AUGUST 4, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: New York Emerges as Fashion Capital. Impact: If New York had not pulled off this fashion coup, we might be living in a world where we wear lederhosen and berets exclusively. Thanks, Hitler!. Fact: Did you know that this fashion rivalry eventually led to the rise of the oversized shoulder pads in the 80s? You're welcome, world.
• Headline: EMBARGO MAY KILL SOVIET TRADE PACT; Holding of Small Lot of Tools Snags Negotiations for Its Renewal TREATY EXPIRES TUESDAY Immediate Effect Is Minor, but Post-War Advantage for Reich Is Feared. Impact: This embargo may have been the pebble that started the avalanche of Soviet distrust, which ultimately led to years of Cold War paranoia. Who knew a bunch of machine tools could have such a big impact?. Fact: Ironically, this trade fiasco probably led to the USSR developing a fierce DIY culture. 'Stalin's Home Improvement' anyone?.
• Headline: DOWN GOES M'GINTY, UP COMES STURGES. Impact: M'Ginty’s fall and Sturges' rise could have set off a series of events leading to a reality TV show about political backstabbing. You know, because we didn't have enough of those already. Fact: It's rumored that M'Ginty has since started a blog about how to handle career setbacks. The title? 'How to Take a Dive Gracefully.'.
• Headline: NAZI BASES BOMBED; Airfields and Oil Works Over Wide Area Hit, British Report GERMAN ATTACKS PRESSED Range From Southeast English Coast to Scotland--Berlin Denies Hamburg Havoc. Impact: The bombing of Nazi bases could be seen as the tipping point that led to the eventual success of the Allies, which in turn inspired countless movies about brave soldiers and heroic sacrifices. Thanks, Hollywood!. Fact: It’s funny how bombing runs are often depicted as glamorous in films, while the reality is more like 'your life depends on not getting blown up'.
• Headline: HOLLYWOOD GIVES A LIFT; English Stars and Directors Unite to Make War Charities Film--Other News. Impact: This collaboration among Hollywood stars might just be the reason we have so many charity events today—because nothing says 'I care' like a star-studded film that raises money for a good cause. Fact: Little did they know, this was the birth of the 'celebrity charity' phenomenon, paving the way for every A-lister to jump on the philanthropic bandwagon.
• Headline: IN THE REALM OF ART: ALL QUIET ON THE AUGUST FRONT. Impact: The 'All Quiet on the August Front' situation could have sparked a series of art movements that favored boredom over excitement, leading to the rise of contemporary art that makes you go 'Um, what?'. Fact: Ironically, the phrase 'All Quiet on the Western Front' became a classic title, but I bet the artists were just really into silence and solitude.
• Headline: AT THE WHEEL. Impact: This autobiography publication might have inspired future generations to believe that everyone has a fascinating story to tell, resulting in the modern era's obsession with memoirs and self-help books. Thanks for that, buddy. Fact: It's rumored that this autobiography was just 300 pages of 'I woke up, ate breakfast, and went to bed.' Riveting stuff!.
• Headline: The Merchant's Point of View. Impact: The Merchant's point of view report probably influenced trade policies for decades, leading to the classic scenario of merchants whining about taxes while secretly loving the profits. Fact: Fun fact: The report was likely longer than most people's attention spans, making it a prime candidate for 'Most Boring Document of the Year.'.