APRIL 9, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Argentina Arrests Graf Spee Officers. Impact: The arrest of Graf Spee officers led to a ripple effect in naval strategy, inspiring future officers to create elaborate escape plans. This eventually resulted in the infamous 'Swashbuckler's Guide to Naval Evasion' being published in 1952, which became a bestseller among pirates and wannabe naval officers alike.. Fact: Did you know that Graf Spee had a more successful career as a ship than many actors in Hollywood? At least it had a better ending than some of them..
• Headline: Fleetwood Trawlers during WWII. Impact: This event sparked a new trend in fishing that involved not just catching fish but also cleaning up the ocean. If only the trawlers knew they were paving the way for today’s eco-friendly fishing industry, they might have asked for a raise.. Fact: Fun fact: Fleetwood's trawlers are the original influencers of the fishing world. They say, 'Catch and release' was just a catchy slogan before it became a movement!.
• Headline: Roosevelt Effigy Gun Target Incident. Impact: The attempt to turn Roosevelt into a target led to a centuries-long debate about the appropriateness of using effigies as political statements. This eventually resulted in a new line of protest merchandise—'Effigy Targets: A History of Hitting Back.'. Fact: You know, if they had just used darts instead of a gun target, they could have started a whole new Olympic sport: 'Effigy Darts.'.
• Headline: PRESIDENT VETOES DEPORTATION BILL; Mandatory Ouster of Aliens With Narcotics Habits Offsets Benefits of Act, He Says SEES DISEASE, NOT CRIME Action Against Those Convicted or Confessing Espionage or Sabotage Is Commended. Impact: This veto opened the floodgates for debates about immigration policies. Fast forward a few decades, and we now have enough immigration policy discussions to fill a library—or at least a small coffee shop's worth of barista conversations.. Fact: In case you were wondering, the deportation bill didn’t come with a travel brochure. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t a vacation package..
• Headline: WANG IS ASSAILED ON VISIT TO PEIPING; Manifesto Held Indicative of North China's Resentment Toward Nanking Control CURRENCY PLAN SCOUTED Creation of Central Bank Is Viewed as Prestige Move --Cuba Backs Chiang. Impact: Wang's visit was the spark that ignited various currency reforms in Asia, ultimately leading to the creation of more central banks than one can count, all while the economy played a game of ‘musical chairs’ with currencies.. Fact: Fun fact: The only thing more complicated than Chinese currency history is trying to explain it to someone who thinks Bitcoin is the answer to everything..
• Headline: METHODISTS OPPOSE 'PEACE AT ANY COST'; It May Be Immoral, They Hold, Backing This Nation's Aid 'on Side of Democracy' RULE OF JUSTICE IS URGED New York Conference Wants International Tribunal to Settle All Disputes. Impact: The Methodists' opposition to peace at any cost may sound noble, but it inadvertently led to countless debates over coffee about whether a peaceful resolution could include a side of donuts.. Fact: Did you know that the phrase ‘peace at any cost’ is actually a secret Methodist recipe for a really boring potluck? Bring on the justice and the snacks!.
• Headline: DR. KASTENDIECK ELECTED; Heads the Free Kindergarten Society of Brooklyn. Impact: Dr. Kastendieck's election brought about a new wave of educators who believed that if they could teach toddlers to spell, they could conquer the world. Spoiler: They didn't conquer much beyond snack time.. Fact: Fun fact: The Free Kindergarten Society of Brooklyn was the original 'preschool drop-off' location, long before it became a common scene in every trendy neighborhood..
• Headline: SPRING BENEFIT PLANNED; Women's Division of Boys' Club to Discuss Film Festival. Impact: The women's division of the Boys' Club planning a spring benefit was the starting point for future collaborations between genders, proving that discussions over film festivals could indeed lead to world peace—eventually.. Fact: Did you know that film festivals were originally a cover for women to sneak in some serious gossip? Who needs a movie when you have drama?.
• Headline: MOTHER, SON SENTENCED; Used Well-Known Names to Defraud Business Men. Impact: The sentencing of this mother-son duo raised eyebrows and led to a wave of trust issues in business dealings. This ultimately ushered in an era where everyone started using contracts thicker than a phone book.. Fact: Fun fact: If you think using well-known names to defraud people is a new thing, you should see the biographies of some infamous scam artists. They could teach a master class!.
• Headline: TERCENTENARY RIVALS. Impact: The tercentenary rivalries highlighted the competitive spirit that would come to define American culture, leading to annual events where everyone pretends to care about history while really just wanting to win a pie-eating contest.. Fact: Did you know that the first English settlement had enough rivalries to rival a reality TV show? Watch out, 'Survivor,' the colonists were the original drama queens!.