1940 con' t
Population is 131.6 million. More than 56% of the people live in
places of more than 2500 of more population. The life expectancy
is 63 years.

President Roosevelt ask Congress for defense appropriation of $4.26 billion
and for production of 50,000 airplanes a year.

The Smith Act (Alienation Act) requires registration and fingerprinting of
aliens, and makes it illegal to advocate the of the United States' government by force. Approximately 5,000 aliens register.

Congress creates the Selective Service System, the first U.S. peacetime program of compulsory military service. It requires all men between ages 21 and 36 to register.

U.S. Office of Production Management for Defense is set up to coordinate work in the defense plants. It is authorized to send aid to countries fighting the Axis Powers.

John Ford wins an Oscar for directing "The Grapes of Wrath."

Walt Disney's Fantasia an animated expression of classical music, features Stokowski conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra. This animation was the third full length feature produced by Walt Disney and the first major film released in stereophonic sound.

Richard Wright, an African American writer, publishes the autobiographical novel, Native Son.

Germany invades France and enters Paris. Occupied France (Vichy) under Henri Petain signs an armistice with Germany and breaks off relations with Britain.

Italy declares war on Britain and France. Italy and France conclude and Armistice. Meanwhile Germany bomb London and British planes fight air battles over Britain.

The 40 hour work week is established in America, as part of Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, goes into effect.