1930s

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Timeline: 1930s

Years: 1930 - 1939	Subject: History, modern history (1700 to 1945)
Publisher: HistoryWorld	Online Publication Date: 2012
Current online version: 2012	eISBN: 9780191735677

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Year	Event
1930	René Clair blends satire and surrealism in his film Sous les Toits de Paris, a dark comedy about a Parisian street singer Go to Clair, René (1898–1981) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe France The Irish National War Memorial opens in Dublin, designed by Edwin Lutyens in a garden setting Go to Lutyens, Sir Edwin Landseer (1869–1944) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture British architecture British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Joseph von Sternberg directs Marlene Dietrich in the film The Blue Angel, shot in both German and English, making her an immediate international star Go to Dietrich, Marlene (?1901–1992) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Germany North America United States US author Marc Connelly's play Green Pastures has its premiere on Broadway Go to Green Pastures, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States Mahatma Gandhi leads a 240-mile march from Ahmedabad to the sea to defy the British salt tax, thus launching a campaign of civil disobedience Go to Salt March in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion British empire European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires In The Fur Trade in Canada Harold Innis traces the economic development linking the trade and the nation Go to Innis, Harold (1894–1952) in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America Canada The Hays Code sets exacting standards of public decency in US movies Go to Hays Code in A Dictionary of Media and Communication (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States The opera Rise and Fall of the City of Mahagonny, by Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht, opens in Leipzig Go to Aufstieg und Fall der Stadt Mahagonny in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Germany British inventor Frank Whittle takes out a patent for a jet engine Go to Whittle, Sir Frank (1907–1996) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries British Isles Europe Britain The regent Ras Tafari becomes emperor of Ethiopia and takes the name Haile Selassie Go to Haile Selassie I (1892–1975) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Africa East Africa Ethiopia Vita Sackville-West and her husband Harold Nicolson begin to create a garden at Sissinghurst in Kent Go to Sissinghurst Castle in The Oxford Companion to the Garden (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain A military coup removes Hipolito Irigoyen from the presidency in Argentina Go to Irigoyen, Hipólito (1850–1933) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Latin America Argentina South America 18-year-old Jean Harlow is a sensation in Hell's Angels, directed by Howard Hughes Go to Harlow, Jean (1911–1937) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States English author W.H. Auden's first collection of poetry is published with the simple title Poems Go to Auden, W(ystan) H(ugh) (1907–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Adolf Hitler puts Joseph Goebbels at the head of the Nazi party's propaganda campaign Go to Goebbels, Joseph (1897–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Germany English pioneer aviator Amy Johnson makes a 19-day solo flight in a Gipsy Moth from Croydon (part of London) to Darwin, Australia Go to Johnson, Amy (1903–1941) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Australia and Oceania Europe Society Australia Britain Swallows and Amazons is the first of Arthur Ransome's adventure stories for children Go to Ransome, Arthur (1884–1967) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The Chrysler Building opens in New York as the world's tallest skyscraper, but holds the record for only one year Go to Alen, William van (1883–1954) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture American architecture North America United States Getúlio Vargas begins a 24-year personal rule in Brazil Go to Vargas, Getúlio Dornelles (1883–1954) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Brazil South America US crime-writer Dashiell Hammett publishes The Maltese Falcon, the novel in which he introduces his sardonic private eye, Sam Spade Go to Spade, Sam in The Oxford Companion to Crime and Mystery Writing (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Wolfgang Pauli announces his mathematical proof of the existence of the particle subsequently known as the neutrino Go to Pauli, Wolfgang (1900–1958) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Austria The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act introduces a US protectionist policy Go to Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act in A Dictionary of Economics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States The Allies withdraw their occupying forces from Germany's Rhineland, five years ahead of schedule Go to Versailles, Treaty of (1919) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany Henri Matisse completes his Backsequence – four progressively simplified bronze relief sculptures (Nus de Dos) Go to Matisse, Henri Émile Benoît (1869–1954) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Sculpture French art Europe France US golfer Bobby Jones retires after winning his thirteenth major in eight years Go to Jones, Bobby (1902–1971) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States Rafael Trujillo establishes a dictatorship in the Dominican Republic that will last for 30 years Go to Trujillo, Rafael Leónidas (24 Oct. 1891) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Caribbean The verdict on Fred Astaire's first screen test, so the legend goes, is that he can't act, can't sing, is balding but can dance a little Go to Astaire, Fred (1899–1987) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States Heitor Villa-Lobos composes the first of his Bachianas Brasileiras Go to Villa-Lobos, Heitor (1887–1959) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Latin America South America Conservative leader R.B. Bennett defeats the Liberals and becomes prime minister of Canada Go to Bennett, Richard Bedford, 1st Viscount Bennett (b. 3 July 1870) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics North America Canada French actor Jean Gabin makes his screen debut in Chacun sa Chance Go to Gabin, Jean (1904–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe France Noel Coward and Gertrude Lawrence star in the West End in Private Lives, Coward's comedy of marital complications Go to Private Lives in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain British theoretical physicist Paul Dirac predicts the existence of an anti-particle of the electron, first observed two years later and named the positron Go to Dirac, Paul Adrien Maurice (1902–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Lewis Milestone makes a powerful film of Erich Maria Remarque's anti-war novel All Quiet on the Western Front, published in the previous year Go to Milestone, Lewis (1895–1980) in The Oxford Companion to the American Musical (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Edward G. Robinson gives a chilling portrayal of a gangster loosely based on Al Capone in the film Little Caesar Go to Robinson, Edward G. in New Oxford American Dictionary (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States The Nazis become the second largest party in the Reichstag, winning 107 seats Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Germany The steel-band tradition begins to develop in Trinidad, with adapted metal objects taking the place of traditional skin drums Go to steel band in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Latin America Caribbean A pregnant female hamster, captured in Syria, becomes the ancestor of every pet hamster in the world Go to hamster in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Asia West Asia Lebanon and Syria Society Agatha Christie's Miss Marple makes her first appearance, in Murder at the Vicarage Go to Miss Marple in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The airship R101, designed by a UK Air Ministry team, explodes on its maiden voyage, killing all but four of those on board Go to R101 airship in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Travel and transport Technology Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Garbo talks' and breaks box office records in her first sound film, Anna Christie, directed by Clarence Brown Go to Garbo, Greta (1905–1990) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States In his novel As I Lay Dying William Faulkner follows the journey of a coffin in a mule-drawn wagon Go to As I Lay Dying in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States The Camargo Society, founded to promote British dancers and choreographers, presents its first evening of ballet in London Go to Camargo Society, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The New Zealand racehorse Phar Lap wins huge popularity after an easy victory in the Melbourne Cup See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Australia and Oceania New Zealand Society Australia The Rastafarian cult evolves in Jamaica, viewing Ras Tafari, the emperor of Ethiopia, as the black Messiah Go to Rastafarianism in Oxford Encyclopedia of the Modern World (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Latin America Caribbean English composer John Ireland's Piano Concerto has its first performance Go to Ireland, John (Nicholson) (13 Aug. 1879) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain US inventor Richard Drew develops Scotch Brand Cellulose Tape, the world's first transparent tape Go to Scotch tape in Brewer's Dictionary of Modern Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America United States Wallace D. Fard founds the Nation of Islam as a black separatist movement in the USA Go to Nation of Islam in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Religion Islam North America United States Australian-born composer Percy Grainger writes variations on Handel's tune The Harmonious Blacksmith Go to Grainger, Percy Aldridge (1882–1961) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Australia and Oceania Europe Australia Britain US author John Dos Passos publishes the first novel of his trilogy The 42nd Parallel Go to 42nd Parallel, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States US choreographer Busby Berkeley moves to Hollywood to provide the first of his famous dance spectaculars, in Whoopee Go to Berkeley, Busby (29 Nov. 1895) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Film North America United States A spoof history text book, 1066 and all that, is justifiably described by its authors, Walter Sellar and Robert Yeatman, as a Memorable History of England Go to Sellar, W. C. (1898–1951) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The British Broadcasting Corporation forms a Symphony Orchestra with Adrian Boult as the first music director Go to Boult, Sir Adrian (Cedric) (8 April 1889) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1931	The Statute of Westminster defines and formalizes the concept of the British Commonwealth Go to Statute of Westminster in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Politics (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Africa South Africa Australia and Oceania New Zealand Europe Britain North America Canada US gangster Al Capone, never convicted of murder, begins an 8-year-spell in jail for tax evasion Go to Capone, Al (1899–1947) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century North America United States US actress Bette Davis moves to Hollywood and appears in her first film, The Bad Sister Go to Davis, Bette (1908–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States 25 million peasants are moved from the land to provide cheap labour in Stalin's new factories Go to Stalin, Joseph in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Europe Russia Six million Russian peasants die after being transported to agricultural labour camps in Siberia Go to prison camps, Soviet in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Asia East Asia Europe Russia US critic Edmund Wilson publishes Axel's Castle, a collection of essays about writers in the symbolist tradition Go to Axel's Castle in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States US film star James Cagney has a great success in the first of his many gangster roles, in The Public Enemy Go to Cagney, James (1899–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States On his first expedition to the Olduvai Gorge, Louis Leakey finds the oldest object now in the British Museum - the chopping tool from about 1.8 million years ago Go to Olduvai Gorge, Tanzania in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Africa East Africa Nine black teenagers, known as the