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Major Events of December 1939: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from December 1939 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of December 1939: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 02 Dec 1939 LaGuardia Airport opens in New York City: LaGuardia Airport, located in East Elmhurst, Queens, New York City, opened on December 2, 1939. It was dedicated on October 15, 1939, and began operations on December 2 of that year. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 06 Dec 1939 Battle of Taipale begins in Winter War: The Battle of Taipale commenced on December 6, 1939, during the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. Soviet forces attempted to cross the Taipale River at three locations, aiming to breach the Finnish Mannerheim Line. Despite numerical superiority, the Soviets faced significant resistance from Finnish defenders, leading to a protracted and intense engagement. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 07 Dec 1939 Lou Gehrig inducted into Baseball Hall of Fame: On December 7, 1939, Lou Gehrig, the legendary New York Yankees first baseman, was posthumously inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gehrig, known as the 'Iron Horse' for his durability and skill, had passed away earlier that year due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a disease now commonly known as Lou Gehrig's disease. source: baseballhall.org
  • 08 Dec 1939 World War II ongoing: As of December 8, 1939, World War II was ongoing, with major conflicts occurring across Europe and Asia. The war had been underway since September 1939, following Germany's invasion of Poland, leading to widespread international involvement and significant global impact. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 09 Dec 1939 Soviet air raid on Helsinki during Winter War: On December 9, 1939, during the Winter War, Soviet aircraft conducted an air raid on Helsinki, the capital of Finland. The attack targeted civilian areas, causing significant damage and civilian casualties, and marked a significant escalation in the conflict between Finland and the Soviet Union. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 Dec 1939 1939 Nobel Prize awards ceremony: The 1939 Nobel Prize awards ceremony took place on December 10, 1939, honoring individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions in various fields, including Peace, Literature, Chemistry, Physics, and Medicine. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 11 Dec 1939 Birth of Tom Hayden, prominent 1960s political activist: Tom Hayden, an influential political activist known for his role in the 1960s anti-war movement and as a co-founder of the Students for a Democratic Society, was born on December 11, 1939. His activism focused on civil rights, social justice, and environmental issues throughout his life. source: britannica.com
  • 12 Dec 1939 Winter War: Battle of Tolvajärvi: The Battle of Tolvajärvi, fought on December 12, 1939, was a key engagement in the Winter War between Finland and the Soviet Union. Finnish troops successfully repelled Soviet forces, marking a significant early victory for Finland in the conflict. source: britannica.com
  • 13 Dec 1939 Battle of the River Plate: The Battle of the River Plate occurred on December 13, 1939, and was the first major naval engagement of World War II. British forces engaged the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee, leading to a decisive victory for the Allies. source: britannica.com
  • 14 Dec 1939 Hitler plans invasion of Denmark and Norway: On December 14, 1939, Adolf Hitler approved plans for the invasion of Denmark and Norway, known as Operation Weserübung. This strategic move aimed to secure German access to Swedish iron ore and to prevent British intervention in Scandinavia. source: britannica.com
  • 15 Dec 1939 Gone with the Wind premiere in Atlanta: The film 'Gone with the Wind' premiered in Atlanta, Georgia, on December 15, 1939. Based on Margaret Mitchell's novel, it became one of the most popular films in American history, known for its portrayal of the American South during the Civil War. source: britannica.com
  • 16 Dec 1939 Finnish ski troops introduce Molotov cocktails in Winter War: On December 16, 1939, Finnish ski troops began using Molotov cocktails against Soviet tanks during the Winter War. This improvised weapon became a symbol of Finnish resistance against the Soviet invasion. source: britannica.com
  • 17 Dec 1939 German decision to occupy Denmark: On December 17, 1939, Germany made the decision to occupy Denmark as part of its broader military strategy in Europe. This decision was influenced by the need to secure supply routes and prevent British intervention. source: britannica.com
  • 18 Dec 1939 First major air battle of World War II: The first major air battle of World War II occurred on December 18, 1939, involving the German Luftwaffe and the British Royal Air Force. This battle marked a significant escalation in aerial combat during the war, showcasing the strategic importance of air power. source: britannica.com
  • 19 Dec 1939 Soviet attack on Finnish positions during Winter War: On December 19, 1939, the Soviet Union launched a significant attack on Finnish positions as part of the Winter War. This conflict highlighted the fierce resistance of Finnish forces against the larger Soviet military. source: britannica.com
  • 20 Dec 1939 Captain Hans Langsdorff's tragic end in World War II: Captain Hans Langsdorff, commander of the German cruiser Admiral Graf Spee, died on December 20, 1939, following the ship's scuttling after the Battle of the River Plate. His death marked a poignant moment in naval warfare during the early stages of World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 21 Dec 1939 Nazi leadership appointment: Adolf Eichmann's role in Jewish affairs: On December 21, 1939, Adolf Eichmann was appointed to oversee Jewish affairs in Nazi Germany. This role would later become infamous for his involvement in the logistics of the Holocaust during World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 22 Dec 1939 Finnish counter-offensive at Petsamo: On December 22, 1939, Finnish forces launched a counter-offensive at Petsamo during the Winter War against the Soviet Union. This operation aimed to reclaim territory and demonstrate Finnish resilience. source: britannica.com
  • 23 Dec 1939 Canadian troops arrive in Britain: On December 23, 1939, approximately 7,500 Canadian soldiers arrived in Britain to reinforce the British Expeditionary Force during World War II. source: timetoast.com
  • 24 Dec 1939 Pope Pius XII's Christmas Eve peace appeal during World War II: On December 24, 1939, Pope Pius XII made a Christmas Eve appeal for peace during World War II. source: vaticannews.va
  • 27 Dec 1939 CBS Television begins transmission: On December 27, 1939, CBS Television began its regular broadcasts, marking a significant milestone in the history of American television. This event laid the foundation for the expansion of television as a mainstream medium in the United States. source: history.com
  • 28 Dec 1939 First flight of the B-24 Liberator bomber: On December 28, 1939, the prototype Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber made its first flight from Lindbergh Field in San Diego, California. This aircraft became one of the most produced American military aircraft during World War II. source: airandspaceforces.com
  • 29 Dec 1939 Soviet invasion of Finland during Winter War: On December 29, 1939, the Soviet Union launched an invasion of Finland, initiating the Winter War. This conflict lasted until March 1940, resulting in significant territorial losses for Finland. source: britannica.com
  • 30 Dec 1939 Admiral Graf Spee scuttled in River Plate estuary: On December 30, 1939, the German battleship Admiral Graf Spee was scuttled in the River Plate estuary off the coast of Uruguay. This event marked the end of the Battle of the River Plate during World War II. source: history.com
  • 31 Dec 1939 Finnish Winter War victory: On December 31, 1939, Finland achieved a significant victory in the Winter War against the Soviet Union. This conflict lasted until March 1940, resulting in significant territorial losses for Finland. source: britannica.com