In 1940 many changes took place. Many of these changes have reflected on us in later years. Some of them such as nylon stockings, and the first fully air conditioned store is what changed our life. Another change that has effected us in later years is when McDonalds opened a drive-in. An additional adjust is when Fantasia became # 1. The year 1940 has effect many people for better or for worse.

• On May 10 Winston Churchill becomes Prime Minister of Great Britain.
• May 15 marked the first day nylon stockings go on sale in New York City.
• May 24 was the first successful helicopter flight in the United States.
• Congress passed the Alien Registration Act on June 29.
• On June 10 Italy joins the war as a member of the Axis power and declared war on France and Britain.
• June 14 German troops enter Paris and March down the Champs-Elysees.
• On July 10 the Battle of Britain began as the German Luftwaffe (air force) bomb London.
• October 29 the first peacetime draft in the United States occurs when the Selective Service Act of 1940 is passed.
• Disney's Fantasia became #1. Fantasia premiered on November 13 at the Broadway Theater in New York.
• After 34 years at 37th Street Tiffany & Co. of New York moves uptown to a large new store at Fifth Avenue and 57th Street. The new larger store is the first completely air-conditioned store of any kind.
• Near Pasadena, Calif. McDonald hamburger stands has its beginning in a drive-in opened by movie theater co-owners Richard and Maurice McDonald of Glendora.
• Forrest E. Mars develops m&m’s candies with the idea that candies could be eaten in the summer if they did not melt from the heat.
• Germany invaded Denmark and Norway in April.
• For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingway is published.

13th Annual Academy Awards
Best Picture: Rebecca
Best Actress: Ginger Rogers in Kitty Foyle
Best Actor: James Stewart in The Philadelphia Story

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1940s

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last updated 12/04/05