What Happened This Year 1937

Historical Events from This Year 1937

Military & Warfare

Stalemate in the Second Battle of Corunna Road

January 15th, 1937 88 years ago

The Second Battle of the Corunna Road concluded with both the Nationalists and Republicans suffering heavy casualties. After intense fighting, both sides withdrew from the front lines, recognizing the toll the battle took on their forces. Set in the rugged terrain of Galicia, this confrontation saw significant involvement of foreign brigades, marking a grim chapter in the ongoing Spanish Civil War. Tactical failures and resource shortages plagued both factions during this fierce standoff.

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Transportation & Infrastructure

Howard Hughes Breaks Transcontinental Flight Record

January 19th, 1937 88 years ago

Howard Hughes sets a remarkable record flying from Los Angeles to New York City in just seven hours, 28 minutes, and 25 seconds. This impressive feat was achieved aboard the H-1 Racer, a highly advanced aircraft designed specifically for speed. Hughes's record-breaking flight captured the imagination of the American public and showcased advancements in aviation technology. As he touched down in New York, the event highlighted not only his skill as a pilot but also the growing importance of air travel in connecting the nation.

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Politics & Government

Roosevelt and Garner Inaugurated for Second Terms

January 20th, 1937 88 years ago

Franklin D. Roosevelt and John Nance Garner took their oaths of office for their second presidential and vice presidential terms, respectively. This inauguration marked a significant change, as it was the first to be held on January 20, a date established by the 20th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The ceremony took place in Washington, D.C., reflecting shifts in political life and public expectations following the challenges of the Great Depression. The new inauguration date aimed to provide a more efficient transition of power.

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Politics & Government

Trial of Anti-Soviet Trotskyist Center Begins

January 23rd, 1937 88 years ago

Seventeen mid-level Communist Party members were accused of having ties to Leon Trotsky and conspiring to overthrow Joseph Stalin's regime. The trial took place in the Soviet Union amid a climate of intense political repression and purges. The accused, many of whom had been loyal party members, faced severe charges as Stalin sought to eliminate perceived dissent within the party ranks.

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Entertainment

The Guiding Light Debuts on NBC Radio

January 25th, 1937 88 years ago

The Guiding Light premiered on NBC radio, originating from Chicago. Created by Irna Phillips, the show was initially a fifteen-minute program that portrayed the lives and challenges of its characters. The program quickly gained popularity and paved the way for its television debut in 1952. The show's intricate storytelling and character development captivated audiences, leading to a transformative journey from radio to TV, where it became a staple of daytime programming.

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Politics & Government

Republican Council Formed in Cantabria Region

February 8th, 1937 88 years ago

Republican forces in the Spanish Civil War established the Interprovincial Council of Santander, Palencia, and Burgos in Cantabria as a response to the changing political landscape and military pressures. This council aimed to unify efforts among the provinces to better organize resistance against Nationalist forces and to streamline administrative roles within the Republican government. The establishment of such councils exemplified the Republican commitment to local governance amidst the struggle for control in Spain's divided territory.

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Social Movements & Civil Rights

General Motors Recognizes United Auto Workers

February 11th, 1937 88 years ago

The Flint sit-down strike culminated in General Motors officially recognizing the United Auto Workers (UAW) as the bargaining representative for its workers. Initiated in late 1936, this labor action involved thousands of workers occupying the GM plant in Flint, Michigan, demanding better wages and working conditions. The strike was pivotal in the labor movement and changed labor relations in the automotive industry, as GM's recognition of UAW marked a significant victory for organized labor.

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Science & Technology

Wallace H. Carothers Patents Nylon

February 16th, 1937 88 years ago

Wallace H. Carothers received a United States patent for nylon, marking a significant breakthrough in synthetic materials. This innovation, developed at DuPont, was crucial in revolutionizing various industries. Carothers' systematic approach in polymer chemistry led to the creation of this strong, flexible material, which quickly found applications in textiles and other products. The patent demonstrated the potential of polymers, showcasing the capabilities of American chemical research.

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Politics & Government

Ethiopian Nationalists Attack Viceroy Graziani

February 19th, 1937 88 years ago

During a public ceremony at the Viceregal Palace in Addis Ababa, two Ethiopian nationalists of Eritrean origin made an attempt on the life of Viceroy Rodolfo Graziani by throwing multiple grenades. This assassination attempt highlighted the growing resistance against Italian colonial rule in Ethiopia, as tensions in the region escalated following the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.

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