Forrest Mars originally created M&M's in 1941 exclusively for U.S. service members deployed overseas during World War II. Mars drew inspiration for the candy after observing soldiers consume chocolate pellets enclosed in a protective hard shell during the Spanish Civil War. The idea behind the hard shell was to prevent the chocolate from melting while soldiers carried the candy in warm tropical weather. Initially reserved exclusively for the military during World War II, M&M's became available to the general public as wartime quotas were lifted.
Brazil derives its name from a magnificent tree that once thrived abundantly along its coastline. The Brazilwood tree, scientifically known as Caesalpinia echinata, enchanted early explorers with its deep red heartwood, which possessed a captivating color reminiscent of glowing embers. Portuguese colonizers, who were mesmerized by the tree's beauty and its value for dye extraction, decided to name the land after the tree itself. They aptly named the land "Terra do Brasil" or "Land of Brazil." It is fittingly Brazil's national tree.
Hattie McDaniel is best known as the first African American to win an Academy Award; she won the Best Supporting Actress award for her portrayal of Mammy in the film “Gone with the Wind.” What is less well-known is that she holds the distinction of being the first African American woman to sing on American radio. Born in Kansas in 1895 to parents who were former slaves, Hattie was the youngest of 13 children. After her death, the groundbreaking actress was posthumously awarded two stars on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.