27 Facts About 1933

The Year 1933: A Turning Point in History

1933 was a year of significant events that shaped the course of history. From political upheavals to cultural milestones, this year left an indelible mark on the world. Let's dive into some fascinating facts about 1933.

Political Shifts and Events

The political landscape of 1933 was marked by dramatic changes and pivotal moments.

1. Adolf Hitler Becomes Chancellor: On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, marking the beginning of the Nazi regime.
2. Franklin D. Roosevelt's Inauguration: Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd President of the United States on March 4, 1933, introducing the New Deal to combat the Great Depression.
3. Reichstag Fire: The German parliament building, the Reichstag, was set on fire on February 27, 1933. This event was used by the Nazis to justify the suspension of civil liberties.
4. Enabling Act: Passed on March 23, 1933, this act gave Hitler dictatorial powers, allowing him to enact laws without parliamentary consent.
5. Prohibition Ends in the U.S.: The 21st Amendment was ratified on December 5, 1933, ending the prohibition of alcohol in the United States.

Cultural Milestones

1933 also saw significant cultural developments that influenced art, literature, and entertainment.

6. King Kong Premieres: The iconic film "King Kong" premiered on March 2, 1933, becoming a classic in cinema history.
7. First Drive-In Theater: The first drive-in theater opened in Camden, New Jersey, on June 6, 1933, revolutionizing the movie-going experience.
8. Nobel Prize in Literature: Ivan Bunin, a Russian writer, was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1933 for his artistic prose.
9. Monopoly Game Invented: Charles Darrow created the board game Monopoly in 1933, which would become one of the most popular games in the world.
10. Loch Ness Monster Sighting: The first modern sighting of the Loch Ness Monster was reported in 1933, sparking widespread fascination and numerous investigations.

Scientific and Technological Advances

Innovations and discoveries in science and technology also marked this year.

11. Discovery of Neutron: James Chadwick discovered the neutron in 1932, but his findings were widely recognized and celebrated in 1933.
12. First Modern FM Radio: Edwin Armstrong demonstrated the first practical frequency modulation (FM) radio in 1933, improving sound quality over AM radio.
13. Polythene Discovered: Polythene, the most common plastic, was accidentally discovered by Eric Fawcett and Reginald Gibson in 1933.
14. Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge: Construction of the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco began in January 1933, a marvel of engineering.
15. First Solo Flight Over Mount Everest: British pilots Douglas Douglas-Hamilton and David McIntyre made the first successful flight over Mount Everest in 1933.

Economic Developments

The world economy was still reeling from the Great Depression, but 1933 saw some important economic events.

16. New Deal Programs: Roosevelt's New Deal introduced several programs in 1933, including the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Public Works Administration (PWA), to provide jobs and stimulate the economy.
17. Glass-Steagall Act: Enacted in 1933, this act separated commercial and investment banking to prevent another financial crisis.
18. Gold Standard Abandoned: The United States abandoned the gold standard in 1933, allowing for more flexible monetary policy.
19. Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA): Established in 1933, the TVA aimed to modernize the Tennessee Valley region through flood control, electricity generation, and economic development.
20. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC): Created in 1933, the FDIC insured bank deposits to restore public confidence in the banking system.

Social and Humanitarian Efforts

Efforts to improve social conditions and address humanitarian issues were also prominent in 1933.

21. International Red Cross: The International Red Cross was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1933 for its humanitarian efforts during and after World War I.
22. Holocaust Begins: The persecution of Jews and other minorities by the Nazi regime began in earnest in 1933, leading to the horrors of the Holocaust.
23. First Woman to Fly Solo Across the Atlantic: Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo nonstop across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932, but her achievement was widely celebrated in 1933.
24. Human Rights Advocacy: Eleanor Roosevelt began her lifelong advocacy for human rights and social justice in 1933, using her position as First Lady to promote these causes.
25. League of Nations: The League of Nations continued its efforts to maintain peace and address international conflicts in 1933, despite its limitations.

Sports and Recreation

Sports and recreational activities also saw notable events in 1933.

26. First Major League Baseball All-Star Game: The inaugural Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played on July 6, 1933, at Comiskey Park in Chicago.
27. Babe Ruth's Final Season: Baseball legend Babe Ruth played his final season with the New York Yankees in 1933, ending an illustrious career.

The Lasting Impact of 1933

1933 was a year that left a mark on history. From the rise of Franklin D. Roosevelt and his New Deal to the tragic events in Germany with Adolf Hitler's ascent, the world saw significant changes. The Great Depression continued to affect millions, while Prohibition ended, altering American society. Innovations like the first drive-in theater and Monopoly brought new forms of entertainment.

These events and innovations shaped the future in ways still felt today. Understanding 1933 helps us appreciate the resilience and creativity of people during tough times. It reminds us how history's twists and turns influence our present and future.

So, next time you think about the past, remember 1933. It was a year of challenges, changes, and new beginnings that continue to echo through the decades.