Major Events of May 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 May 1929 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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

01 May 1929 Devastating Kopet Dag Earthquake: A massive 7.2 magnitude earthquake strikes the Iran-Turkmenistan border region, causing extreme destruction. The earthquake, with a Mercalli intensity of IX (Violent), results in approximately 3,800 fatalities and 1,121 injuries, making it one of the most devastating natural disasters of the year.
02 May 1929 Devastating Appalachian Mountain Tornadoes: On May 2, 1929, a series of tornadoes struck the Appalachian Mountains, causing widespread destruction and tragic loss of life. The most heartbreaking incident occurred in Rye Cove, Virginia, where thirteen students and a teacher were killed in a schoolhouse. In total, the tornadoes claimed 42 lives and injured 323 people, making it one of the deadliest tornado events in the region's history.
03 May 1929 Prussian Government Suppresses Anti-Fascist Movement: On May 3, 1929, the Prussian government issued a significant decree banning anti-fascist organizations and activities, marking an escalating political tension in the Weimar Republic. This action represented a critical moment in the growing conflict between democratic forces and rising fascist movements in Germany, potentially limiting political dissent and freedom of assembly.
04 May 1929 Birth of Audrey Hepburn: Audrey Hepburn, a renowned British actress, humanitarian, and style icon, was born in Brussels, Belgium. She would later become one of Hollywood's most beloved actresses, known for iconic films like 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' and her significant humanitarian work with UNICEF.
05 May 1929 Berlin Police Mutiny Suppressed: In a significant political upheaval, fifty policemen in Berlin were arrested following a four-day confrontation with communist forces. The mutiny represented a volatile period of political tension in the Weimar Republic, highlighting the ongoing social and ideological conflicts of the era.
06 May 1929 Paul Lauterbur - Nobel Prize Recipient: Paul Lauterbur, an American chemist, was recognized for his groundbreaking contributions to medical science, specifically for his pioneering work in developing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.
07 May 1929 Al Capone's Brutal Gang Execution: Al Capone hosted a party that turned into a deadly betrayal. During the event, he accused gang members John Scalise, Albert Anselmi, and Joseph Giunta of treachery. In a shocking display of violence, Capone personally beat them with a club and then shot them dead. Their bodies were subsequently dumped on a roadside near Hammond, Indiana, and discovered the following day.
08 May 1929 Carl Hubbell's No-Hitter in Baseball: On May 8, 1929, Carl Hubbell of the New York Giants achieved a remarkable pitching performance, throwing an 11-0 no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates at the Polo Grounds. This dominant game showcased Hubbell's exceptional skill and would contribute to his legendary status in baseball history.
09 May 1929 Carl Hubbell's No-Hitter Against Pittsburgh Pirates: New York Giants pitcher Carl Hubbell achieved a remarkable no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates, showcasing his exceptional pitching skills. This extraordinary baseball performance highlighted Hubbell's prowess and added to his legendary status in Major League Baseball history.
10 May 1929 Birth of Rock and Roll Legend Fats Domino: Fats Domino, a pioneering rock and roll musician known for his iconic hit 'Blueberry Hill', was born on this date. He would become a significant influence in early rock and roll music, blending rhythm and blues with pop sensibilities.
11 May 1929 First Regularly Scheduled TV Broadcasts: A significant milestone in media and communication technology occurs with the launch of the first regularly scheduled television broadcasts, which air three nights per week. This groundbreaking event marks the beginning of a new era in mass communication and entertainment.
12 May 1929 Tragic Kidnapping and Murder Case: A devastating kidnapping incident occurred where a young boy was abducted and subsequently murdered, despite his family paying a substantial ransom of $50,000. This tragic event highlighted the growing concerns about organized crime and child safety during the late 1920s.
13 May 1929 Formation of the National Crime Syndicate: On May 13, 1929, a pivotal meeting of organized crime leaders took place in Atlantic City, New Jersey, marking the establishment of the National Crime Syndicate. This groundbreaking gathering brought together prominent gangsters from eight U.S. states, including notorious figures such as Lucky Luciano, Al Capone, Johnny Torrio, and Bugsy Siegel. The syndicate represented a strategic alliance that would reshape organized crime in America, creating a more structured and cooperative approach to illegal activities across state lines.
14 May 1929 Hoover's Farm Relief Bill Passes Senate: In a significant legislative moment during the early years of the Great Depression, the U.S. Senate passed President Herbert Hoover's farm relief bill with a vote of 54 to 33. This bill was part of the administration's efforts to support struggling agricultural communities during a challenging economic period.
15 May 1929 Cleveland Clinic Fire Tragedy: A devastating fire at the Cleveland Clinic in Cleveland, Ohio resulted in the deaths of 123 people. The incident was caused by a catastrophic interaction between a steam pipe and volatile nitrate x-ray film, leading to violent explosions and the release of toxic vapors that trapped and killed many hospital occupants.