Scottsboro Boys, are wrongly convicted of gang rape in a notorious US race-relations case Go to Scottsboro Case in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century North America United States Frederick Ashton choreographs Façade for the Camargo Society, using Walton's score Go to Façade in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Sectarian hostilities increase in Kashmir, with the Muslim majority resenting the favours shown by the British to the Sikh and Hindu elite Go to Abdullah, Sheikh Muhammad (1905–82) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Islam Social and domestic British empire Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Pakistan Society Empires President Hoover switches on the lights to inaugurate the world's new tallest skyscraper, the Empire State Building in New York Go to Empire State Building. (1931) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture American architecture US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States The gold standard is abandoned throughout the world after massive capital outflows cause the United Kingdom to pull out of the system Go to Gold Standard in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain The US poet Ogden Nash has an immediate success with his first volume of poems, Hard Lines Go to Nash, Ogden (1902–71) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States The Star-Spangled Banner is made the official US national anthem Go to “Star-Spangled Banner, The,” in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States Geoffrey De Havilland designs the Tiger Moth, on which nearly all British pilots were trained during World War II Go to De Havilland, Geoffrey (1882–1965) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain A dance company, brought together by Ninette de Valois as the Vic-Wells Ballet, begins performing at Sadler's Wells Go to de Valois, Dame Ninette (1898–2001) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Irgun, a new Jewish paramilitary group, is set up by Haganah commanders frustrated by the older organization's policies Go to Irgun in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Religion Judaism Asia West Asia Palestine and Israel Nazi propaganda minister Joseph Goebbels makes Der Führer a compulsory term for Hitler in the Nazi party Go to Führer in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany The Irish government classifies the Irish Republican Army as an illegal organization Go to IRA in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Amid political crisis Labour-leader Ramsay MacDonald forms an all-party National Government in Britain Go to National governments in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Charlie Chaplin makes City Lights, in which the tramp befriends and helps a blind flower girl Go to Chaplin, Charlie (1889–1977) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Virginia Woolf publishes the most fluid of her novels, The Waves, in which she tells the story through six interior monologues Go to Waves, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The Japanese occupy the Chinese state of Manchuria Go to Mukden incident (18 September 1931) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Asia East Asia China Japan 16-year-old English footballer Stanley Matthews plays his first League game for Stoke City Go to Matthews, Sir Stanley (1915–2000) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain In Pietr-Le-Letton, the first novel published under his own name, the Belgian writer Georges Simenon introduces Inspector Maigret Go to Simenon, Georges (1903–89) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Fiction Europe Belgium The trilogy Mourning becomes Electra, Eugene O'Neill's transposition to New England of the Oresteia story, is performed in New York Go to Mourning Becomes Electra in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States Pay cuts cause British sailors in the Atlantic fleet to mutiny at Invergordon, in Scotland's Cromarty Firth Go to Invergordon mutiny (1931) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles Europe Britain The George Washington Bridge links New York with New Jersey, and is the world's longest suspension bridge with a main span of 3500 feet (1066m) Go to Ammann, Othmar (1879–1965) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering North America United States Harold Clurman and Lee Strasberg's Group Theatre present their first professional production, The House of Connelly by Paul Green Go to Group Theatre in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre North America United States Italian fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli introduces a successful new line for women in the form of the padded shoulder Go to Schiaparelli, Elsa (1896–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Decorative arts Europe Italy In his painting The Persistence of Memory Salvador Dali provides the disturbing image of watches drooping from the edge of flat surfaces Go to Dali, Salvador (1904–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting Europe Spain Boris Karloff gives a touching portrayal of the monster created by Dr Frankenstein, in the first of several screen performances in the role Go to Karloff, Boris (1887–1969) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States
1932	Russian-born architect Berthold Lubetkin and others set up in London the modernist firm of Tecton Go to Tecton in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson has his first exhibition, in the Julien Levy Gallery in New York Go to Cartier-Bresson, Henri (1908–2004) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Photography American art French art Europe France North America United States US poet Archibald MacLeish publishes a narrative epic, Conquistador, about the conquest of Mexico Go to MacLeish, Archibald (1892–1982) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Europe Britain Latin America Mexico Charles and Anne Lindbergh's one-year-old son, Charles Jr, is kidnapped and subsequently found murdered Go to Lindbergh, Charles Augustus (1902–1974) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century North America United States Japan renames the Chinese province of Manchuria, calling it Manchukuo – supposedly independent but in fact a puppet state Go to Manchukuo in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia China Japan Adolf Hitler finally exchanges Austrian for German nationality, just in time to run for the German presidency Go to Hitler, Adolf (1889–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe Austria Germany The Chaco War breaks out between Bolivia and Paraguay, in dispute over the swampy plain known as the Gran Chaco Go to Chaco War (1932–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Latin America South America One of the defining landmarks of Sydney, in Australia, is opened – the single-span steel arch bridge across the city's harbour Go to Sydney Harbour Bridge in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering Australia and Oceania Australia Adolf Hitler stands for election as president of the German republic and wins 36% of the vote Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Germany The newly formed Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo opens for its first season, with George Balanchine as ballet master Go to Ballets Russes de Monte Carlo, Les in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Europe France John Cockcroft and Ernest Walton are the first to split an atom, by bombarding it with accelerated protons Go to fission, nuclear in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Antonio de Oliveira Salazar becomes prime minister of Portugal with dictatorial powers Go to Salazar, António de Oliveira (b. 8 Apr. 1889) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe Portugal British author C.S. Lewis publishes a moral parable, The Screwtape Letters, about the problems confronting a trainee devil Go to Lewis, C. S. (1898–1963) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Marcel Duchamp coins the term 'mobile' for Alexander Calder's new suspended art form Go to Calder, Alexander (1898–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Sculpture American art North America United States French playwright Jean Anouilh has his first play, L'Hermine, produced and published Go to Anouilh, Jean (1910–1987) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature French literature Drama Europe France US aviator Amelia Earhart lands in Ireland 15 hours after leaving Newfoundland, to become the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Go to Earhart, Amelia (1897–1937) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America United States British physicist James Chadwick shows that the behaviour of subatomic particles can be explained by the existence of neutrons, or particles with no electrical charge Go to neutron in A Dictionary of Chemistry (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The town of Maxim Gorky's birth, Nizhny-Novgorod, is renamed Gorky in his honour Go to Gorky, Maxim (1868–1936) in The Concise Oxford Companion to the Theatre (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Europe Russia Presidential candidate F.D. Roosevelt pledges himself at the Democratic convention to deliver 'a new deal for the American people' Go to New Deal in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States Fianna Fáil wins enough seats in the Irish Free State's election for Eamon de Valera to form a government Go to de Valera, Eamon (1882–1975) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British Isles Europe Ireland Britain US athlete Mildred 'Babe' Didrikson breaks four world records in one afternoon in Evanston, Illinois Go to Zaharias, Mildred Didrikson (“Babe”) (1911–1956) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States After gaining control of most of the Arabian peninsula, Ibn Saud gives his kingdom a new name, Saudi Arabia Go to Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud (b. 24 Nov. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Asia West Asia Ernest Hemingway, an aficionado of the sport, publishes Death in the Afternoon, a non-fiction account of bullfighting in Spain Go to Death in the Afternoon in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English North America United States Troops using bayonets and tear gas drive out of Washington the Bonus Army, a group of protesting unemployed war veterans Go to Bonus Army (1932) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Social and domestic US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States Winning 230 seats in the election, the Nazis become the largest party in the Reichstag (albeit not with a majority) Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Germany British author Aldous Huxley gives a bleak view of a science-based future in his novel Brave New World Go to Brave New World in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Unemployment in Britain reaches three million, or more than 25% of the work force Go to Depression, the Great (1929–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Mae West stars alongside George Raft in her first film, Night after Night Go to Raft, George (1895–1980) in The Oxford Companion to the American Musical (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Ernst Lubitsch has a great success with Trouble in Paradise, a Hollywood comedy about villainy and romance in Paris Go to Lubitsch, Ernst (1892–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States US novelist Erskine Caldwell publishes Tobacco Road, about white sharecroppers coping with poverty and desperation in Georgia Go to Tobacco Road in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Oswald Mosley holds his first rally in Trafalgar Square, at the head of his British Union of Fascists Go to British Union of Fascists in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain John Cowper Powys's novel A Glastonbury Romance is published first in New York Go to Glastonbury Romance, A in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain De Valera withholds farmers' annuities from Britain, provoking British tariffs and a trade war Go to land annuities in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry British Isles Europe Ireland Society Britain A deeply flawed experiment with African American syphilis patients is launched in Tuskegee, Alabama Go to Tuskegee Experiment. