Description: 29 Life Magazines 1939 Full Run Jan. 2-July 31 Runup To World War 2 NICE! This is a complete or nearly complete run of the first half of 1939. Mood of the nation is reflected as world war approaches … The first half of 1939 was a tumultuous and significant period for the world, marked by escalating tensions and events that ultimately led to the outbreak of World War II. The global stage was dominated by political and military maneuverings, with countries increasingly taking sides in anticipation of an impending conflict. The mood in the United States during this time was initially one of reluctance to become directly involved in the war, but there was a growing realization of the threat posed by Nazi Germany and its allies. World Events: German Expansion: In early 1939, Adolf Hitler, the Chancellor of Germany, continued to pursue his aggressive expansionist policies. In March, German troops occupied Czechoslovakia, violating the Munich Agreement, which had allowed the annexation of the Sudetenland to Germany. This move further heightened tensions in Europe. Nazi-Soviet Pact: On August 23, 1939, Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty that included secret protocols dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. This pact provided Hitler with a free hand to launch his invasion of Poland without fear of Soviet intervention. Outbreak of World War II: On September 1, 1939, German forces, under a pretext, invaded Poland. This act of aggression triggered Britain and France to declare war on Germany on September 3, 1939, marking the official start of World War II. The Fall of Poland: The German invasion of Poland was swift and devastating, employing the Blitzkrieg tactic, which combined air and ground forces. Despite Polish resistance, they were unable to withstand the onslaught, and the country fell to German occupation by the end of September 1939. Mood in the United States: Isolationist Sentiment: In the United States, the prevailing mood during the first half of 1939 was one of isolationism. The country had experienced the aftereffects of World War I and was reluctant to get entangled in another European conflict. There was a strong desire to avoid foreign entanglements and focus on domestic issues. Neutrality Acts: In response to the escalating tensions in Europe, the U.S. Congress passed a series of Neutrality Acts in the mid-1930s, aiming to prevent the United States from being drawn into the conflict. These acts included provisions such as banning arms sales to belligerent nations and implementing a cash-and-carry policy for non-military goods. Debate over Involvement: Despite the isolationist sentiment, there were growing voices within the United States urging the government to provide more assistance to the allies, especially Britain and France. The fall of Poland in September 1939 led to a deeper realization that the war was a global threat that couldn't be ignored. The "Quarantine Speech": On October 5, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his "Quarantine Speech," in which he called for international cooperation to quarantine aggressor nations. While he did not specify military action, the speech indicated a shift away from strict isolationism. By the end of the first half of 1939, the world was already embroiled in conflict with the outbreak of World War II, and the United States was gradually reevaluating its isolationist stance. The events that followed in the second half of 1939 would further shape the nation's position and eventually lead to the United States' active involvement in the war after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.
Price: 185 USD
Location: Milwaukee, Wisconsin
End Time: 2025-01-27T18:58:26.000Z
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Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Publication Month: December
Publication Year: 1939
Publication Frequency: Weekly
Language: English
Publication Name: Life
Genre: History
Topic: News, General Interest