Major Events of April 1929: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from April 1929 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of April 1929: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 Apr 1929 Formation of Atlanta University Center: Morehouse College, Spelman College, and Atlanta University officially affiliated to create the Atlanta University Center, a significant milestone in higher education collaboration for African American institutions in the southeastern United States.
02 Apr 1929 Frans Andriessen: Dutch Politician: Frans Hendrik Johannes Jacobus Andriessen was a prominent Dutch politician who served as a Member of Parliament representing the Catholic People's Party (KVP), which later became part of the Christian Democratic Appeal (CDA). He was an influential figure in Dutch political circles during the mid-20th century, contributing to the development of Christian democratic policies in the Netherlands.
03 Apr 1929 RMS Queen Mary Shipbuilding Order: The Cunard Line places an order with John Brown & Company Shipbuilding and Engineering for the construction of the RMS Queen Mary, a legendary ocean liner that would become one of the most famous transatlantic passenger ships of the 20th century.
04 Apr 1929 Tragic Train Derailment in Romania: A devastating train accident occurred in Romania, resulting in 20 fatalities and 59 injuries. This tragic incident highlighted the transportation safety challenges of the early 20th century and the potential risks in railway infrastructure.
05 Apr 1929 Lithuania Signs Litvinov Protocol: On April 5, 1929, Lithuania formally signed the Litvinov Protocol, a significant diplomatic agreement aimed at renouncing war as an instrument of national policy. The protocol, named after Soviet diplomat Maxim Litvinov, was part of the broader international effort to prevent armed conflicts and promote peaceful resolution of disputes in the aftermath of World War I.
06 Apr 1929 Huey P. Long Impeachment Controversy: Governor Huey P. Long was impeached by the Louisiana House of Representatives, marking a significant political conflict in Louisiana's history. Long, a populist and controversial political figure, faced charges that challenged his governance and political methods.
07 Apr 1929 Diplomatic Tension Sparked by Football Match Between Austria and Italy: In an unusual diplomatic incident, Austro-Italian relations significantly deteriorated following a Central European International Cup football match where Austria defeated Italy 3-0. The tensions arose from multiple perceived provocations: the display of a sideways Hungarian flag instead of the Italian flag, the Austrian band playing an incorrect Italian national anthem, and accusations of unsportsmanlike conduct. Italian newspapers responded with strong rhetoric, not only criticizing the match's conduct but also suggesting economic retaliation by recommending against extending new financial loans to Austria.
08 Apr 1929 Central Assembly Bombing by Indian Revolutionaries: On April 8, 1929, two prominent Indian independence activists, Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt, staged a dramatic protest at the Delhi Central Assembly. They deliberately threw handouts and symbolic bombs in a corridor, carefully ensuring no physical harm would occur. Their primary intention was to draw attention to the anti-colonial struggle and make a powerful political statement against British imperial rule. The revolutionaries raised powerful slogans including 'Inquilab Zindabad' (Long Live the Revolution), 'Down With Imperialism', and 'Workers of the World Unite', symbolizing their commitment to both national liberation and international solidarity.
09 Apr 1929 Birth of Fred Hollows, Pioneering Ophthalmologist: Fred Hollows, a renowned New Zealand-Australian ophthalmologist who would become a global humanitarian, was born on this day. Throughout his career, Hollows dedicated himself to improving eye health and preventing blindness, particularly among Indigenous communities in Australia and developing countries. His groundbreaking work in eye surgery and public health would later earn him recognition as a transformative medical professional who championed accessible healthcare for marginalized populations.
10 Apr 1929 Birth of Duje Bonačić, Croatian Rower: Duje Bonačić was born on April 10, 1929, in Croatia. He would later become a notable athlete in the rowing discipline, representing his country in competitive sports during the mid-20th century. While specific details of his rowing career are limited in this record, his birth marks an important moment in Croatian sports history.
11 Apr 1929 Loetafoon Celluloid Film System Demonstrated: In Amsterdam, the Loetafoon celluloid film system was publicly demonstrated, showcasing an innovative technology in early film and sound recording. This event highlights the ongoing technological developments in cinema and audio-visual technologies during the interwar period, contributing to the evolution of multimedia communication.
12 Apr 1929 Establishment of Arches National Monument: On April 12, 1929, President Herbert Hoover officially designated Arches National Monument in Utah, protecting a remarkable landscape of over 2,000 natural sandstone arches, unique geological formations, and stunning desert scenery. This landmark conservation effort preserved a critical portion of the Colorado Plateau's distinctive red rock landscape, which would later become a full National Park in 1971.
13 Apr 1929 Schacht's Reparations Payment Proposal: Reichsbank President Hjalmar Schacht proposed a controversial restructuring of Germany's World War I reparations payments to the United States. The proposed plan would have committed Germany to pay between $20 and $24 billion over a 58-year period. Later that same day, Schacht publicly declared the proposed terms unacceptable, signaling potential diplomatic tensions and economic challenges in the post-World War I era.
14 Apr 1929 First India to UK Air Mail Delivery: A historic milestone in international postal communication is achieved with the first air mail delivery from India to the United Kingdom. The flight arrives at Croydon Aerodrome, carrying approximately 15,000 letters, symbolizing the growing interconnectedness of the British Empire and advancements in aviation technology.