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Medicine North America United States Young Lonigan: a Boyhood in Chicago Streets is the first novel in James T. Farrell's Studs Lonigan trilogy Go to Young Lonigan: A Boyhood in Chicago Streets in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Johnny Weissmuller and Maureen O'Sullivan star as Tarzan and Jane in Tarzan the Ape Man, the first of countless Tarzan talkies Go to Weissmuller, Johnny (1904–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States 16-year-old Yehudi Menuhin records the Elgar violin concerto, conducted by the composer Go to Menuhin, Yehudi, Baron (1916–1999) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain US author Damon Runyon publishes his first collection of stories about low-life New York, under the title Guys and Dolls Go to Runyon (884–1946) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States The Bluebell Girls, formed by Margaret Kelly ('Miss Bluebell'), give their first performances in Paris Go to Bluebell Girls in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Britain The incumbent president, Republican Herbert Hoover, suffers a heavy defeat by Democrat F.D. Roosevelt in the US election Go to Roosevelt, Franklin D. (1882–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States George V reads on radio a Christmas address (written by Rudyard Kipling), beginning an annual royal tradition Go to George V (b. 3 June 1865) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Unemployment in Germany rises during the world-wide depression to the unprecedented level of 6 million Go to Depression, the Great (1929–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Germany Society English fast-bowler Harold Larwood causes outrage using the 'body-line' attack, devised by his captain, Douglas Jardine, in Test matches against Australia Go to Larwood, Harold (1904–1995) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Australia and Oceania Europe Society Australia Britain English conductor Thomas Beecham founds another orchestra, calling it the London Philharmonic Go to Beecham, Sir Thomas (1879–1961) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The British artist Graham Sutherland, after an early career as a printmaker, takes up painting relatively late in life Go to Sutherland, Graham Vivian (1903–1980) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1933	President Hindenburg appoints Adolf Hitler chancellor of the German republic Go to Hindenburg, Paul Ludwig Hans von Beneckendorf und von (1847–1934) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 German chancellor Adolf Hitler orders the sterilization of carriers of hereditary mental diseases, in one of his government's first pieces of legislation Go to eugenics in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Germany Prohibition is lifted in the USA when the Twenty-First Amendment repeals the Eighteenth, which has been in force for 13 years Go to Prohibition era (1920–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Social and domestic US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States The electoral campaign for a new Reichstag, demanded by Hitler, is conducted with escalating Nazi violence Go to Reichstag in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Germany Polish cryptographers succeed in breaking some of the Enigma code used by the German military Go to Enigma in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 The burning of the Reichstag during the German election enables Adolf Hitler to introduce emergency measures restricting liberty Go to Reichstag in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany President Roosevelt gives the first of his many 'fireside chats' to the US nation on radio Go to fireside chat in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Hungarian photographer Brassaï publishes his photographs of the seedier side of Paris night life in Paris de Nuit Go to Brassaï (1899–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Photography French art Europe France Heinrich Himmler sets up the first Nazi concentration camp, at Dachau near Munich Go to Dachau in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 The Austrian chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss suspends parliament and subsequently outlaws the Nazi party Go to Dollfuss, Engelbert (b. 4 Oct. 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Austria Pablo Neruda increases his international reputation with a collection of surrealist poems, Residencia en la tierra ('Residence on earth') Go to Neruda, Pablo (1904–1973) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Poetry China Latin America Chile South America Adolf Hitler puts a bill before the first meeting of the newly elected Reichstag, giving himself unrestricted powers Go to Enabling Act (Ermächtigungsgesetz) (23 Mar. 1933) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany Gustav Krupp and his son Alfried, Germany’s main manufacturers of armaments, join the Nazi party Go to Krupp in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Commerce and industry War Germany Society Wars since 1900 In My Life and Hard Times James Thurber's publishes an affectionate account of his family, including the night the bed fell on his father Go to Thurber, James Grover (1894–1961) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Lloyd Bacon directs 42nd Street, a classic backstage movie about putting a musical comedy on Broadway Go to 42nd Street (film musical) in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Japan announces its withdrawal from the League of Nations after a resolution is passed declaring the Japanese occupation of Manchuria illegal Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 Adolf Hitler passes a law forcing the 'retirement' of all Jews working in the civil service, schools and universities Go to anti‐Semitism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism Germany The new Nazi government closes down Germany's distinguished school of modern art and architecture, the Bauhaus Go to Bauhaus in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Germany Alexander Korda directs Charles Laughton in the film The Private Life of Henry VIII Go to Korda, Sir Alexander (1893–1956) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Fulgencio Batista, as army chief of staff, begins a long career running the affairs of Cuba Go to Batista y Zaldívar, Fulgencio (b. 16 Jan. 1901) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Latin America Caribbean Cuba H.G. Wells publishes The Shape of Things to Come, a novel in which he accurately predicts a renewal of world war Go to Wells, H. G. (1866–1946) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain US actress Katherine Hepburn wins the first of four Oscars in only her second film, Morning Glory Go to Hepburn, Katharine (1909–2003) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is the largest project launched in the first hundred days of Roosevelt's New Deal Go to Tennessee Valley Authority in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Commerce and industry US presidents Society Rulers and politicians North America United States Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers dance together for the first time on film, in Flying Down to Rio Go to Flying Down To Rio in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Film North America United States Unknown American blues singer Huddie Ledbetter, or Leadbelly, is first recorded singing in the Louisiana State Penitentiary Go to Leadbelly (1888–1949) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States Gertrude Stein publishes a best-selling account of her own life under the title The Autobiography of Alice B. Toklas Go to Toklas, Alice B[abette] (1877–1967) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature French literature Literature in English Europe France North America United States The Pylon group of British poets get their name from Stephen Spender's poem 'The Pylons' Go to Pylon School in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain King Kong, an enduringly successful horror film, is based on a story by Edgar Wallace Go to King Kong [Cin.] in The Oxford Dictionary of Reference and Allusion (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Draughtsman Harry Beck, inspired by electrical circuits, produces a classic map of London's underground Go to London broil in Brewer's Dictionary of London Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Travel and transport Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Fine Gael is the name given to a new political party in Ireland, formed by the merger of several smaller groups Go to Fine Gael in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British Isles Europe Ireland Britain The Hutus and Tutsis of Ruanda-Urundi are issued with racial identity cards by the Belgians Go to Hutu and Tutsi in Encyclopedia of Africa (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa Central Africa East Africa Europe Empires English author Antonia White publishes an autobiographical first novel, Frost in May Go to White, Antonia (1899–1979) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Erskine Caldwell publishes a novel, God's Little Acre, about a farmer obsessed with finding gold on his farm Go to God's Little Acre in The Oxford Companion to American Literature (6 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States George Balanchine, Kurt Weill and Bertolt Brecht collaborate in Paris on Seven Deadly Sins, a ballet with songs Go to Seven Deadly Sins, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Europe France The Nazi government dismisses Konrad Adenauer from all his appointments, included that of Lord Mayor of Cologne Go to Adenauer, Konrad (1876–1967) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany Arabella, by Richard Strauss and Hugo von Hofmannsthal, is first performed four years after von Hofmannsthal's death left it incomplete Go to Arabella in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Germany The Marx Brothers make their last film as a foursome, Duck Soup, with Zeppo still in the team Go to Duck Soup in The Oxford Companion to the American Musical (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Germany becomes a one-party state, with only the Nazis allowed to engage in political activity Go to Nazi Party in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany García Lorca writes his play Blood Wedding while he is director of a company touring in rural Spain Go to Blood Wedding in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Europe Spain Thomas Mann leaves Germany and moves to Switzerland, where he engages in a steady polemic against the Nazis Go to Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Germany Switzerland Mae West gives Cary Grant his big break, choosing him as her co-star in She Done Him Wrong Go to Grant, Cary (1904–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Adolf Hitler, the new German chancellor, pulls Germany out of the League of Nations and its disarmament conference Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 Adolf Hitler wins massive referendum support for his withdrawal of Germany from the Disarmament Conference and the League of Nations Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Germany Wars since 1900 Fritz Lang's film The Testament of Dr Mabuse is banned in Germany because of implicit criticism of Nazi thugs Go to Lang, Fritz (1890–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Germany 19-year-old Mexican poet Octavio Paz publishes his first collection, Wild Moon Go to Paz, Octavio (1914–1998) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Poetry Latin America Central America Mexico J. Arthur Rank founds the Religious Film Society to make films in Britain that will bring people to Christianity Go to Rank, J(oseph) Arthur, 1st Baron (1888–1972) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The first Dinky Toys cars go on sale in Britain, originally under the name Modelled Miniatures Go to Hornby, Frank (1863–1936) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain 25% of workers in Canada are unemployed as the Depression continues to deepen Go to Great Depression in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America Canada In Down and Out in Paris and London English author George Orwell writes a sympathetic account of the people he meets on hard times Go to Down and Out in Paris and London in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Arnold Schoenberg leaves his teaching post in Germany, now under Nazi control, and in 1934 settles in Los Angeles Go to Schoenberg, Arnold Franz Walter (1874–1951) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Germany North America United States
