Breakthroughs and everyday innovations from the year.
HEADLINES ON April 2, 1944
Full News Archive
- Headline: Algiers Law on Liberation Published. Impact: This law on liberation set off a series of events that eventually led to a French baguette shortage in 1955, as the liberation committee's assertiveness inspired a baker to take a stand against stale bread. Who knew one law could affect carbs?. Fact: Did you know that asserting your right to control regimes is a great way to make friends? Just ask the Allies, who probably felt super cozy receiving that law..
- Headline: Allies Capture Monte Marrone in Italy. Impact: The battle for Monte Marrone not only changed the course of the war but also led to an accidental invention of the Italian 'Cappuccino Bomb', a potent espresso that fueled soldiers for the next wave of fighting. You could say it was a caffeinated victory.. Fact: Fun fact: Monte Marrone is not a dessert, but the Allies probably wished it were after all that fighting!.
- Headline: Germans Decorate Officers. Impact: The decoration of German officers created a ripple effect that motivated future military personnel to seek out shiny medals, ultimately leading to the invention of the 'Most Creative Medal' category in modern military awards.. Fact: Isn't it funny how shiny things have a way of making people feel important? A true lesson in superficiality!.
- Headline: Germans Twist Remarks Of French to Be Anti-Ally. Impact: Twisting French remarks into anti-Ally propaganda paved the way for future generations of politicians to master the art of spin, leading to the phrase 'alternative facts' being coined centuries later. Bravo!. Fact: Did you know that misinformation is like a fine wine? It gets better with age, or at least that's what some people tell themselves..
- Headline: LONDON FORESEES BROAD U.S. TALKS; Says Stettinius May Explore All Post-War Relations at Parley in Britain FULL AIR REVIEW SEEN British Hope Conversations May Clarify Many Issues Between Two Nations. Impact: The anticipation around U.S. and British talks laid the groundwork for future diplomatic discussions, eventually resulting in the creation of the UN and, ironically, countless more meetings that nobody actually wanted to attend.. Fact: Speaking of post-war talks, wouldn't it be nice if they included a side of snacks? Just a thought for the next parley!.
- Headline: TWO-WAY BOMBING OF TRUK CONTINUES; MacArthur's Fliers Wreck 71 More Planes at Hollandia, New Guinea, and 11 at Truk TWO-WAY BOMBING OF TRUK CONTINUES. Impact: The relentless bombing of Truk not only neutralized enemy forces but also inadvertently inspired a new line of video games focused on aerial combat, which eventually led to the rise of couch warriors everywhere.. Fact: Did you know that bombing runs are not a great way to make friends? Just ask the people at Truk..
- Headline: SLAIN SOLDIER HERO WON HIGHEST HONOR; Jersey Private in Regular Army Charged Foe Alone in Africa. Impact: The heroic actions of the slain soldier became a beacon of inspiration for future generations, leading to countless Hollywood movies glorifying the lone hero trope. Thank you for the drama, soldier!. Fact: Did you know the highest honor in the military comes with a lot of paperwork? Talk about a bittersweet irony..
Wall Street Time Machine
CVX
Chevron
Chevron - If you invested $1,000 in 1944, it would be worth $474,914 today (474.9x return)
GE
General Electric
General Electric - If you invested $1,000 in 1944, it would be worth $487,500 today (487.5x return)
PFE
Pfizer
Pfizer - If you invested $1,000 in 1944, it would be worth $168,691 today (168.7x return)