JUNE 14, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Paris Declares Itself Open City. Impact: Paris being declared an open city allowed for a fascinating lesson in diplomacy, but it also led to the realization that sometimes retreating is just as strategic as charging forward. Spoiler alert: the French would later make a comeback with pastries.. Fact: When they say 'open city,' they mean open for business... or surrender..
• Headline: NEW GERMAN DRIVE; Chalons Reported Taken and Maginot Line Said to Be Endangered FORTS HELD CUT OFF Gains Between Argonne Wood and Meuse River Claimed in Berlin. Impact: The new German drive was the catalyst for a series of military strategies that would lead to more intense fighting and an eventual push-back that would shape the future of Europe. All this started with a few stubborn generals not wanting to share their troop positions. Classic.. Fact: The Maginot Line was basically France's way of saying, 'We're not going to play this game; we’re just going to build a really expensive wall instead.'.
• Headline: CITES CHATTANOOGA PAPER; Government Says The News-Free Press Breaks Sherman Act. Impact: The Chattanooga News-Free Press's legal troubles with the Sherman Act opened up a Pandora's box for media regulations and trust laws, with ripple effects that can still be felt in today's media landscape where every headline is scrutinized. Thanks, Sherman!. Fact: Breaking the Sherman Act? Sounds like a plot twist in a really boring legal drama..
• Headline: CONGRESS RUSHES HEMISPHERE EDICT; Rules Committee Clears Way for Quick Vote of Warning on Monroe Doctrine NOT A DISSENTING VOICE Celler Asks Neutrality Law Repeal--Conferees Agree on Sending Arms to Allies. Impact: Congress rushing the Hemisphere edict served as a prime example of how emergency situations can lead to hasty decisions, which in turn set the stage for future legislation that often prioritized speed over caution. Ah, the joys of politics!. Fact: Nothing screams 'we're in a hurry!' like a room full of politicians frantically waving their hands to get their point across..
• Headline: 50 YEARS ON JOB WITHOUT MISSING A WORK DAY. Impact: The gold button presentation for 50 years of service made people realize the value of commitment, leading to a surge in 'dedicated employee' awards and an increase in workplace eye-rolls. Thanks for the motivation, I guess!. Fact: 50 years without missing a workday? At this point, that person probably had a better attendance record than most students in high school..
• Headline: Virtual News Censorship Set by War Department. Impact: The establishment of virtual news censorship by the War Department ushered in a new era of information control, leading to conspiracy theories and a generation of news junkies who would rather dig for the truth than accept the official story. Welcome to the rabbit hole.. Fact: Censorship: because sometimes the truth is just too 'troubling' for public consumption..