1934	Dmitry Shostakovich's opera Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District has its premiere in Leningrad's Maly Theatre Go to Lady Macbeth of the Mtsensk District in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Russia Nazi architect Albert Speer designs a spectacular new setting for the party's annual Nuremberg rally Go to Speer, Albert (1905–81) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture Germany US author Scott Fitzgerald publishes his novel Tender Is the Night Go to Tender Is the Night in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States US author Henry Miller publishes in Paris a largely sexual autobiography, Tropic of Cancer, about his life as an expatriate Go to Tropic of Cancer in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature French literature Literature in English Fiction Europe France North America United States The Indian Reorganization Act restores tribal ownership of land in the US reservations Go to Indian Reorganization Act in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Social and domestic Society North America United States German photographer Leni Riefenstahl glorifies Hitler and the Nuremberg rally in her film Triumph of the Will Go to Riefenstahl, Leni (1902–2003) in A Dictionary of Marketing (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Politics Germany The first opera festival at Glyndebourne, a country house in Sussex, opens with a performance of Mozart's Marriage of Figaro Go to Glyndebourne Festival in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Five girls are born as quintuplets in the Dionne family of French Catholic farmers in Corbeil, Ontario Go to Dionne Quintuplets in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Society North America Canada Anastasio Somoza, commander of the National Guard, organizes a coup in Nicaragua Go to Somoza in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Latin America Central America Benito Mussolini plays host in Venice to Adolf Hitler, the newcomer among European dictators Go to fascism in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Venice Europe Italy Wars since 1900 British tennis player Fred Perry wins the first of three consecutive Wimbledon singles titles Go to Perry, Fred (1909–1995) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain British painter Francis Bacon has his first solo show in London Go to Bacon, Francis (1909–1992) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Frédéric and Irène Joliot-Curie discover artificial radioactivity Go to Joliot-Curie, Irène (1897–1956) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Europe France Erich Korngold, one of Austria's most admired composers, moves to Hollywood Go to Korngold, Erich Wolfgang (29 May 1897) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Germany North America United States Elijah Muhammad takes control of the Nation of Islam, or Black Muslims, and leads the movement for more than 40 years Go to Muhammad, Elijah (1975) in The Oxford Dictionary of Islam (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Religion Islam North America United States Adolf Hitler visits his SA commander, Ernst Roehm, in his hotel before having him shot Go to Night of the Long Knives (1934) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Terrorism and assassination Germany Multiple murders are carried out on Hitler's orders during the Night of the Long Knives Go to Night of the Long Knives (1934) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany In addition to the SS, Heinrich Himmler is given command of the state secret police, or Gestapo Go to Gestapo in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany The Scottish National Party, or SNP, is founded to campaign for an independent Scotland Go to Scottish National Party in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 Scotland British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Australian author Christina Stead publishes a first novel based on her own family, Seven Poor Men of Sydney Go to Seven Poor Men of Sydney in The Oxford Companion to Australian Literature (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Literature in English Fiction Australia and Oceania Australia Jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt and violinist Stephane Grapelli form the Quintet du Hot Club de France Go to Reinhardt, Django (1910–1953) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe France The Austrian chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss is assassinated by Nazis in a coup that fails Go to Dollfuss, Engelbert (1892–1934) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Austria Kurt von Schuschnigg succeeds the murdered Dollfuss as Austria's chancellor and Hitler's opponent Go to Schuschnigg, Kurt von (1897–1977) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Austria In Lillian Hellman's play The Children's Hour two teachers are maliciously accused of lesbianism by one of their pupils Go to Children's Hour, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States Paul von Hindenburg dies, enabling Adolf Hitler to combine the roles of president, chancellor and supreme commander of the German armed forces Go to Hitler, Adolf (1889–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany In I, Claudius the autobiography of the Roman emperor is ghost-written by Robert Graves Go to I, Claudius in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Sergei Rachmaninov writes the Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini in his villa beside Lake Lucerne Go to Rachmaninov, Sergei (1873–1943) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Russia 6-year-old Shirley Temple wins instant fame after starring in Stand up and Cheer Go to Temple, Shirley (1928– ) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States The US military government is finally withdrawn from Haiti after nineteen years Go to Good Neighbor Policy in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization Latin America Caribbean North America United States Berthold Lubetkin and Ove Arup provide a modernist pool for the penguins in London Zoo Go to Lubetkin, Berthold Romanovitch (1901–90) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture British architecture Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain In A Handful of Dust Evelyn Waugh sends his hero Tony Last to a disastrous fate, far away in the Amazon rain forest Go to Handful of Dust, A in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain USSR joins the League of Nations, after Germany leaves the organization Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe Russia Swedish tenor Jussi Björling makes his debut in Stockholm, in Puccini's Manon Lescaut Go to Björling, Jussi (5 Feb. 1911) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Sweden 15-year-old English ballerina Margot Fonteyn makes her first appearance, dancing as a Snowflake in Nutcracker Go to Fonteyn, Dame Margot (1919–1991) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Neo-Destour, a party demanding Tunisian independence, has Habib Bourguiba as its secretary general Go to Bourguiba, Habib (1903–2000) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa North Africa Europe Empires In a referendum 38 million German voters say yes to Adolf Hitler becoming Führer, Germany's supreme leader Go to Hitler, Adolf (1889–1945) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Germany Hitler tells the party faithful in a Nuremberg rally that their new third Reich will last for 1000 years Go to Third Reich in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 To escape the Kuomintang forces, the Chinese Communist army begins the Long March from Jiangxi province to Shaanxi Go to Long March (1934–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Asia East Asia China Paul Hindemith's opera Mathis der Maler is banned by the Nazis and is not performed until 1938 in Zurich Go to Mathis der Maler in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Germany Sergei Kirov, head of the party in Leningrad, is assassinated in his office, giving Stalin the pretext for his first massive purge Go to Kirov, Sergei Mironovich (28 Mar. 1886) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Terrorism and assassination Europe Russia Josip Broz, a leading member of the banned Communist Party of Yugoslavia, adopts the name Tito Go to Tito, Josip Broz (1892–1980) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Europe Mohammed Ali Jinnah becomes president of the Muslim League in India Go to Jinnah, Mohammed Ali (1876–1948) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Religion Islam British empire European empires from 1415 Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) Europe Empires Openly hostile to the Nazis, the architect Walter Gropius moves to England and three years later makes the USA his home Go to Gropius, Walter (1883–1969) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture Germany
1935	Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers have one of their greatest successes dancing in their fourth film together, Top Hat Go to Top Hat in Encyclopedia of Popular Music (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Film North America United States Adolf Hitler informs Britain and France that he is building up the German armed forces, in contravention of the Versailles treaty Go to Versailles, Treaty of (1919) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 The German composer Kurt Weill moves to New York, where he writes Broadway musicals Go to Weill, Kurt (1900–1950) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Germany North America United States Adolf Hitler reinstates Germany's airforce, the Luftwaffe, putting Hermann Goering in command Go to Luftwaffe in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 The people of the rich mining district of the Saar vote to merge with Germany Go to Saarland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Germany Adolf Hitler gets away with a calculated international risk when he reintroduces conscription in Germany Go to Reichswehr in The Oxford Companion to German Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Social and domestic War Germany Society Wars since 1900 Frank Lloyd directs Charles Laughton and Clark Gable in a dramatic account of the famous mutiny on the Bounty Go to Gable, (William) Clark (1901–1960) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States George Balanchine's new company, American Ballet, has its first brief season in New York Go to American Ballet, The in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States The Viipury Library in Finland makes the reputation of a young Finnish architect, Alvar Aalto Go to Aalto, Hugo Alvar Henrik (1898–1976) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture Europe Finland Mao Zedong wins control over the Chinese Communists during the Long March Go to Mao Zedong (1893–1976) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Asia East Asia China In Frontier the Japanese-US sculptor Isamu Noguchi designs the first of his many sets for Martha Graham ballets Go to Noguchi, Isamu (1904–88) in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance North America United States Frank Lloyd Wright designs Fallingwater in Mill Run, Pennsylvania, for Edgar Kaufmann Go to Wright, Frank Lloyd (1869–1959) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture American architecture North America United States Pablo Picasso's Minotauromachy, a masterpiece of etching, prefigures some of the themes of Guernica Go to Picasso, Pablo (1881–1973) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts French art Europe France Arthur Honegger's opera Joan of Arc at the Stake has its premiere in Basel Go to Honegger, Arthur (1892–1955) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe France US athlete Jesse Owens sets three world records and equals a fourth within the space of less than an hour in Ann Arbor, Michigan Go to Owens, Jesse (1913–80) in A Dictionary of Sports Studies (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States Strikers in Vancouver begin the On-to-Ottawa Trek, to take their grievances to government Go to On-to-Ottawa Trek in The Oxford Companion to Canadian History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America Canada Tortilla Flat brings success for the US novelist John Steinbeck Go to Tortilla Flat in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States A truce ends armed hostilities in the three-year Chaco War between Bolivia and Paraguay Go to Chaco War (1932–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Latin America South America In A Night at the Opera the Marx Brothers make the first of their films as the famous threesome, Groucho, Harpo and Chico Go to Night at the Opera, A in The Oxford Companion to the American Musical (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Alban Berg writes his Violin Concerto, commissioned by Louis Krasner, in memory of Manon Gropius Go to Berg, Alban (1885–1935) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Austria T.S. Eliot's play Murder in the Cathedral has its first performance in Canterbury cathedral Go to Murder in the Cathedral in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain George Gallup founds the American Institute of Public Opinion and becomes the pioneer of modern polling techniques Go to Gallup, George Horace (1901–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Social and domestic Society North America United States Elias Canetti publishes the novel later translated into English as Auto da Fé Go to Canetti, Elias (1905–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Italian literature Fiction Europe Italy US seismologist Charles Richter devises a scale for measuring the magnitude of earthquakes Go to Richter scale in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science North America United States Adolf Hitler gives Karl Dönitz, a submarine commander from World War I, responsibility for Germany's U-boat programme Go to Dönitz, Karl (1891–1981) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Wars since 1900 The Austrian zoologist Konrad Lorenz describes his experiments on young geese, with their capacity to imprint on human beings Go to Lorenz, Konrad Zacharias (1903–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Life sciences Austria Adolf Hitler promulgates a law prohibiting any sexual relationship between Jews and 'Aryans' Go to Nuremberg Laws (15 Sept. 1935) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism Germany Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges publishes A Universal History of Infamy, one of the first examples of magic realism Go to magic realism in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Fiction Latin America Argentina South America French cabaret singer Edith Gassion acquires the nickname la môme piaf ('the little sparrow'), and so becomes Edith Piaf Go to Piaf, Edith (1915–1963) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe France The mighty Boulder Dam (renamed Hoover Dam in 1947) is completed on the Colorado River Go to Hoover Dam in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering North America United States Marie Rambert's London-based company, deriving originally from her school, takes the name Ballet Rambert Go to Rambert, (Dame) Marie (20 Feb. 1888) in The Oxford Dictionary of Dance (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Leningrad's opera and ballet company is renamed the Kirov, in memory of the city's recently assassinated commissar Go to Kirov, Sergei Mironovich (28 Mar. 1886) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Music Opera Communism Europe Russia US industrialist Howard Hughes sets a new speed record of 352 mph, flying a plane designed by himself Go to Hughes, Howard Robard (1905–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Society North America United States New Nazi laws announced at Nuremberg strip Jews of their German citizenship Go to Nuremberg Laws (15 Sept. 1935) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Religion Judaism Social and domestic Germany Society Italian baritone Tito Gobbi makes his operatic debut in Gubbio in Bellini's La Somnambula Go to Gobbi, Tito (1915–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Europe Italy Mussolini uses a disagreement over grazing rights as a pretext for an empire-building invasion of Ethiopia Go to Abyssinia, Italian invasion of (1935–6) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Italy Empires A collection of Constantine Cavafy's poems is published in Alexandria in an undated edition Go to Cavafy, Constantine Peter (1863–1933) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Poetry Africa North Africa Egypt Europe Greece W.L. Mackenzie King starts another long spell, of thirteen years, as Canadian prime minister Go to King, (William Lyon) Mackenzie (1874–1950) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics North America Canada The survivors of the Long March reach safety in Shaanxi province in northwest China Go to Long March (1934–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Asia East Asia China R.K. Narayan's novel Swami and Friends is the first set in his fictional town of Malgudi Go to Narayan, R. K. (1906–2001) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Literature in English Fiction Asia South Asia India (the subcontinent) India (republic) Europe British publisher Allen Lane launches a paperback series to which he gives the name Penguin Books Go to Penguin Books in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain George Gershwin's 'folk opera' Porgy and Bess, based on the novel by DuBose Heyward, opens on Broadway Go to Porgy and Bess in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera North America United States Within the National government Ramsay MacDonald cedes the role of prime minister to the Conservative leader, Stanley Baldwin Go to National Government in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Kim Il Sung leads a Communist guerrilla campaign against the Japanese occupation of Korea Go to Kim Il Sung (1912–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Conquest and colonization Asia East Asia Korea US jazz pianist William ('count') Basie acquires his own orchestra Go to Basie, Count (1904–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States Alban Berg's opera Lulu is incomplete when the composer dies Go to Lulu in A Dictionary of Opera Characters (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Austria
1935-1938	Adolf Hitler's rearmament programme begins to reduce German unemployment, and by 1938 eliminates it entirely Go to Depression, the Great (1929–33) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Commerce and industry War Germany Society Wars since 1900
1936	George V dies and is succeeded on the British throne by his eldest son Edward VIII Go to Edward VIII (b. 23 June 1894) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain The new sound of jazz clarinettist Benny Goodman's touring band brings him the title 'King of Swing' Go to Goodman, Benny (1909–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States In Modern Times, the last film featuring the little tramp, Charlie Chaplin sets his character in a mechanistic, impersonal world Go to Chaplin, Charlie (1889–1977) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Salvador Dali creates a stir by attending the opening of London's Surrealist exhibition in a diving suit Go to Dalí, Salvador (11 May 1904) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The rest of Europe offers no effective objection when Adolf Hitler moves his troops into the demilitarized Rhineland Go to appeasement in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Germany Wars since 1900 Frank Lloyd Wright experiments with prefabrication for low-cost housing in a style he calls Usonian (meaning 'in the US style') Go to Wright, Frank Lloyd (1869–1959) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture American architecture North America United States On the death of his father, Fuad I, the 16-year-old Farouk becomes king of Egypt Go to Farouk I (1920–1965) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Africa North Africa Egypt The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation is founded as a public service in competition with private radio stations Go to Canadian Broadcasting Corporation in The Oxford Companion to the Book (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts North America Canada US composer Aaron Copland writes El Salón México, using popular Mexican tunes Go to Copland, Aaron (1900–1990) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Latin America Mexico North America United States German architect Werner March designs spectacular buildings for the Berlin Olympics Go to March, Werner (1894–1976) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture Germany The Italian forces invading Ethiopia reach Addis Ababa, and Haile Selassie flees into exile Go to Haile Selassie (1892–1975) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War European empires from 1415 European empires in Africa Africa East Africa Ethiopia Europe Empires García Lorca writes his play The House of Bernarda Alba in the last year of his short life Go to García Lorca, Federico (1898–1936) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature Drama Europe Spain US author Margaret Mitchell publishes her one book, which becomes probably the best-selling novel of all time – Gone with the Wind Go to Gone with the Wind in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Stalin stages the first of the Moscow show trials, designed to eliminate any surviving high-level opponents Go to Great Purge (1936–8) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Social and domestic Europe Russia Society Membership of the Hitler Youth (for boys) or the League of German Maidens is made compulsory Go to Hitler Youth in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany In response to the gang violence of Oswald Mosley's black-shirted thugs, a Public Order Act in the UK bans political uniforms Go to British Union of Fascists in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain British mathematician Alan Turing writes an influential paper On Computable Numbers, with an Application to the Entscheidung Problem Go to Turing, Alan Mathison (1912–54) in A Dictionary of Statistics (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Paul Robeson sings 'Ol' Man River' in the film of Jerome Kern's Showboat Go to Robeson, Paul (1898–1976) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Theatre North America United States Maxim Gorky dies in suspicious circumstances while undergoing routine medical treatment in the USSR Go to Gorky, Maxim (1868–1936) in The Oxford Companion to English Literature (7 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Europe Russia William Faulkner's novel Absalom, Absalom! chronicles the violently destructive rise and fall of a poor Southern white, Thomas Sutpen Go to Absalom, Absalom! in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States John Maynard Keynes defines his economics in The General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money Go to Keynes, John Maynard (1883–1946) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Commerce and industry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Hitler gives Reinhard Heydrich control of the Gestapo Go to Heydrich, Reinhard (1904–42) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany A rebellion by Spanish troops in Morocco is soon led by Francisco Franco and sparks the Spanish Civil War Go to Spanish Civil War (1936–39) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Africa North Africa Europe Spain Mussolini appoints his son-in-law, Count Galeazzo Ciano, as his minister for foreign affairs Go to Ciano, Count Galeazzo (b. 18 Mar. 1903) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe Italy In Language, Truth and Logic 26-year-old A.J. Ayer produces a classic exposition of Logical Positivism Go to logical positivism in A Dictionary of Critical Theory (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Philosophy Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain At the Berlin Olympics, attended by Hitler, the African-American athlete Jesse Owens sets three new Olympic records and equals a fourth Go to Owens, Jesse (1913–80) in A Dictionary of Sports Studies (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Germany Society North America United States Terence Rattigan's first play, French without Tears, is performed in London Go to Rattigan, Sir Terence (1911–77) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature English literature Literature in English Drama Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain In the first month of the Spanish Civil War the playwright García Lorca is arrested and shot by rebel Falange militia Go to García Lorca, Federico (1898–1936) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Europe Spain Alexander Korda's bleakly visionary film Things to Come is based on the H.G. Wells novel of 1933 Go to Korda, Sir Alexander (1893–1956) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain On Stalin's orders Dmitry Shostakovich is attacked in Pravda for providing 'chaos instead of music' Go to Shostakovich, Dmitri Dmitrievich (1906–75) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Politics Communism Europe Russia The prototype of the Spitfire, designed by Reginald Mitchell, has its first test flight Go to Mitchell, Reginald Joseph (1895–1937) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology Engineering War Weapons Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain Carl Orff's cantata Carmina Burana has its premiere in Frankfurt Go to Carmina Burana in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Music (5 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Germany Rachmaninov completes his Third Symphony, and records it two years later with the Philadelphia Orchestra Go to Rachmaninov, Sergei (1873–1943) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Russia French-born US author Anaïs Nin publishes her first novel, The House of Incest Go to Nin, Anaïs (1903–77) in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Unemployed English workers march for 26 days from Jarrow, in Tyne and Wear, to demonstrate at Westminster Go to Jarrow March in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Wallis Simpson wins a decree nisi against her second husband and is therefore free to marry Edward VIII Go to Wallis Simpson, duchess of Windsor (b. 19 June 1896) in The Kings and Queens of Britain (2 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Hitler and Mussolini form an axis, or alliance, causing Germany and Italy to become known as the Axis powers Go to Axis Powers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Italy Wars since 1900 US publisher Henry Luce launches a new picture magazine, calling it simply Life Go to Luce, Henry R. (1898–1967) in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Society North America United States Francisco Franco is elected head of state