1939: The Year World War II Began
1939, MCMXXXIX, was a common year starting on Sunday. It is remembered chiefly for the outbreak of World War II and for major political, cultural, and scientific developments worldwide.
MCMXXXIX corresponded to the year 1939 in the Gregorian calendar, a common year that began on Sunday according to the Gregorian calendar. It was the 1939th year of the Common Era and Anno Domini designations, the 939th year of the 2nd millennium, the 39th year of the 20th century, and the final year of the 1930s decade.
Historically, 1939 is most notable for the beginning of World War II, but the year also saw significant diplomatic agreements, territorial changes, and cultural moments. Political tensions that had been rising through the 1930s reached a decisive and violent turning point in Europe and beyond.
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Major political and military events
- Germany expanded its control in Central Europe during the first months of the year and on 1 September launched a large-scale invasion of Poland, an action that triggered declarations of war by Britain and France.
- The Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact, a non-aggression treaty between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, was signed in late August; it contained secret provisions that shaped the division of territory in eastern Europe.
- The Soviet Union moved into eastern Poland in mid-September, and later in the year engaged in conflict with Finland in what became known as the Winter War.
- The Spanish Civil War, which had begun in 1936, concluded in early 1939 with the victory of Francisco Franco's forces and the consolidation of his regime.
These developments reshaped borders, displaced civilian populations, and established wartime alliances that dominated international relations for years to come. The diplomatic alignments and military actions of 1939 set the pattern for global conflict that lasted through the mid-1940s.
Cultural and scientific highlights
Beyond geopolitics, 1939 was a notable year culturally. In cinema, several films released that year later became classics of cinema and American popular culture. Scientific and technological concerns also advanced: political events spurred scientists to warn governments about new weapons and energy research, prompting early government-supported investigations that would expand rapidly during the war years.
In retrospect, 1939 marks a watershed: the end of the interwar period and the start of a global conflict whose military, social, and cultural consequences shaped the remainder of the 20th century. Its events are frequently cited in discussions of international law, collective security, and the causes and conduct of modern war.
For further reading and primary-source materials on the year's chronology, diplomacy, and cultural output, consult dedicated historical collections and archival resources provided by national libraries and research institutions.
MCMXXXIX • common year • Sunday start • Gregorian • CE • AD • 2nd millennium • 20th century • 1930s • World War II
Questions and answers
Q: What year did World War II start?
A: World War II started in 1939.
Q: What was the designation for the year 1939 in Anno Domini?
A: The year 1939 was designated as Anno Domini.
Q: In which millennium did the year 1939 occur?
A: The year 1939 occurred in the 2nd millennium.
Q: What was the common year 1939 of the Gregorian calendar?
A: The common year of the Gregorian calendar in 1939 was a Sunday.
Q: What was the significance of the year 1939 in the 20th century?
A: The year 1939 was the 39th year of the 20th century.
Q: What was the last year of the 1930s decade?
A: The last year of the 1930s decade was 1939.
Q: What was the numerical designation for the year 1939?
A: The numerical designation for the year 1939 was the 1939th year of the Common Era.
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AlegsaOnline.com 1939: The Year World War II Began Leandro Alegsa
URL: https://en.alegsaonline.com/art/111981