What Happened This Year 1933
Historical Events from This Year 1933
Frances Perkins Becomes First Female Cabinet Member
Frances Perkins was appointed as the United States Secretary of Labor, becoming the first woman to serve in the U.S. Cabinet. Her appointment marked a significant milestone in American politics, breaking gender barriers in governance. Known for her strong advocacy for labor rights and social welfare, Perkins played a crucial role in shaping New Deal policies that aimed to recover the economy during the Great Depression. Her legacy paved the way for future generations of women in leadership positions.
Continue ReadingNazi Party's Strong Victory in Reichstag Elections
The Nazi Party, led by Adolf Hitler, secured 43.9% of the vote in the Reichstag elections, positioning them as the dominant political force in Germany. This election, held in early March, was a pivotal moment as it provided the Nazis with the necessary majority to push forward legislation that would grant them extraordinary powers. Following this electoral success, the party moved swiftly to consolidate power and institute a dictatorship under Hitler's rule, marking a significant turning point in German politics.
Continue ReadingFranklin D. Roosevelt's Nationwide Bank Holiday
President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared a nationwide bank holiday, closing all U.S. banks and halting all financial transactions. This decisive move aimed to stabilize the banking system amidst the financial turmoil of the Great Depression, which had led to widespread bank failures, and restore public confidence in the financial institutions. Effective immediately, the bank holiday allowed time to assess the banks' financial health and implement emergency banking legislation.
Continue ReadingRoosevelt Submits Emergency Banking Act for Relief
In a pivotal move to stabilize the U.S. economy, President Franklin D. Roosevelt presented the Emergency Banking Act to Congress. This law aimed to address the crisis in the banking sector, which faced unprecedented failures during the Great Depression. Roosevelt emphasized the urgency of restoring public confidence in the banking system, which had seen widespread panic and bank runs. The legislation sought to provide the president with the authority to regulate banking operations and enable the reopening of solvent banks under federal supervision. The swift action marked the first of several New Deal initiatives intended to combat the economic downturn and restore stability.
Continue ReadingLong Beach earthquake devastates Greater Los Angeles area
A significant earthquake struck near Long Beach, California, causing widespread destruction and resulting in approximately 108 fatalities. The 6.4 magnitude quake was felt across the Greater Los Angeles Area, causing major structural damage to buildings, infrastructure, and homes. Emergency services were mobilized swiftly to aid in rescue efforts, and the disaster prompted discussions on earthquake preparedness and building regulations in the seismic zone. This event also marked one of the deadliest earthquakes in California history, influencing urban planning for years to come.
Continue ReadingFDR's First Fireside Chat to the Nation
Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his inaugural fireside chat via radio, addressing the American public for the first time as President of the United States. During this informal communication, he aimed to reassure citizens amidst the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. His conversational tone and clear explanations marked a new approach to presidential communication, fostering a sense of connection and trust. Roosevelt's remarks focused on the banking crisis and his administration's plans to restore confidence in the financial system. This event set the stage for a series of subsequent chats that would become a hallmark of his presidency.
Continue ReadingHimmler Orders Establishment of Dachau Camp
Heinrich Himmler, as Chief of Police of Munich, ordered the establishment of Dachau concentration camp to detain political opponents and individuals deemed non-conformist. Theodor Eicke was appointed as the camp's first commandant. Dachau was built in a former munitions factory near Munich and became the first Nazi concentration camp, setting a precedent for future camps across Germany. Its opening marked a significant escalation in the Nazi regime's repressive measures against dissenters and minorities.
Continue ReadingCullen–Harrison Act Legalizes Beer and Light Wines
President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed the Cullen–Harrison Act, amending the Volstead Act to allow the manufacture and sale of beer with 3.2% alcohol by weight and light wines. This legislation emerged as part of the New Deal efforts to revive the struggling economy during the Great Depression. By legalizing certain alcoholic beverages, the government aimed to generate tax revenue and create jobs in an ailing industry. The Act marked a significant step towards the eventual repeal of Prohibition, reflecting changing public attitudes towards alcohol consumption and leading to greater social freedoms.
Continue ReadingOpening of Dachau Concentration Camp
Dachau was the first Nazi concentration camp, established to detain political opponents and others deemed undesirable by the regime. Located near Munich, Germany, its construction began shortly after Adolf Hitler's rise to power. The camp initially housed political prisoners, including communists and socialists, and later expanded to include Jews, homosexuals, and other minority groups. The first inmates arrived on March 22, 1933, subjecting them to harsh conditions and forced labor, marking the beginning of a grim era of systemic persecution.
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