The Problem of Pain — released 1940
The Problem of Pain reached audiences in 1940, during the Modern Century (20th century), and became one of the defining works of its moment.
Context
Modern Century — World wars, moon shots, and cultural upheaval. That's roughly 30 years ago — still within living memory for many. Around the same time, the world was also seeing Battle of Britain (1940) and Trotsky is murdered in Mexico (1940).
Why it matters
The Problem of Pain shaped taste and conversation in its moment, then kept influencing later creators long after its debut in 1940.
Did you know?
Just 0 years after, Battle of Britain (1940) was also making headlines — a reminder how much history can compress into a single decade.
Era
Modern Century
World wars, moon shots, and cultural upheaval.
Category
Arts
Arts are the paintings, novels, films, songs and performances that captured the spirit of their age and still move us today.
Contemporary events
What else was happening in the world around this time.
Sources & further reading7 verified references · tap to open
About this lesson. Overview, context, and “Why it matters” are generated summaries written for study and gameplay. Dates and category placement come from the Timeline question bank[1]; era descriptions are adapted from standard historical periodisation[2]. For primary sources and in-depth reading, use the references below.
- Timeline question bank — © the game's original author, used with permission.
- Era framework based on Wikipedia's Human history overview, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Wikipedia
Community-maintained encyclopedia entry with citations.
Encyclopædia Britannica
Editorially reviewed reference articles.
Library of Congress
Primary sources, photographs, and archival records.
National Archives
Original U.S. government documents and records.
Smithsonian
Museum collections and curator-written explainers.
BBC History
Long-form explainers and documentaries.
History.com
Timelines and topic overviews from HISTORY.
Educational content notice
Lessons are for general historical education, not professional advice. Some entries touch on wars, violence, or other sensitive events — appropriate for ages 9+. External links open in your browser and are not controlled by Timeline.
Quick check
Which of these happened in 1940?
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Trotsky is murdered in Mexico