of the insurgent Nationalist Spain, at this time controlling only a fraction of the country Go to Spanish Civil War (1936–39) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Europe Spain The British Broadcasting Corporation puts out its first high-definition public television broadcast Go to British Broadcasting Corporation in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The first volunteers in the International Brigade arrive in Spain to fight for the Republican cause in the civil war Go to International Brigades in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Europe Spain The Febreristas, a newly formed left-wing group, seize power in Paraguay Go to Paraguay in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Protest and rebellion Latin America South America The Spanish Civil War causes the Basque designer Cristobal Balenciaga to move his business to Paris, capital of the fashion world Go to Balenciaga, Cristóbal (1895–1972) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Decorative arts French art Europe France Spain Edward VIII informs Baldwin, the UK prime minister, that he intends to marry the American divorcée Wallis Simpson Go to Edward VIII (1894–1972) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Germany and Japan establish an Anti-Comintern Pact against their common enemy, the USSR Go to Anti-Comintern Pact (25 Nov. 1936) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Asia East Asia Japan Germany Wars since 1900 F.D. Roosevelt is elected for a second US presidential term with an increased share of the vote Go to Roosevelt, Franklin Delano (1882–1945) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Edward VIII, forced to choose between the British throne and Wallis Simpson, opts for the path of love and abdicates Go to Abdication Crisis in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Edward VIII is succeeded on the British throne by his brother, as George VI Go to George VI (b. 14 Dec. 1895) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Dynasties and royalty Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British monarchs - from 1066 British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Britain Hungarian photographer Robert Capa achieves an unprecedented immediacy in his coverage of the Spanish Civil War Go to Capa, Robert (1913–54) in A Dictionary of Modern and Contemporary Art (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Photography Europe Spain
1937	Anastasio Somoza makes himself president of Nicaragua, beginning four decades of brutal rule by his family Go to Somoza in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Latin America Central America Joe Louis, 'The Brown Bomber', defeats James J. Braddock to become world heavyweight champion Go to Louis, Joe (1914–1981) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States French film director Jean Renoir makes La Grande Illusion, set in World War I Go to Renoir, Jean (1894–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe France US trombonist Glenn Miller forms his first band, the Glenn Miller Orchestra Go to Miller, (Alton) Glenn (1904–1944) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States Pope Pius XI issues an encyclical, Mit Brennender Sorge, condemning the Nazi ideology of racism Go to Mit brennender Sorge in The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Germany Italy The Nationalist leader in Spain, Francisco Franco, merges Falange with other right-wing parties to form the Movimento Go to Falange Española Tradicionalista in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe Spain German planes bomb the Basque capital, Guernica, in support of the Nationalists in the Spanish Civil War Go to Guernica, bombing of (1937) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Spain Wars since 1900 British artist Ben Nicholson does the first of his characteristic abstract white reliefs Go to Nicholson, Ben (1894–1982) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Sculpture British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The first can of Spam goes on sale, produced by the Hormel company of Austin, Minnesota Go to spam in An A-Z of Food and Drink (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Social and domestic Society North America United States The German airship Hindenburg bursts into flames over New Jersey, bringing to an end the era of rigid airships Go to Zeppelin in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Travel and transport Technology Society North America United States William Walton writes Crown Imperial for the coronation of George VI Go to Walton, Sir William Turner (1902–83) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Congress passes a Neutrality Act, to prevent US aid being given to belligerent nations Go to Neutrality Acts in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics War US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Congress rejects President Roosevelt's proposed reform of the US Supreme Court, amid furious accusations that he is trying to pack the Court with his nominees Go to court-packing plan in The Oxford Guide to the United States Government (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics US presidents Rulers and politicians North America United States Neville Chamberlain follows Baldwin as prime minister at the head of the UK's National government Go to Chamberlain, Neville (1869–1940) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain The Golden Gate Bridge, linking San Francisco and Marin County, is the world's longest suspension bridge with a main span of 4200 feet (1280m) Go to Golden Gate in Oxford Dictionary of English (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering North America United States John Steinbeck publishes Of Mice and Men, a novel about two itinerant farm labourers in California Go to Of Mice and Men in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Under Nazi influence the University of Bonn deprives Thomas Mann of his honorary doctorate, which is restored to him in 1946 Go to Mann, Thomas (1875–1955) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Germany German-born British scientist Hans Krebs discovers the biochemical cycle that becomes known by his name Go to Krebs cycle in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Life sciences Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Lutheran pastor Martin Niemöller is arrested for defying the Nazis and spends the next eight years in concentration camps Go to Niemöller, Martin (1892–1984) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Religion Christianity Germany Amelia Earhart and her navigator vanish somewhere over the Pacific four weeks into their attempt to fly round the world Go to Earhart, Amelia (1898–1937) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Travel and transport Society North America United States Danish author Karen Blixen publishes her autobiographical novel Out of Africa Go to Blixen, Karen (1885–1962) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Fiction Africa East Africa Europe The Japanese use an incident at the Marco Polo Bridge, near Beijing, as the pretext for an attack on China Go to Marco Polo Bridge Incident (7 July 1937) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Asia East Asia China Japan At the same time as the Moscow show trials, millions are purged from the Russian Communist party nation-wide Go to Great Purge (1936–8) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Persecution and repression Europe Russia A Nazi exhibition of 'degenerate art' opens in Munich, and visitors are invited to mock the avant-garde works on show Go to Degenerate art in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting Germany Japanese troops occupy Beijing – at the start of eight years of continuous war between China and Japan Go to Sino-Japanese War (1937–45) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia China Japan Wars since 1900 Buchenwald, near Weimar, is set up as a concentration camp providing forced labour for local arms manufacturers Go to Buchenwald in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Germany Wars since 1900 C.S. Forester's central character, Horatio Hornblower, features for the first time – in The Happy Return Go to Forester, Cecil Scott (1899–1966) in The Oxford Companion to Ships and the Sea (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Alan Turing describes the properties of a logically possible computer that becomes known as the Turing Machine Go to Turing machine in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Mathematics (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Rocket engineer Wernher von Braun is appointed director of Germany's weapon research centre at Peenemünde Go to Braun, Wernher von (b. 23 Mar. 1912) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering Germany Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is the first animated feature film Go to Disney, Walt (1901–66) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Pablo Picasso's massive painting Guernica is exhibited in the Spanish pavilion at the World Fair in Paris Go to Guernica in The Oxford Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting French painting French art Europe France Spain Adolf Hitler, entertaining Mussolini in Germany, puts on spectacular demonstrations of German military and industrial might Go to Axis Powers in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Italy Wars since 1900 British biochemist Max Perutz begins the analysis of haemoglobin Go to Perutz, Max Ferdinand (1914–2002) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Medicine Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain William Coldstream and Victor Pasmore open a school of art with a distinctive style, known from its location as the Euston Road School Go to Euston Road School in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Stanley Spencer gives a stark depiction of himself and his wife in The Leg of Mutton Nude Go to Spencer, Sir Stanley (30 June 1891) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting British painting British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The Japanese capture the Chinese capital, Nanjing, and massacre at least 300,000 inhabitants within a few weeks Go to Nanjing, Rape of in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia China Japan Wars since 1900 De Valera introduces a new constitution, changing the name of the Irish Free State to Eire (Gaelic for Ireland) Go to constitution of Ireland (1937) in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British Isles Europe Ireland Britain De Valera's new constitution for Eire lays claim to the six counties of northern Ireland Go to constitution of Ireland (1937) in The Oxford Companion to Irish History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics British Isles Europe Ireland Britain George Orwell reveals the harsh realities of contemporary British life in The Road to Wigan Pier Go to Road to Wigan Pier, The in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Social and domestic Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain US architect Frank Lloyd Wright designs Taliesin West in Arizona as his winter home and studio Go to Wright, Frank Lloyd (1869–1959) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture American architecture North America United States William Joyce defects from Mosley's Union of Fascists and founds his own National Socialist League in London Go to Joyce, William (b. 24 Apr. 1906) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain
