What Happened in 1934
Historical Highlights of 1934
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The United States was still in the midst of the Great Depression. The unemployment rate was staggering at 21.7 percent. Over 15 million Americans were looking for work and could not find a job.
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Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay was officially designated as a federal penitentiary intended to house the most dangerous criminals.
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A series of severe dust storms swept through the American Midwest, devastating farms and worsening the Great Depression.
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Infamous outlaws Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were ambushed and killed by law enforcement officers in Bienville Parish, Louisiana.
Pop Culture & Fun Facts from 1934
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Donald Duck Debuts (June 9) – First appearance in Disney’s The Wise Little Hen.
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It Happened One Night Premiered: The romantic comedy directed by Frank Capra, starring Clark Gable and Claudette Colbert, was released; it later became the first film to win all five major Academy Awards.
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The Apollo Theater held its first ‘Amateur Night’.
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When Disney began working on Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, some early dwarf names included Jumpy, Deafy, Puffy, Burpy, Stuffy, Lazy, and Wheezy.
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Shirley Temple Rises to Fame – The young actress starred in multiple box office hits, becoming a national sensation.
Science & Inventions of 1934
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The first flashbulb camera is introduced and it changed the way people captured images, especially indoors and at night.
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Transcontinental and Western Air became one of the first airlines to serve meals to passengers.
- Advancements in Aviation Technology: Significant progress was made in aircraft design and performance, setting the stage for the rapid development of aviation in the following years.
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Expansion of Radio Broadcasting: Radio became an increasingly popular medium for entertainment and news, with more households acquiring radio sets and tuning in to various programs.
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The iconic photography company FujiFilm was founded in Japan.
Sports Highlights of 1934
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The First Masters Tournament Held – The prestigious golf tournament began at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia.
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Lou Gehrig Hits for the Cycle (June 25) – The Yankees' legend completed one of baseball’s rare feats.
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NFL championship: The New York Giants defeat the Chicago Bears 30–13 at the Polo Grounds, which is known as the "Sneakers Game".
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The World Series: St. Louis Cardinals defeat Detroit Tigers 4–3.
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Stanley Cup: Chicago Black Hawks defeat Detroit Red Wings 3 games to 1
Top Songs of 1934
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The Very Thought of You – Ray Noble & His Orchestra (feat. Al Bowlly)
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Smoke Gets in Your Eyes – Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
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Winter Wonderland – Richard Himber & His Ritz-Carlton Orchestra
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Stars Fell on Alabama – Guy Lombardo & His Royal Canadians
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I Only Have Eyes for You – Ben Selvin
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You're the Top – Ethel Merman
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Wagon Wheels – Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
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June in January – Bing Crosby
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Cocktails for Two – Duke Ellington
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The Continental – Leo Reisman & His Orchestra
Top Movies of 1934
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It Happened One Night
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The Thin Man
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Cleopatra
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Imitation of Life
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The Barretts of Wimpole Street
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The Black Cat
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Twentieth Century
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Bright Eyes
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Belle of the Nineties
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The Gay Divorcee
FREE 1934 Year You Were Born Printable
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