The Highlights of 1939: A Year That Shaped the Future
1939 (MCMXXXIX in Roman Numerals) was the year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar, the 1939th year of the Common Era (CE) and Anno Domini (AD) designations.
Is 1939 a year special to you? Discover what 1939 was famous for, Key World Leaders of 1939, 1939 Time’s Person of the Year, the #1 song, movie and book in 1939, how old is someone born in 1939 and what Chinese zodiac sign is associated to 1939.
On this page we will address all your questions and curiosities about 1939 to help you enjoy your trip down memory lane.
Table of contents
- What was 1939 known for ?
- Key World Leaders of 1939
- Who was the U.S. President in 1939?
- Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1939?
- Who was the Pope in 1939?
- 1939: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
- What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1939?
- What was the most popular movie in 1939?
- What was the best selling book in 1939?
- How old is someone born in 1939?
- What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1939?
What was 1939 known for ?
- The year 1939 marked the beginnings of World War Two and another year in the twelve-year presidency of Franklin Delano Roosevelt.
- In these twelve months, world censuses estimated a world population of roughly 2.3 billion. This number continued to grow throughout the year. The names chosen most often by new parents happened to be Robert and Mary. Included amongst this year’s newborns were famous actor, Ian McKellen; famous fashion designer, Ralph Lauren; well-known assassin, Lee Harvey Oswald; and well-known songstress, Tina Turner.
- Those that passed from the mortal coil in 1939 included Amelia Earhart, Pope Pius XI, Sigmund Freud, and Howard Carter. These 365 days saw changes to warfare, wartime alliances, and European diplomatic relationships. The most popular novels happened to be Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath and Christie’s And Then There Were None. For people who preferred popcorn munching to page turning, cinemas saw popular premieres of movies such as Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, and Mr. Smith Goes to Washington. For a more in-depth view of what exactly made 1939 unique, keep on reading.
- People cognizant of happenings in these twelve months saw many firsts. These included the first rocket test, the first female dean of a US graduate school, the first nylon stocking, the first US food stamp issued, and the first animal (a rabbit) conceived via artificial insemination. In addition, patents were filed for the helicopter and electron microscope.
- DC debuted its Superman and Batman comics to the delight of nerds the world over. Overseas, Paris witnessed its last execution via guillotine. All this progress existed beneath the growing shadow of World War II. This world watched as Germany established a short-lived alliance with Russia and Italy. Britain saw the horrors of the first Luftwaffe airstrike. The US maintained its neutrality as Canada and other nations declared war against the Nazis. A failed request for peace by Pope Pius XII signaled one thing: World War II was there to stay.
- If you’re currently clad in Batman-centric pajamas, or use a microscope every time you go to work, you need to toss a salute at 1939.
Key World Leaders of 1939
Who was the U.S. President in 1939?
In 1939, Franklin D. Roosevelt (Democrat) was the President of the United States. His term spanned from March 04, 1933 to April 12, 1945. During his presidency, he led the U.S. through the Great Depression with the New Deal and through World War II as Commander-in-Chief.
Who was the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in 1939?
In 1939 the UK Prime Minister was Neville Chamberlain (Conservative). His administration is best remembered for the policy of appeasement towards Nazi Germany, including the Munich Agreement.
Who was the Pope in 1939?
In 1939, the Pope was Pius XI until February 10, 1939; on March 02, 1939 Pope Pius XII became the new Pope.
1939: Who was Time's Person of the Year?
Joseph Stalin
In 1939, Joseph Stalin was named by TIME magazine as Person of the Year. In 1939, Stalin was General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and de facto leader of the Soviet Union. He oversaw the signing of a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany before invading eastern Poland.
What was the number 1 song in the USA in 1939?
The number 1 song in the USA in 1939, i.e. the best selling and most popular song of tha year, was In the Mood by Glenn Miller & His Orchestra
What was the most popular movie in 1939?
The most popular movie and box office hit was Mr. Smith Goes to Washington by Frank Capra
What was the best selling book in 1939?
How old is someone born in 1939?
Someone born in 1939 is 87 years old this year.
Try out our age, time and generation calculators:
What was the Chinese Zodiac sign associated with the year 1939?
According to the Chinese Zodiac and Astrology 1939 was the Year of the Rabbit.
Discover Zodiac Sign Characteristics and Personality Traits of people born under the Rabbit sign.