Introduction
The year 1933 was full of significant events that shaped the rest of the decade and beyond. From Franklin D. Roosevelt’s launching of the New Deal to Adolf Hitler’s rise to power, it was a pivotal year in politics and world history. In pop culture, classic films like King Kong and musical stars like Benny Goodman emerged, defining the entertainment landscape for years to come. Read on for a fascinating look at 1933 trivia you’ll love learning about!
Politics and World Events
The New Deal
When Franklin D. Roosevelt became president in 1933, he immediately began enacting policies to pull America out of the Great Depression. His New Deal programs completely changed the role of the federal government in regulating the economy and providing social welfare programs. Key facts about the New Deal in 1933:
- Hundred Days: In his first 100 days in office, FDR pushed 15 major bills through Congress to create jobs and stimulate the economy. This period defined his entire New Deal agenda.
- Alphabet agencies: New federal agencies were created with names like WPA, CCC, TVA, and SEC to provide jobs, regulate wages, oversee public works projects, and more.
- Repeal of Prohibition: The 21st Amendment repealed Prohibition, ending 14 years of banned alcohol sales across the nation.
Hitler Becomes Chancellor
On January 30, 1933, Adolf Hitler was appointed Chancellor of Germany, paving the way for his Nazi regime to take power. Key facts about Hitler’s rise:
- Elected parties in the Reichstag chose Hitler as Chancellor, believing they could control him. However, he quickly consolidated power.
- The Reichstag Fire in February 1933 allowed Hitler to suspend civil liberties and arrest opposition leaders.
- In March 1933, the Enabling Act gave Hitler dictatorial powers and ended democracy in Germany.
Prohibition Ends
The 18th Amendment banning alcohol sales was repealed when the 21st Amendment was ratified on December 5, 1933, ending Prohibition in America.
- Prohibition went into effect in 1920 and was heavily enforced by federal agents and police.
- Bootlegging and speakeasies flourished, and the law was very unpopular.
- States ratified the 21st Amendment rapidly, eager to regulate alcohol legally again and tax liquor sales.
Entertainment and Pop Culture
Classic Films Released
1933 saw the release of some of the most legendary films of all time that shaped Hollywood for decades to come.
- King Kong premiered on March 2, featuring pioneering stop-motion effects.
- 42nd Street kicked off the musical genre that dominated the 1930s.
- Little Women with Katharine Hepburn was a box office smash.
- She Done Him Wrong made Mae West a major star.
Popular Music and Radio
Radios became more common in homes in the 1930s, making way for the rise of popular music stars.
- Benny Goodman and his jazz orchestra gained fame, marking the swing era.
- Blues artists like Bessie Smith topped the charts.
- Fats Waller pioneered the stride piano style.
- Weekly radio shows like Major Bowes Amateur Hour launched careers.
Fashion Trends
The 1930s had distinctive fashions like bias-cut gowns, wide shoulders on suits, and more utilitarian styles.
- Women wore glamorous gowns with low hemlines and backless designs.
- Bold prints, ruffles, sequins, and feathers adorned dresses.
- Hair was typically curled, waved, and pinned up. Red lipstick was in vogue.
- Men wore wide-legged pants and double-breasted suits with wide lapels and padded shoulders.
Science and Technology
Advances in Aviation
Air travel took major leaps forward in 1933 thanks to aeronautic engineering feats.
- On August 24, the Boeing 247 made its first flight, revolutionizing commercial airliners.
- Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world in under 8 days.
- The first modern helicopter was invented by Russian engineers.
Inventions and Discoveries
- Electron microscopy was invented, allowing scientists to see individual atoms.
- Newsweek magazine published its first issue.
- Edwin Perkins invented Kool-Aid in 1927, and it became popular nationwide by 1933.
- The first drive-in movie theater opened in Camden, New Jersey.
Sports
MLB and First All-Star Game
Major League Baseball gained popularity, with the first official MLB All-Star Game held in 1933 at Chicago’s Comiskey Park.
- Babe Ruth hit the first home run in All-Star Game history.
- In the World Series, the New York Giants beat the Washington Senators 4-1.
NFL Founded
The National Football League was newly formed in 1933 from the merging of many small professional football organizations.
- The first official NFL Championship game was played in 1933.
- The league had 10 original teams, including the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears.
Top Athletes and Moments
- Golf legend Gene Sarazen hit the famous “Shot of the Century” double eagle at The Masters.
- Babe Didrikson won two gold medals in track & field at the 1932 Olympics and went on to excel in golf as well.
- The New York Rangers won the Stanley Cup in hockey on April 13, 1933.
Business and Economy
The Great Depression
The economy remained bleak as the Depression wore on. Unemployment peaked at 25% in 1933.
- FDR closed banks temporarily to halt runs on deposits. This “bank holiday” calmed fears.
- The first Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insured bank accounts, preventing bank failures.
- However, GDP and real estate values continued to decline. Hunger marches were held to demand relief.
Companies Founded
While business was challenging, some major brands and corporations began in 1933:
- Ace Hardware
- Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
- Bumble Bee Foods
- Suffolk Downs racetrack
Conclusion
The year 1933 was certainly an eventful one full of defining moments in politics, culture, sports, and more. From FDR’s revolutionary New Deal to movies like King Kong, many developments in 1933 shaped American life for years to come. The 1930s proved to be a transformative decade that arose out of the ashes of the Great Depression. By looking back at the major milestones and trivia from 1933, we gain a clearer picture of this pivotal time in history. Learning fun facts about the past expands our understanding of how modern life came to be.
FAQs
Q: Who was president in 1933?
A: Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected president in 1932 and began his first term in 1933. FDR served as president from 1933 to 1945.
Q: What was the most popular car in 1933?
A: The Ford Model B was the top-selling car in 1933, selling over 500,000 units. It was an affordable and reliable car during the economic difficulties of the Depression era.
Q: What major weather event happened in 1933?
A: The Dust Bowl worsened across the Great Plains in 1933, causing devastating dust storms and drought that damaged farms and the environment. This was at the peak of the Great Depression.
Q: What was the price of gas in 1933?
A: In 1933, gas cost about 10 cents per gallon on average. This is the equivalent of about $2 today when adjusted for inflation.
Q: What popular board game was introduced in 1933?
A: The game Monopoly was first sold commercially by Parker Brothers in 1933. It went on to become one of the most popular board games of all time.
