..
• Headline: POPE OFFERS 5 BASES OF 'JUST PEACE'; URGES 'RIGHT TO LIFE' OF ALL NATIONS; FINNS DRIVE AHEAD ON THREE FRONTS; PIUS WARNS EUROPE Pontiff Says the Nations Must Be Freed From 'Slavery' of Arms FOR A WORLD INSTITUTION Asks Study of Just Demands-- Urges Moral Justice in Treaty --Hails U.S. Envoy Welcomes U.S. Ambassador Bitter Over Widespread War FIVE PEACE BASES OFFERED BY POPE Five Conditions for Peace Grateful to Roosevelt. Impact: The Pope's appeal for peace didn't just stop wars; it sparked a global movement for justice and diplomacy that would take centuries to fully realize, leading to today's never-ending debates over international treaties and peacekeeping missions.. Fact: The Pope's messages have been so impactful that they sometimes accidentally lead to world leaders attending his speeches instead of actual meetings that could resolve conflicts. Priorities, right?.
• Headline: CHILEAN PAPER WARNS OF SAFETY ZONE PERIL; Holds Move by Americas Likely to Draw Them Closer to War. Impact: This warning was so prescient that it inspired a wave of safety precautions and diplomatic strategies that, decades later, would lead to 'safety zones' becoming the hottest political buzzword—much like 'synergy' and 'leverage.'. Fact: The only thing more likely to draw nations together than a safety zone? A global pandemic or a really good pizza. Choices, choices..