which two years in history did the times square ball not drop?
Which two years in history did the Times Square ball not drop?
Answer:
The tradition of the Times Square Ball Drop is a highly anticipated event marking the New Year in New York City. However, there have been two years in history when the Times Square Ball did not drop during this annual event.
Step 1: Historical Context
- The tradition of the Times Square Ball Drop began on December 31, 1907, to welcome the year 1908.
- The New Year’s Eve Ball Drop soon became a beloved tradition, evolving in technology and scale over the years.
Step 2: Notable Exceptions
The two years when the Times Square Ball did not drop are:
- 1942
- 1943
Reasons for These Exceptions:
- World War II-Related Blackout:
- During World War II, in 1942 and 1943, New York City observed wartime blackouts and dim-outs, which necessitated energy conservation and minimizing unnecessary light that could attract enemy aircraft.
- Despite the absence of the actual ball drop in Times Square, crowds did gather to observe a moment of silence followed by the ringing of chimes as the New Year’s Eve tradition continued in spirit.
Step 3: Continuing the Tradition
- Following these exceptions, the tradition resumed, and the Times Square Ball Drop has remained uninterrupted since 1944, becoming a symbol of resilience and celebration each year.
Final Answer:
The Times Square Ball did not drop during the years 1942 and 1943 due to wartime blackouts during World War II.