What Happened This Year 1928

Historical Events from This Year 1928 (View all 34)

Politics & Government

Boris Bazhanov Defects to France via Iran

January 1st, 1928 97 years ago

Boris Bazhanov, a member of Joseph Stalin's secretariat, defected from the Soviet Union seeking asylum in France. His escape journey took him through Iran, marking a significant lapse in the Soviet regime’s control and contributing to the larger narrative of discontent within Soviet ranks. Bazhanov’s insider perspective provided crucial intelligence regarding Stalin's policies and practices, highlighting the challenge that dissidents posed to the authoritarian state. His defection was one of the early signs of unrest among Soviet officials, bringing attention to the emerging disputes within the Communist party at that time.

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Natural Disasters

Severe River Thames Flood Causes Deaths and Damage

January 7th, 1928 97 years ago

A catastrophic flood of the River Thames inundated riverside London, resulting in the deaths of 14 individuals and extensive damage to homes and infrastructure. The flooding was attributed to a combination of heavy rainfall and high tides, which overwhelmed the riverbanks. Many areas, including parts of Southwark and Bermondsey, faced significant disruptions as emergency services worked tirelessly to evacuate residents and assess the destruction. The aftermath revealed entire neighborhoods submerged, highlighting vulnerabilities in the city's flood defenses.

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Health & Medicine

Contaminated Diphtheria Vaccine in Bundaberg

January 27th, 1928 97 years ago

In Bundaberg, Australia, a contaminated diphtheria vaccine led to the deaths of twelve children. The vaccine had been tainted with the Staphylococcus aureus bacterium, causing severe illness. The incident raised concerns about vaccine safety and quality control in medical practices. Subsequently, it initiated discussions on the importance of stringent regulations in the production of vaccines and medicines.

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Politics & Government

Leon Trotsky Exiled to Alma-Ata

January 31st, 1928 97 years ago

Leon Trotsky was forcibly exiled to Alma-Ata by the Soviet government, marking a significant point in the power struggles following the Russian Revolution. Trotsky, a key figure in the Bolshevik Party and an arch-rival of Joseph Stalin, was sent to this remote city in Kazakhstan as part of Stalin's efforts to consolidate power and eliminate opposition. Trotsky had already faced a series of political setbacks within the Communist Party, and his exile was a continuation of the campaign against him. His removal was a critical moment in Soviet political history.

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Natural Disasters

Catastrophic Failure of St. Francis Dam

March 12th, 1928 97 years ago

The St. Francis Dam near Los Angeles failed, releasing a torrent of water that devastated communities in the San Francisquito Canyon. Floodwaters swept through the region, leading to the deaths of 431 individuals and causing enormous destruction. The disaster underscored shortcomings in engineering practices and water management in the growing city of Los Angeles.

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Exploration & Discovery

Charles Lindbergh Receives Medal of Honor

March 21st, 1928 96 years ago

Charles Lindbergh was awarded the Medal of Honor for his achievement of completing the first solo trans-Atlantic flight. The presentation ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., where Lindbergh was celebrated for his historic feat of flying non-stop from New York to Paris in 1927. His flight, which lasted over 33 hours, garnered worldwide attention and admiration, marking a significant milestone in aviation history. The award recognized not only his technical skill but also his contribution to advancing aeronautics and inspiring future generations of aviators.

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Born in 1928 (View all 630)

Ernest Tidyman

Author and screenwriter of Shaft
Born
January 1st, 1928 97 years ago
Died
July 14th, 1984 40 years ago — 56 years old

An American author and screenwriter, contributed significantly to literature and film. Wrote the original novel 'Shaft', which inspired the iconic film featuring the character John Shaft. The film became a classic of the blaxploitation genre and achieved commercial success. Tidyman also received an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for 'The French Connection', a critically acclaimed thriller directed by William Friedkin.

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Gerhard Weinberg

Historian specializing in World War II
Born
January 1st, 1928 97 years ago

An influential historian focused on World War II, contributed extensive research and analysis on the conflict. Authored significant works, including 'A World at Arms: A Global History of World War II,' which provided comprehensive insights into the causes and outcomes of the war. Actively participated in academic discourse and was a professor at various institutions, including the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. His scholarship shaped understanding of the geopolitical dynamics during the 20th century.

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Dan Rostenkowski

American politician and House member
Born
January 2nd, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2010 15 years ago — 82 years old

Served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from 1955 to 1995. Represented Illinois's 5th congressional district. Chaired the House Ways and Means Committee during the 103rd Congress, overseeing significant legislation including the 1993 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act, which introduced tax increases and expanded tax credits. Played a key role in healthcare reform during the early 1990s. Involved in the creation of the 1986 Tax Reform Act.

