1939

From top to bottom, left to right: The Invasion of Poland by Nazi Germany on September 1 triggers World War II as Britain and France declare war; the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact between Germany and the Soviet Union establishes a non-aggression treaty with secret plans to divide Eastern Europe; the Winter War breaks out as the Soviet Union invades Finland, leading to fierce resistance and heavy losses on both sides; the Battles of Khalkhin Gol see Soviet and Mongolian forces decisively defeat the Japanese in Manchuria, halting Japanese expansion into Siberia; the Italian invasion of Albania results in the swift occupation of the country, expanding Mussolini’s influence in the Balkans; and the release of Gone with the Wind becomes a cultural milestone, later recognized as one of the most iconic and successful films in cinema history.