15 Apr 1929 Special Session of Congress in 1929: A special session of the United States Congress was convened on April 15, 1929, during the early months of Herbert Hoover's presidency. Special sessions are extraordinary meetings called outside the regular legislative calendar, typically to address urgent national matters or pending critical legislation.
16 Apr 1929 Labor Conflict at National Textile Workers Union: In a violent act of intimidation, nearly 100 masked men destroyed the headquarters of the National Textile Workers Union, likely in retaliation for the union's support of the contentious Loray Mill Strike, highlighting the intense labor tensions of the era.
17 Apr 1929 Babe Ruth's Second Marriage: Baseball legend Babe Ruth married his second wife, Claire Merritt Hodgson, in a ceremony at the Church of Saint Gregory the Great in New York City.
18 Apr 1929 National Textile Workers Union Headquarters Destroyed: In a violent act of labor suppression, approximately 100 masked men attacked and destroyed the headquarters of the National Textile Workers Union, likely in retaliation for the union's support of the contentious Loray Mill Strike.
19 Apr 1929 33rd Boston Marathon Won by Canadian Johnny Miles: On April 19, 1929, Johnny Miles from Canada won the 33rd Boston Marathon with an impressive time of 2:33:08.6, showcasing his exceptional long-distance running skills and representing Canada on an international stage.
20 Apr 1929 First All-Fascist Parliament in Italy: On April 20, 1929, the first all-Fascist parliament convened in Italy, marking a significant milestone in Benito Mussolini's consolidation of political power. This event symbolized the complete transformation of Italy's democratic institutions into a fascist state, effectively eliminating political opposition and establishing a single-party system under Mussolini's leadership.
21 Apr 1929 Fatal Midair Collision Near San Diego: On April 21, 1929, a tragic aviation accident occurred when a Maddux Air Lines passenger plane collided mid-flight with a U.S. Army aircraft in the skies above San Diego, California. The catastrophic incident resulted in the deaths of six individuals, highlighting the inherent risks of early commercial and military aviation during the interwar period. This event underscored the critical need for improved air traffic control, communication protocols, and safety regulations in the rapidly developing field of aviation.
22 Apr 1929 President Hoover's Crime Speech: In a significant address to the Associated Press luncheon in New York, President Herbert Hoover delivered a stark warning about the state of law and order in the United States. He highlighted the growing concern over rising crime rates, emphasizing that respect for law was diminishing and that the nation was experiencing unprecedented levels of lawlessness. Hoover argued that life and property were less secure in the United States compared to other developed nations, calling for urgent societal and governmental intervention.
23 Apr 1929 Communist Arrests in Romania: On April 23, 1929, Romanian authorities conducted a significant crackdown on communist political activists, arresting a group of 35 individuals suspected of plotting against the government. This event highlights the political tensions and anti-communist sentiment prevalent in Romania during the interwar period, reflecting the broader regional concerns about communist revolutionary movements.
24 Apr 1929 Historic England-to-India Non-Stop Flight Launched: On April 24, 1929, a pioneering aviation milestone was achieved when the first non-stop flight from England to India took off, demonstrating the expanding capabilities of long-distance air travel during the early 20th century. This groundbreaking journey represented a significant advancement in aviation technology and international connectivity.
25 Apr 1929 Hoover's Farm Relief Bill Passes House of Representatives: In a decisive vote, the United States House of Representatives approved President Herbert Hoover's farm relief bill with an overwhelming majority of 367 to 34. This legislation aimed to provide economic support to struggling agricultural communities during the late 1920s.
26 Apr 1929 Historic First Non-Stop Flight from England to India: On April 26, 1929, aviation history was made when the first non-stop flight from England to India successfully landed, marking a significant milestone in long-distance air travel. This groundbreaking journey demonstrated the rapidly advancing capabilities of aircraft technology and expanded the possibilities of international transportation during the early 20th century.
27 Apr 1929 Bolton Wanderers Triumph in FA Cup Final: In a thrilling match at Wembley Stadium, Bolton Wanderers secured victory over Portsmouth in the 1929 FA Cup Final. This significant sporting event showcased the competitive spirit of English football during the interwar period, with Bolton emerging as the champions of the prestigious tournament.
28 Apr 1929 World War I Memorial Dedication in Steenstrate: On the fourteenth anniversary of the first poison gas attack during World War I, a solemn ceremony was held in Steenstrate, Belgium. Approximately 10,000 war veterans from Belgium, Britain, and France gathered to dedicate a memorial commemorating the tragic events of chemical warfare that occurred in this Flanders village during the conflict. The monument serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of war and the devastating impact of chemical weapons.
29 Apr 1929 Mussolini Consolidates Power in Italian Cabinet: On April 29, 1929, King Victor Emmanuel III accepted the resignation of Giovanni Giuriati as Minister of Public Works and immediately appointed Benito Mussolini to the position. This strategic move further consolidated Mussolini's political power, as he now held eight out of thirteen cabinet posts in the Italian government, demonstrating his growing control over the state's administrative machinery.
30 Apr 1929 Earnest Streeruwitz Becomes Austrian Chancellor: On April 30, 1929, Earnest Streeruwitz assumed the role of Chancellor of Austria, leading the country during a complex period between World War I and the rise of Nazi influence in Europe.