16 May 1929 First Academy Awards Ceremony: The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences hosted its inaugural awards ceremony at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. Actor Douglas Fairbanks, Sr. served as the host for this historic event, which celebrated outstanding achievements in the film industry. The prestigious Best Picture award was presented to the film 'Wings', while Emil Jennings and Janet Gaynor were recognized for their exceptional performances.
17 May 1929 Al Capone Arrested in Philadelphia: Notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone and his bodyguard were arrested in Philadelphia for illegally carrying concealed weapons. Both men pleaded guilty to the charges and were subsequently sentenced to one year in prison, marking a significant legal setback for the infamous criminal during the height of the Prohibition era.
18 May 1929 Al Capone's Arrest: Notorious Chicago gangster Al Capone was arrested for carrying concealed weapons and subsequently imprisoned at Holmesburg Jail, marking a significant moment in law enforcement's efforts to combat organized crime during the Prohibition era.
19 May 1929 Chinese Civil War Escalation: General Feng Yu-Xiang, a prominent warlord in China, officially declared war against the Nationalist Government led by Chiang Kai-Shek. This declaration represented another significant moment in the ongoing Chinese Civil War, further fragmenting the political landscape and intensifying internal conflicts during a tumultuous period in Chinese history.
20 May 1929 Wickersham Commission Established: U.S. President Herbert Hoover appointed the Wickersham Commission, officially known as the National Commission on Law Observance and Enforcement, to conduct a comprehensive study of crime, law enforcement, and the criminal justice system during the Prohibition era. The commission's findings would provide critical insights into the challenges of crime prevention and policing in the United States.
21 May 1929 First Automatic Stock Quotation Board in NYC: An innovative automatic electric stock quotation board was installed in New York City, marking a significant technological advancement in financial information dissemination during the late 1920s.
22 May 1929 Uneventful Day in 1929: While no specific major historical events were recorded for May 22, 1929, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Daily life continued across the globe, with people going about their usual activities during the interwar period. The late 1920s were a time of economic recovery and cultural transformation in many parts of the world, following the aftermath of World War I.
23 May 1929 Mickey Mouse's First Talking Cartoon Debuts: On May 23, 1929, Walt Disney Productions released 'The Karnival Kid', a groundbreaking animated short featuring Mickey Mouse with synchronized sound. This landmark cartoon marked a significant milestone in animation history, as it was one of the early talking cartoons that helped establish Mickey Mouse as a beloved character and showcased the emerging technology of sound in animation.
24 May 1929 Marx Brothers' Film Debut: The Cocoanuts: The Cocoanuts, a groundbreaking comedy film starring the legendary Marx Brothers (Groucho, Harpo, Chico, and Zeppo), premiered in theaters. This movie marked the first time the iconic comedy troupe appeared together on the silver screen, adapting their successful Broadway stage play into a motion picture. The film, a comedic masterpiece of the early sound era, would help establish the Marx Brothers as one of the most influential comedy acts in entertainment history.
25 May 1929 No Significant Historical Record: After thorough review, no specific historical event was found for May 25, 1929. This could indicate a period of relative calm or gaps in available historical documentation.
26 May 1929 Catholic Party Wins Belgian General Election: On May 26, 1929, the Catholic Party emerged victorious in the Belgian general election, signaling the political landscape and voter preferences in Belgium during the interwar period. This election result would have implications for the country's governance, policy direction, and social dynamics in the late 1920s.
27 May 1929 Supreme Court Decides Pocket Veto Case: The U.S. Supreme Court interpreted Article I of the Constitution, clarifying the legislative process regarding bills not signed or returned to Congress within 10 days, particularly when Congress has adjourned.
28 May 1929 First All-Color Talking Picture Debuts in New York City: "On With the Show" was exhibited at a cinema in New York City, marking a significant milestone in film technology. This Warner Bros. production represented a breakthrough in motion picture entertainment, combining synchronized sound and full color, signaling the end of the silent film era.
29 May 1929 Kenneth Couzens - Coal Products Leadership: Kenneth Couzens served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Coal Products, a significant industrial enterprise during the late 1920s. During this period, coal was a critical energy resource driving industrial development and economic growth in the United States.
30 May 1929 Uneventful Day in 1929: While no significant historical events were recorded for May 30, 1929, this does not necessarily mean nothing of importance occurred. Many days in history pass without major global or local milestones being documented. The late 1920s were a period of significant social and economic transitions, with the world recovering from World War I and approaching the early stages of the Great Depression.
31 May 1929 United Kingdom General Election Results in Hung Parliament: The British general election concludes with no single party achieving a majority, creating a complex political scenario where the Liberal Party will play a crucial role in determining the next government. This political deadlock highlights the fragmented political landscape of the late 1920s.