Allison McNearney

With The World of Tomorrow as it's theme, the 1939 World's Fair opened in Queens, New York in April, and was visited by 40 million people before closing its doors in 1940.

American colonists were once encouraged to grow and cultivate cannabis for hemp, but it all changed when the plant's more "medicinal" uses were discovered.

The War Department commissioned the creme de la creme of Hollywood, including Dr. Seuss and Mel Blanc, to create the 'Private Snafu' film franchise.

Despite the ongoing global conflict, Americans still took the time to celebrate Easter in 1941.

Dozens of government-funded films were created, and their impact went well beyond recruiting soldiers to the frontlines.

Despite what adults of the era wanted, their kids had very different ideas about what it meant to have fun.

When women were asked to sign on to factories, they responded in droves. Unfortunately, this caused new "problems" for men, who had no idea how to interact with them in the workplace.

From the unlikely host city to the first 'Miracle on Ice,' these games were filled with incredible upsets and improbable firsts.