What Happened in 1933
Historical Highlights of 1933
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The Great Depression Continues – The economic crisis persisted worldwide, with high unemployment and financial struggles.
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On March 4, Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd president and quickly launched the New Deal, introducing programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) to combat the Great Depression.
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Nellie Tayloe Ross, former Wyoming governor, becomes the first female U.S. Mint Director, paving the way for women in leadership roles.
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Prohibition Ends in the U.S. – The 21st Amendment was ratified on December 5, officially ending Prohibition after 13 years.
Pop Culture & Fun Facts from 1933
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The Lone Ranger Debuts – The famous radio show premiered, later becoming a hit TV series.
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First Singing Telegram Sent – Western Union introduced singing telegrams, adding a fun twist to messaging.
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Donald Duck Made His First Comic Appearance – Before his animated debut, he appeared in a comic strip.
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The Golden Gate Bridge, one of the most iconic bridges in the world started being built in San Francisco.
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Chocolate chip cookies were invented when Ruth Graves Wakefield accidentally created the first batch at the Toll House Inn.
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Charles Darrow created the original "Monopoly" board game which he later sold to Parker Brothers.
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King Kong Premieres – The iconic monster movie was released in March, becoming a cinematic classic.
Science & Inventions of 1933
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Edwin Howard Armstrong patented Frequency Modulation (FM) radio, which significantly improved sound quality over AM radio by reducing static interference.
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Corradino D'Ascanio, an Italian aeronautical engineer, developed a prototype design for the helicopter, contributing to the eventual development of practical rotorcraft.
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A British expedition successfully flew over Mount Everest, pushing the limits of aviation and high-altitude exploration.
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The First Modern Drive-In Theater Opens – Richard Hollingshead opened the first drive-in theater in Camden, New Jersey.
Sports Highlights of 1929
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First MLB All-Star Game (July 6, 1933) – Held at Comiskey Park in Chicago, this historic event featured Babe Ruth hitting a home run to help the American League defeat the National League, 4-2.
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New York Giants Win the World Series – The Giants defeated the Washington Senators in five games (4-1) to claim the championship.
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Primo Carnera Wins the World Heavyweight Title – The Italian boxer defeated Jack Sharkey with a second-round knockout on June 29 to become the heavyweight champion.
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Michigan Wolverines Claim the National Championship – The University of Michigan went 7-0-1, earning them the national title in college football.
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U.S. Open Champions:
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Men’s Singles – Fred Perry (UK)
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Women’s Singles – Helen Wills Moody (USA)
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The Masters Tournament Was Founded – Golf legend Bobby Jones and Clifford Roberts established what would become one of the sport’s most prestigious events (though the first tournament was played in 1934).
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U.S. Open Champion – Johnny Goodman (USA), the last amateur to win the U.S. Open.
Top Songs of 1933
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"Stormy Weather" – Ethel Waters
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"Did You Ever See a Dream Walking?" – Bing Crosby
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"Sophisticated Lady" – Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
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"Shadow Waltz" – Bing Crosby & Al Bowlly
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"Lazy Bones" – Ted Lewis & His Band
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"It's the Talk of the Town" – Glen Gray & The Casa Loma Orchestra
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"You're Getting to Be a Habit with Me" – Bing Crosby
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"I've Got to Sing a Torch Song" – Fred Astaire
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"The Gold Diggers’ Song (We're in the Money)" – Dick Powell & Ginger Rogers
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"Who’s Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?" – Henry Hall & His Orchestra (From Disney’s Three Little Pigs)
Top Movies of 1933
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"King Kong"
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"Duck Soup"
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"42nd Street"
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"Gold Diggers of 1933"
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"Little Women"
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"Cavalcade"
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"Alice in Wonderland"
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"The Invisible Man"
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"Footlight Parade"
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"She Done Him Wrong"
FREE 1933 Year You Were Born Printable
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