What Happened This Year 1928

Historical Events from This Year 1928

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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Exploration & Discovery

Bremen's First Transatlantic Flight Success

April 12th, 1928 96 years ago

The Bremen, a German Junkers W 33 aircraft, embarked on a historic flight across the Atlantic Ocean from east to west. The aircraft took off from the city of Bremen, Germany, carrying a crew of three, including pilots Hermann Koehl and James Fitzmaurice. After a journey marked by challenging weather conditions, they successfully landed in New York City, demonstrating the potential for air travel to connect continents and inspire future aviation endeavors.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

First Successful Transatlantic Flight East to West

April 14th, 1928 96 years ago

The Bremen, a German Junkers W 33 aircraft, made aviation history by successfully completing the first east-to-west transatlantic flight. Piloted by Hermann Koehl, along with crew members Georg W. von Huenefeld and James Fitzmaurice, the flight took them from Germany to Greenly Island in Canada. The journey showcased the capabilities of early aviation and marked a significant achievement in intercontinental flight, overcoming various challenges during the long voyage.

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Military & Warfare

Jinan Incident Sparks Violence and Retaliation

May 3rd, 1928 96 years ago

The Jinan incident began with the killing of twelve Japanese civilians by Chinese forces in Jinan, China. This act led to significant retaliation from Japanese troops, resulting in a devastating response that claimed over 2,000 Chinese civilian lives in the subsequent days. The incident escalated tensions between Japan and China during a period of political instability in the region.

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