Run Up To World War II

The discovery of radium by Marie Curie and her husband Pierre Curie marked a monumental breakthrough in the field of science, particularly in the study of radioactivity. The journey began in 1896 when French physicist Henri Becquerel discovered that uranium salts emitted mysterious rays, leading Marie Curie to further investigate this phenomenon. In 1898, after extensive experiments on pitchblende (a uranium-rich mineral), Marie Curie theorized that there must be other elements, apart from uranium, responsible for this intense radiation. Working with Pierre in their makeshift laboratory, the Curies painstakingly processed tons of pitchblende to isolate small amounts of two new elements: polonium (named after Marie’s native Poland) and, later that year, radium, which exhibited incredibly powerful radioactive properties.

The discovery of radium was not only a scientific milestone but also an inspiring story of perseverance and passion for knowledge. The Curies’ work involved extracting radium chloride from pitchblende through labour-intensive chemical separation techniques, a task that took years of dedication and was conducted under hazardous conditions due to the unknown dangers of radiation. Despite their groundbreaking findings, the couple faced challenges in proving radium’s existence due to the element’s minute quantities. However, in 1902, they succeeded in isolating pure radium metal, confirming their discovery. For their achievements, the Curies were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1903, making Marie Curie the first woman to receive the prestigious award. Radium’s discovery revolutionized medical treatments, particularly in cancer therapy, and opened new avenues in the understanding of atomic science, cementing the Curies’ legacy as pioneers in the study of radioactivity.

The 1939 New York World’s Fair, officially titled the International Exhibition of 1939, was one of the largest and most significant world expositions, held in Flushing Meadows, Queens. Opening on April 30, 1939, and running until 1940, the fair’s theme was “Building the World of Tomorrow,” reflecting a future-oriented vision of technological progress and innovation. It showcased cutting-edge advancements in transportation, communications, and consumer products, highlighting the impact of science and industry on daily life. Iconic symbols of the fair included the Trylon and Perisphere, massive futuristic structures that housed the “Democracity” exhibit, a model city designed to demonstrate an idealized urban future. The fair attracted over 44 million visitors and featured international pavilions as well as displays by major corporations like General Motors, whose “Futurama” exhibit captivated audiences with its predictions for the year 1960. Taking place on the eve of World War II, the fair was a mixture of optimism for the future and underlying global tensions, making it a pivotal moment in both American and global cultural history.

The 150th anniversary of the French Revolution in 1939 was marked by significant celebrations in France, honouring the pivotal event that began in 1789 and radically transformed the country’s political landscape. Despite the growing tensions of World War II on the horizon, the anniversary was an occasion for both reflection and national pride. The commemorations included public events, exhibitions, and speeches that revisited the Revolution’s core ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. These celebrations underscored the profound impact of the Revolution on the course of French history and its enduring influence on democratic movements worldwide. The milestone was particularly poignant as France, in 1939, faced new challenges to the values it had fought for a century and a half earlier, with the rise of fascism and looming conflict threatening Europe. Thus, the anniversary was not only a look back at revolutionary ideals but also a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom in the modern world.