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1940 With the rearming of US forces the Great Depression was finally beginning to ease , and Americans were earning more and buying more so being able to buy goods and further fuelling the economy . But outside of America things were not good as Germany invaded France which meant between Germany and Italy most of Western Europe was controlled by them except for England. In the US the feel good feeling of leaving the depression behind fuelled the making of some great movies including "Gone With the Wind" and the "Great Dictator" , and Jazz sounds were the popular music of the day from the likes of Benny Goodman and Count Basie amongst others. The Nylon stockings invented the previous year were all the rage with women, FDR was elected for a third term but Americans were starting to believe they should help Britain in it's fight for survival with Germany and the first peacetime draft occurred in September which had ominous overtones for the future. Britain was being bombed incessantly and many believed it may only be time before America would be involved. And a worker in the New Factories appearing can earn up to $1,250 per year

Cost of Living 1940

How Much things cost in 1940
Average Cost of new house $3,920.00
Average wages per year $1,725.00
Cost of a gallon of Gas 11 cents
Average Cost for house rent $30.00 per month
Radio $16.95
Average Price for a new car $850.00
Battery for Torch 10 cents
Hoover $52.50

World War II 1940

  • Germany and Italy agree to form an alliance against France and the United Kingdom.
  • Germany invades Denmark and Norway
  • German forces invade France and Luxembourg Belgium and Netherlands
  • Britain Creates The Home Guard to act as the first line of defence in case of invasion
  • Dunkirk evacuation of British Expeditionary Force
  • Italy declares war on France and the United Kingdom.
  • Axis Powers win The Battle Of France and Take control of France.
  • The battle of Britain begins with the German Luftwaffe attempting gain air superiority over the Royal Air Force (RAF),
  • The Queen Mary, The Mauritania and The Queen Elizabeth Ocean Liners are put into service as troop carriers.
  • The bombing of cities in England including Coventry and London leads to the bombing of Hamburg and other cities in Germany

What Events Happened in 1940

  • Franklin D. Roosevelt wins the election and becomes the United States' first third-term president.
  • Churchill was appointed Prime Minister and formed an all-party government
  • Race Riots in Chicago, Harlem, Los Angeles and Detroit
  • Life magazine costs 10 cents
  • Nylon Stockings go on sale
  • RMS Queen Elizabeth - entered service


Popular Culture

Popular Films

  • Walt Disney's animated film Pinocchio is released together with Fantasia
  • The Great Dictator, starring Charlie Chaplin

Popular Music

  • "Careless" Glenn Miller
  • "I'll Never Smile Again " Tommy Dorsey with Frank Sinatra
  • "In the Mood " Glenn Miller
  • "Pennsylvania 6-5000 " Glenn Miller
  • "Only Forever" Bing Crosby