DECEMBER 19, 1940

Full News Archive

• Headline: Plane Sabotage Inquiry in 1940. Impact: The inquiry into plane sabotage inadvertently led to a nationwide obsession with conspiracy theories. This obsession, in turn, inspired countless movies and TV shows, ultimately resulting in a dramatic increase in popcorn sales worldwide. Thanks, sabotage!. Fact: Did you know that the first 'plane sabotage' conspiracy theory was actually just a guy who forgot to fill up the gas tank? True story..
• Headline: Massive Funding to Expand Military Plants. Impact: This massive funding for plant expansion set off a chain reaction of industrial growth, leading to an unprecedented level of airplane production. Fast forward a few decades, and suddenly everyone thinks they can just hop on a plane for brunch in Paris. Thanks, Consolidated Aircraft!. Fact: Fun fact: $21 million in 1940s money is like giving a toddler a million-dollar credit card—lots of potential for chaos!.
• Headline: Servel Reports Impressive Year-End Profits. Impact: The success of Servel's net profit led to a newfound obsession with quarterly earnings reports, which would later become the bane of every office worker's existence. Talk about a butterfly effect; now we all suffer during earnings season!. Fact: Did you know that $1.67 a share is still a better return than most lottery tickets? Just saying..
• Headline: VICHY AWAITS MOVE BY OUSTED OFFICIAL; Expects Germans Will Go Ahead With Plans Upset by Laval's Dismissal. Impact: Laval's dismissal created a power vacuum that contributed to the chaotic political landscape of Vichy France, leading to decisions that impacted the course of WWII. Spoiler alert: it wasn't great for anyone involved.. Fact: Fun fact: Power vacuums in politics are like black holes—only worse for everyone involved..
• Headline: Somoza Praises U.S. Fliers. Impact: Somoza's praise for U.S. fliers led to a surge in international relations where everyone decided that compliments were the best form of diplomacy. Now we just need a compliment-based world peace treaty.. Fact: Fun fact: Compliments are the international currency for friendship, right next to pizza!.
• Headline: NEW ROLE FOR ANTONESCU; Takes Foreign Portfolio--Bans Export of 20 Foods. Impact: Antonescu's new role and food export bans led to a culinary crisis that influenced future generations to hoard canned beans and other non-perishables. Thus began the great 'What if we run out of pasta?' paranoia.. Fact: Did you know that banning food exports is like telling your kids they can't have dessert? It only makes them want it more..
• Headline: Priorities Control Is Broadened To Cover Defense Subcontractors; Action by President Has Direct Bearing on the Lag in Machine Tool Equipment--Federal Rule on All Industry Is Discussed. Impact: The broadening of priorities control led to a bureaucratic nightmare that created the infamous red tape syndrome, where paperwork multiplies like rabbits. Now, every time you apply for a loan, you can blame this.. Fact: Fun fact: Red tape was actually invented by a government worker who was really bored one day..
• Headline: 3 FREIGHTERS SUNK IN CONVOYS' LANE; Napier Star, 12,196 Tons, One of Largest Cargo Vessels, Was 650 Miles Off Ireland NORWEGIAN SHIP IS LOST Netherland Craft Also Victim of Torpedo--British Destroy German Supply Carrier. Impact: The sinking of these freighters not only impacted supply chains but also gave rise to the term 'cargo cult'—the idea that just because you saw it happen doesn't mean you can manifest it. Also, it made U-boats the hottest topic at parties.. Fact: Did you know that the Napier Star was actually a great swimmer? Just not when it came to submarines..