1938	Finnish designer Alvar Aalto develops a bent plywood three-legged stool, specifically designed for stacking Go to Aalto, Hugo Alvar Henrik (1898–1976) in A Dictionary of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Decorative arts Europe Finland Mexico, newly rich from oil, nationalizes the holdings of the foreign oil companies Go to Cárdenas, Lázaro (1895–1970) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Commerce and industry Society Latin America Central America Mexico Leading British artists Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson marry Go to Hepworth, Dame (Jocelyn) Barbara (1903–1975) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting British painting Sculpture British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The House Un-American Activities Committee is formed by US congressmen to investigate politically subversive groups Go to House Committee on Un-American Activities. in The Oxford Companion to United States History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics North America United States The Aboriginal artist Albert Namatjira wins success with the first exhibition of his watercolours Go to Namatjira, Albert (1902–59) in The Oxford Companion to Australian History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting Australia and Oceania Australia Gloucestershire batsman Wally Hammond becomes captain of the England Test team Go to Hammond, Wally (1903–1965) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Thornton Wilder's play Our Town opens on Broadway Go to Our Town in The Oxford Dictionary of Plays (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Theatre Literature American literature Literature in English Drama North America United States The first shipload of oil is exported from Saudi Arabia to the USA after the discovery of commercially viable resources in Dhahran Go to Abd al-Aziz ibn Saud (b. 24 Nov. 1880) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Asia West Asia Society North America United States British author Evelyn Waugh publishes a classic Fleet Street novel, Scoop, introducing Lord Copper, proprietor of The Beast Go to Scoop in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain The Du Pont Corporation begins manufacture of a new synthetic silk yarn, subsequently known as nylon Go to Nylon in A Dictionary of Modern Design (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Inventions and discoveries North America United States Delmore Schwartz publishes his first book of poems, In Dreams Begin Responsibilities Go to Schwartz, Delmore (1913–68) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Poetry North America United States French writer Jean-Paul Sartre succeeds with his first novel, La Nausée ('Nausea') Go to Sartre, Jean‐Paul (1905–80) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature French literature Fiction Europe France In Homage to Catalonia George Orwell describes his experiences fighting for the International Brigade in the Spanish Civil War Go to Homage to Catalonia (1938) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Jiang Jieshi (Chiang Kai-shek) builds the Burma Road as a supply route Go to Burma Road in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering Asia East Asia Southeast Asia American naïve painter Grandma Moses has her first exhibition in a local drug store at the age of 78 Go to Moses, Grandma (7 Sept. 1860) in The Oxford Dictionary of Art and Artists (4 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting American painting American art North America United States Yorkshire batsman Len Hutton scores a record 364 in a Test match against Australia at the Oval Go to Hutton, Sir Len (1916–90) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Australia and Oceania Europe Society Australia Britain British author Graham Greene publishes Brighton Rock, a novel following 17-year-old Pinkie in the criminal underworld of the seaside town Go to Brighton Rock in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Wind erosion makes this the worst year of the Dust Bowl crisis in the Midwest USA Go to Dust Bowl in A Dictionary of Environment and Conservation (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Commerce and industry Society North America United States Maxim de Winter's house, Manderley, holds dark secrets in Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca Go to Rebecca in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Russian film-maker Sergei Eisenstein directs Alexander Nevsky, with music by Prokofiev Go to Eisenstein, Sergei Mikhailovich (1898–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Europe Russia Irish author Samuel Beckett publishes his first novel, Murphy Go to Beckett, Samuel (1906–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Fiction British Isles Europe Ireland Britain 23-year-old Rangoon student Aung San becomes general secretary of a freedom party, Dobama Asiayone (Our Burma Union) Go to Aung San U (b. 13 Feb. 1915) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Lord Nuffield donates to Commonwealth hospitals 'iron lungs', built at his Morris Oxford factory Go to iron lung in A Dictionary of Public Health (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Medicine Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain A dramatized version of H. G. Wells's War of the Worlds, broadcast on US radio, terrifies listeners who think Martians are invading Go to War of the Worlds, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts North America United States US architectural critic Lewis Mumford publishes The Culture of Cities Go to Mumford, Lewis (1895–1990) in A Dictionary of Sociology (3 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Architecture American architecture North America United States Lavrenty Beria is appointed head of Stalin's state security organization, the NKVD Go to NKVD in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Communism Europe Russia US tennis player Donald Budge becomes the first person to achieve the grand slam, winning all four majors in the same year Go to Budge, Donald (1915–2000) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Sports and games Society North America United States The peace of Buenos Aires, ending the Chaco War, gives Paraguay most of the region under dispute with Bolivia Go to Chaco War (1932–35) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Latin America Brazil South America The first of many ballets to Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet score is premiered in Czechoslovakia Go to Prokofiev, Sergei Sergeievich (1891–1953) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Dance Music Bohemia Europe Czech Republic Russia February 4: Adolf Hitler appoints Joachim von Ribbentrop as Germany's foreign minister Go to Ribbentrop, Joachim von (1893–1946) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Germany February 12: Adolf Hitler uses threats of force to browbeat the Austrian chancellor, Kurt von Schuschnigg, into granting special favours to Austrian Nazis Go to Schuschnigg, Kurt von (b. 14 Dec. 1897) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Austria March 9: the Austrian chancellor, Kurt von Schuschnigg, defies Hitler by announcing a referendum on his country's independence Go to Schuschnigg, Kurt von (b. 14 Dec. 1897) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Austria March 11: the Austrian chancellor Kurt von Schuschnigg resigns in the face of threats from Hitler, and broadcasts that he is doing so under duress Go to Seyss-Inquart, Arthur (b. 22 July 1892) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Austria March 12 - German tanks cross the border into Austria, on the official invitation of Austrian Nazis Go to Anschluss in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Austria Germany Wars since 1900 March 12 - Adolf Hitler, following his troops into Austria, announces the Anschluss (union of Germany and Austria) Go to Anschluss in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Austria Wars since 1900 April 24 - the Sudeten German National Socialist Party demands secession from Czechoslovakia, in keeping with Hitler's plans for the Sudetenland Go to Sudetenland in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Bohemia Czech Republic Wars since 1900 Left-wingers and Jews suffer immediate persecution in Nazi Austria, now part of Germany Go to Anschluss in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Religion Judaism Austria Voters in both Germany and Austria give massive approval for Hitler's annexation of Austria Go to Anschluss in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Austria Germany September 15 - Neville Chamberlain makes the first of three flights to Germany, this time to negotiate with Adolf Hitler at Berchtesgaden Go to appeasement in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 29 - Neville Chamberlain and édouard Daladier fly to Munich to discuss Hitler's designs on the Czech Sudetenland Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War British prime ministers - from 1830 Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 29 - Chamberlain and Daladier agree at Munich that Hitler may annexe the Czech Sudetenland, with its largely German population Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia British prime ministers - from 1830 Czech Republic Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 30 - Neville Chamberlain returns to Britain from Munich claiming to have achieved 'peace for our time... peace with honour' Go to Chamberlain, Neville (1869–1940) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 30 - Poland insists that the industrial area of Teschen Silesia, largely inhabited by Poles, be ceded by Czechoslovakia Go to Silesia in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Poland Wars since 1900 October - the Sudetenland is transferred from Czechoslovakia to Germany, in accordance with the Munich agreement Go to Munich Agreement (29 Sept. 1938) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Germany Wars since 1900 October - Adolf Hitler makes unacceptable demands upon Poland, including the transfer of the free port of Danzig to Germany Go to Danzig in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900 October - Adolf Hitler demands a strip of territory through the Polish corridor to reunite Germany with East Prussia Go to Polish Corridor in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900 November 9 - Nazi gangs smash the premises of Jews throughout Germany and Austria in a night that becomes known as Kristallnacht, the night of cut glass Go to Kristallnacht in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Persecution and repression Religion Judaism Germany
1939	Two million Anderson air-raid shelters are distributed to British homes, to be constructed in the garden from corrugated steel panels Go to Anderson, John (8 July 1882) in A Dictionary of Political Biography (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Social and domestic War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Wars since 1900 Britain German physicists, led by Otto Hahn, announce their discovery of nuclear fission Go to fission, nuclear in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Physics Germany W.H. Auden and Christopher Isherwood emigrate together to the USA, later becoming US citizens Go to Isherwood, Christopher (1904–86) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature English literature Literature in English Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America United States James Joyce's Finnegans Wake is published after 17 years in the making Go to Finnegans Wake in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Fiction British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Barbara Hepworth and Ben Nicholson move their studios to St Ives Go to Nicholson, Ben (1894–1982) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Arts Painting British painting Sculpture British art Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain US author Henry Miller publishes in Paris Tropic of Capricorn, about his adolescence in New York Go to Miller, Henry (1891–1980) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature French literature Literature in English Fiction Europe France North America United States Eugenio Pacelli is elected pope and takes the name Pius XII Go to Pius XII (1876–1958) in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Religion Christianity Papacy Europe Italy Madrid falls to the Nationalist forces, bringing the Spanish Civil War to an end and Franco to power Go to Spanish Civil War (1936–39) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century War Europe Spain Tommy Handley has a huge success in the British comedy radio programme ITMA (It's That Man Again) Go to Handley, Tommy (1892–1949) in A Dictionary of British History (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain James Thurber publishes his short story The Secret Life of Walter Mitty Go to Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Marian Anderson's concert at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington effectively launches the US civil rights movement Go to Anderson, Marian (27 Feb 1897) in The Grove Book of Opera Singers (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Politics Protest and rebellion North America United States Victor Fleming directs 17-year-old Judy Garland in the film of the famous musical The Wizard of Oz Go to Garland, Judy (1922–1969) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States US chemist Linus Pauling publishes his collected discoveries on The nature of the chemical bond Go to Pauling, Linus Carl (1901–1994) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Chemistry North America United States John Steinbeck's novel The Grapes of Wrath follows the Joad family, sharecroppers who are forced to move west to escape the horrors of the Dust Bowl Go to Grapes of Wrath, The in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States Irish author Flann O'Brien publishes his first novel, At Swim-Two-Birds Go to At Swim-Two-Birds in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Britain Ninotchka, directed by Ernst Lubitsch, is another great success for the Swedish film star Greta Garbo Go to Lubitsch, Ernst (1892–1947) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film Sweden North America United States Robert Menzies, leader of the United Australia Party, becomes Australia's prime minister Go to Menzies, Sir Robert Gordon (1894–1978) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent Australia and Oceania Australia