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Abdul Rahman Ya'kub

Malaysian lawyer and politician, Chief Minister
Born
January 3rd, 1928 97 years ago
Died
January 9th, 2015 10 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent Malaysian lawyer and politician, served as the 3rd Chief Minister of Sarawak from 1970 to 1981. Advocated for the rights and development of the local community, focusing on infrastructure and education. Contributed to the establishment of policies aimed at improving the socio-economic status of Sarawak.

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Imtiaz Ahmed

Pakistani cricketer & Test captain
Born
January 5th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2016 9 years ago — 88 years old

Imtiaz Ahmed played as a wicket-keeper batsman for Pakistan's national cricket team from 1952 to 1962. He contributed significantly to the team's performance during the early years of international cricket. His leadership skills were demonstrated when he captained the team in several Test matches. He was part of the first-ever Test series for Pakistan and had a notable role in the team's establishment on the international stage.

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Denise Bryer

English actress from 'The Prisoner'
Born
January 5th, 1928 97 years ago
Died
2021 4 years ago — 93 years old

Born in January 1928 in England, an actress achieved recognition primarily for roles in television series. Portrayed the character of Number 6's nemesis, which contributed to the series' cult status. Featured in various productions throughout a long career, showcasing talent in theater and film.

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People Who Died in 1928 (View all 86)

Loie Fuller

Dancer and lighting innovator from America
Born
1862 163 years ago
Died
January 1st, 1928 97 years ago — 66 years old

A pioneering figure in modern dance, contributions included the development of the 'Serpentine Dance' and the innovative use of stage lighting. Utilized fabric as a major element of performance, creating dynamic visual effects that enhanced the dance experience. Worked closely with lighting designer Thomas Edison, experimenting with incandescent light and colored gels. Found success in Europe, where performances captivated audiences and influenced future dance and theater productions.

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Alvin Kraenzlein

American hurdler and Olympic champion
Born
December 12th, 1876 148 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1928 97 years ago — 51 years old

A prominent American athlete in the early 20th century, competed in track and field events specializing in hurdles and long jump. Achieved significant success at the 1900 Paris Olympics, where victories were secured in the 110-meter hurdles, 400-meter hurdles, long jump, and 200-meter dash. These accomplishments marked a pivotal point in Olympic history, as becoming the first athlete to win four gold medals in a single Olympics. After work in coaching and education, contributions to the field of athletics continued.

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Wilhelm Ramsay

Geologist, professor and pioneer in geology
Born
January 20th, 1865 160 years ago
Died
January 6th, 1928 97 years ago — 62 years old

A prominent geologist and professor, contributed significantly to the understanding of geological formations. Developed new theories in the field of geomorphology and mineralogy, influencing both academic research and practical applications. His research encompassed various aspects of geology, including the study of rock formations and their implications for understanding Earth's history. Held academic positions at leading institutions and mentored numerous students, fostering future generations of geologists.

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Thomas Hardy

English novelist and poet
Born
June 2nd, 1840 184 years ago
Died
January 11th, 1928 97 years ago — 87 years old

A prominent English novelist and poet, produced significant literary works in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Explored themes of social constraint, rural life, and human despondency through intricate narrative and character development. Notable works include novels such as 'Tess of the d'Urbervilles' and 'Jude the Obscure'. Poetry often reflected a melancholic outlook on life and nature, with collections such as 'Moments of Vision' showcasing lyrical prowess. Hardy's departure from Victorian traditions and incorporation of naturalism influenced subsequent literary movements.

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Earle Nelson

American serial killer known as 'The Gorilla Man'
Born
May 12th, 1897 127 years ago
Died
January 13th, 1928 97 years ago — 30 years old

Active in the 1920s, relied on a pattern of targeting women, employed strangulation as a method of murder. Victims included women in various states across the United States, with a series of killings that spanned multiple cities. Arrested in 1926, the individual had a history of criminal behavior, including robbery and assault. Convicted of murder and sentenced to death, execution took place in San Quentin Prison in 1928.

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George Washington Goethals

American general overseeing Panama Canal
Born
June 29th, 1858 166 years ago
Died
January 21st, 1928 97 years ago — 69 years old

An American general and engineer played a pivotal role in the construction of the Panama Canal. Appointed as the chief engineer of the Panama Canal project, led efforts that successfully completed the canal, an engineering marvel connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Oversaw the transition from French to American construction efforts and implemented significant health measures to control diseases such as yellow fever and malaria that plagued workers. Was appointed as the first governor of the Panama Canal Zone after the canal's completion, managing its operations and governance.

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