Archaeological treasures are discovered in an Anglo-Saxon ship burial at Sutton Hoo, in Suffolk Go to Sutton Hoo, Suffolk, England in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Archaeology (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Science Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears give a series of recitals in the USA at the start of a lifelong partnership Go to Pears, Sir Peter Neville Luard (1910–1986) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain North America United States US designer Igor Sikorsky tests the first practical helicopter, using a rotor on a long tail boom to counter torque Go to Sikorsky, Igor Ivanovich (1889–1972) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Technology Engineering North America United States Australian author Patrick White publishes his first novel, Happy Valley Go to White, Patrick (1912–90) in The Concise Oxford Companion to English Literature (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature Literature in English Fiction Australia and Oceania Australia Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh star in Gone with the Wind, based on Margaret Mitchell's novel Go to Gable, (William) Clark (1901–1960) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States British racing driver Malcolm Campbell sets a new water speed record of 141 mph Go to Campbell, Sir Malcolm (1885–1948) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Travel and transport Technology Engineering Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Society Britain Austrian conductor Herbert von Karajan becomes music director of the Berlin State Opera Go to Karajan, Herbert von (1908–1989) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Opera Germany British author Christopher Isherwood publishes his novel Goodbye to Berlin, based on his own experiences in the city Go to Goodbye to Berlin in The Oxford Companion to Twentieth-Century Literature in English (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Fiction Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain British pianist Myra Hess begins a wartime series of lunchtime concerts in London's National Gallery Go to Hess, Dame Myra (25 Feb. 1890) in The Oxford Companion to Music (1 rev ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain Igor Stravinsky moves to the USA from Paris, his home for nearly 30 years, and settles in Hollywood Go to Stravinsky, Igor Feodorovich (1882–1971) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe France North America United States John Ford directs John Wayne in the film Stagecoach Go to Wayne, John (1907–1979) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Film North America United States Joaquin Rodrigo's concerto for guitar and orchestra, the Concierto de Aranjuez, has its first performance in Barcelona Go to Rodrigo, Joaquín (1901–1999) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music Europe Spain US crime-writer Raymond Chandler publishes his first novel, The Big Sleep, introducing the hard-boiled detective Philip Marlowe Go to Chandler, Raymond (1888–1959) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature American literature Literature in English Fiction North America United States The US jazz saxophonist Charlie Parker acquires the nickname 'Yardbird', or simply 'Bird' Go to Parker, Charlie (1920–1955) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Performing arts Music North America United States February 2 - de Valera declares that Eire will be neutral in any forthcoming European war Go to Neutrality in Brewer's Dictionary of Irish Phrase & Fable (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War British Isles Europe Ireland Wars since 1900 Britain March - Hungary aligns itself with the Axis powers, signing Germany and Japan's Anti-Comintern Pact Go to Anti-Comintern pact in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe Germany Hungary March 15 - Hitler's armies smash their way into Czechoslovakia and enter Prague, against all his previous promises Go to Munich Agreement (September 1938) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Bohemia Czech Republic Germany Wars since 1900 March 31 - the recent fate of Czechoslovakia prompts France and Britain to guarantee the security of Poland Go to Poland, Guarantee of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe France Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain May 3 - Stalin appoints Vyacheslav Molotov as People's Commissar of Foreign Affairs for the USSR Go to Molotov, Vyacheslav Mikhailovich (1890–1986) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Russia Wars since 1900 May 11 - an incident on the border between Japanese Manchukuo and Soviet territory sparks a four-month war with the USSR that brings heavy Japanese losses Go to Khalkin Gol, Frontier Battle of (1939) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Asia East Asia Japan Wars since 1900 August: a Franco-British military mission arrives in Moscow to persuade Stalin to join a pact in defence of Poland Go to Poland, Guarantee of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Europe Russia August - helped by the results of Polish cryptographers, Bletchley Park begins to gain invaluable access to German military secrets Go to Bletchley Park in The Oxford Essential Dictionary of the U.S. Military (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain August 2 - German-born US physicist Albert Einstein writes to President Roosevelt, warning of the potential of an atomic bomb Go to Einstein, Albert (1879–1955) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Science Physics War Weapons Wars since 1900 North America United States August 21 - Ribbentrop flies to Moscow to sign a Nonaggression Pact with Molotov, depriving Britain and France of an ally Go to Nazi–Soviet Pact (23 August 1939) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Russia Wars since 1900 August 21 - a secret protocol, attached to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, divides Poland and the Baltic states between Germany and Russia Go to Nazi–Soviet Pact (23 August 1939) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Germany Russia Wars since 1900 August 27: the He-178, designed by Hans von Ohain, becomes the first jet engine to fly, with a test flight lasting five minutes Go to von Ohain, Hans Joachim Pabst (1911–1998) in A Dictionary of Scientists (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Technology Engineering War Germany Wars since 1900 September 1 - Adolf Hitler launches a massive attack on Poland, with tanks crossing the border and air raids on Warsaw Go to Polish campaign (1939) in The Oxford Companion to Military History (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe Germany Poland Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 September 1 - Spain and Portugal declare that they will maintain their neutrality in the European war that now seems inevitable Go to neutrality in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Portugal Spain Wars since 1900 September 1 - George Marshall becomes US Army chief of staff, a post he retains to the end of World War II Go to Marshall, George C(atlett) (1880–1959) in Who's Who in the Twentieth Century (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 North America United States September 3 - Britain and France, receiving no answer from Hitler to their ultimatum over his attack on Poland, declare war on Germany Go to World War 2 (1939–45) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles British prime ministers - from 1830 Europe France Germany Rulers and politicians Wars since 1900 Britain September 3 - on the very first day of the war a U-boat sinks a British liner, the Athenia, with the loss of 112 civilian lives Go to Athenia in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain The new German technique of blitzkrieg ('lightning war') is demonstrated with devastating effect against Poland Go to Blitzkrieg in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Germany Poland Wars since 1900 French troops rush to defend France's border with Germany, along the heavily fortified Maginot Line Go to Maginot Line in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe France Wars since 1900 A British Expeditionary Force (BEF) of about 150,000 infantry crosses the Channel to help defend France's border with Belgium Go to British Expeditionary Force in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe France Wars since 1900 Britain In spite of the Axis agreement of 1936, Mussolini declines to bring Italy into the war on Hitler's side Go to Axis Powers in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Italy Wars since 1900 September - Alan Turing joins the code-breaking team working on Enigma at Bletchley Park Go to Turing, Alan (1912–54) in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Science War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain September 4 - Jan Smuts defeats J.B.M. Hertzog in a vote on neutrality, and takes Hertzog's place as South African premier Go to Smuts, Jan Christiaan (1870–1950) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Democracy and dissent War Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Wars since 1900 September 4 - Jan Smuts brings South Africa into the war in support of Britain Go to Smuts, Jan Christiaan (1870–1950) in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Africa South Africa South Africa (republic) Wars since 1900 September 17 - a German U-boat sinks the British aircraft carrier Courageous off the coast of Ireland Go to Atlantic, Battle of the (1939–45) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Ireland Wars since 1900 Britain September 17 - a Russian army invades Poland from the east, fulfilling the secret protocol of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact Go to Nazi–Soviet Pact (23 August 1939) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Germany Russia Wars since 1900 September 19 - Finland, Sweden, Norway and Denmark jointly declare their neutrality Go to neutrality in World Encyclopedia (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Denmark Finland Norway Wars since 1900 September 27 - Warsaw falls, after a brave resistance, whereupon Germany and Russia carve up Poland Go to Beck, Józef (b. 4 Oct. 1894) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Conquest and colonization War Europe Poland Wars since 1900 September - Nazi murder squads (Einsatzgruppen) kill Poland's elite Go to Einsatzgruppen in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics Persecution and repression War Europe Poland Russia Wars since 1900 October 14 - a German U-boat sinks the British battleship Royal Oak at anchor in Scapa Flow Go to Royal Oak, sinking of in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Wars since 1900 Britain November - Adolf Hitler orders the 'mercy killing' of all those with specified categories of infirmity, beginning with newborn babies and young children Go to euthanasia programme in The Oxford Companion to World War II (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Politics Persecution and repression Germany November 30 - Soviet troops cross the borders of Finland, beginning the brief Russo-Finnish War, in keeping with the secret protocol of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact Go to Finnish-Russian War (1939–40) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Finland Russia Wars since 1900 December - Phoney War, Bore War, drôle de guerre and Sitzkrieg are comments on the lack of military action from any side so far Go to Phoney War (Sept. 1939–Apr. 1940) in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Wars since 1900 December 6-22 - the Finns win spectacular victories in counter-attacks against the Russian invaders, destroying four Soviet divisions Go to Finnish-Russian War (1939–40) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Europe Wars since 1900 December 13 - the German pocket battleship Admiral Graf Spee is scuttled after a battle with Allied ships near the river Plate Go to Plate, Battle of the River (13 December 1939) in A Dictionary of World History (2 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century War Battles Wars since 1900 Latin America Argentina South America December 14 - the USSR is expelled from the League of Nations because of the Soviet invasion of Finland Go to League of Nations in A Dictionary of Contemporary World History (3 ed.) See this event in other timelines: Second World War 20th century Politics War Europe Finland Russia Wars since 1900 T.S. Eliot gives cats a poetic character in Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats Go to Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats in The Concise Oxford Companion to American Literature (1 ed.) See this event in other timelines: 20th century Literature English literature Literature in English Poetry Great Britain - from 1707 United Kingdom - from 1801 British Isles Europe Britain

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date: 24 September 2023

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