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Major Events of July 1932: 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 July 1932 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of July 1932: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 Jul 1932 Franklin D. Roosevelt Nominated for President: Franklin D. Roosevelt was nominated as the Democratic Party's presidential candidate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, Illinois, a pivotal moment in his political career.
  • 02 Jul 1932 Roosevelt's First Presidential Nomination Acceptance Speech: Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered his groundbreaking first presidential nomination acceptance speech at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, famously promising 'a New Deal for the American people.' This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point in American political history, signaling a transformative approach to addressing the economic challenges of the Great Depression.
  • 03 Jul 1932 John McGraw's Baseball Retirement: On July 3, 1932, legendary baseball manager John McGraw retired from professional baseball after a remarkable career with the New York Giants. McGraw was a transformative figure in baseball, known for his strategic brilliance and competitive spirit.
  • 04 Jul 1932 Anglo-Irish Trade War Escalates with British Tariff Retaliation: The British government imposed a 100% tariff on imports from the Irish Free State, dramatically escalating economic tensions. This punitive measure was a direct response to Ireland's refusal to make semi-annual land annuity payments, marking a significant moment in the complex economic and political relationship between Britain and Ireland during the interwar period.
  • 05 Jul 1932 Salazar Establishes Authoritarian Regime in Portugal: António de Oliveira Salazar assumes power as the Prime Minister of Portugal, establishing the Estado Novo (New State), a conservative, authoritarian regime that would dominate Portuguese politics for the next four decades. His rise marks a significant shift towards fascist-inspired governance in Portugal, characterized by strict political control, suppression of opposition, and conservative Catholic social policies.
  • 06 Jul 1932 Dramatic Shooting of Cubs Shortstop: Bill Jurges, shortstop for the Chicago Cubs, was shot twice in a Chicago hotel room by Violet Popovich Valli, a spurned romantic partner. This sensational incident highlighted the personal drama surrounding professional athletes in the 1930s.
  • 07 Jul 1932 French Submarine Prométhée Sinks off Cherbourg: On July 7, 1932, the French submarine Prométhée tragically sank off the coast of Cherbourg, resulting in the complete loss of its entire crew. This maritime disaster highlighted the inherent risks faced by naval personnel during the interwar period, when submarine technology was still developing and maritime safety standards were less rigorous.
  • 08 Jul 1932 Dow Jones Industrial Average Reaches Great Depression Low Point: On July 8, 1932, the Dow Jones Industrial Average hit its lowest point during the Great Depression, closing at 41.22 points. This represented a catastrophic 90% decline from its peak value in September 1929, symbolizing the severe economic devastation of the era.
  • 09 Jul 1932 Lausanne Conference Resolves German Reparations: The Lausanne Conference concluded with a landmark agreement that would fundamentally reshape Germany's post-World War I economic obligations. The agreement stipulated that Germany would make a final payment of 3 billion gold reichsmarks, effectively ending the punitive reparations imposed after World War I.
  • 10 Jul 1932 Major League Baseball Record: Nine Hits in One Game: In a remarkable baseball performance, Johnny Burnett of the Cleveland Indians achieved a major league record by hitting nine base hits during an extraordinary eighteen-inning game against the Philadelphia Athletics. Despite Burnett's incredible individual achievement, the Indians ultimately lost the high-scoring match 18-17. Eddie Rommel's relief pitching was pivotal in securing the Athletics' victory, completing one of the most memorable games in baseball history.
  • 11 Jul 1932 Roosevelt Accepts Democratic Nomination: Franklin D. Roosevelt delivered a pivotal speech at the Democratic National Convention, formally accepting the party's presidential nomination during the depths of the Great Depression, signaling a potential transformative moment in American political history.
  • 12 Jul 1932 Irish Dáil Stalls Oath of Allegiance Bill: The Irish Dáil (parliament) refused to approve amendments to a bill aimed at abolishing the Oath of Allegiance to the British monarch, effectively leaving the legislative process in a state of uncertainty.
  • 13 Jul 1932 Amelia Earhart Sets Transcontinental Flight Record: Aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart completed a remarkable transcontinental flight from Los Angeles to Newark in a record-breaking time of 19 hours, 14 minutes, and 40 seconds, further establishing her reputation as a groundbreaking female aviator.
  • 14 Jul 1932 Elgar and Menuhin Historic Recording Session: On July 14, 1932, renowned English composer Edward Elgar conducted a landmark recording of his Violin Concerto featuring the prodigious 16-year-old violinist Yehudi Menuhin, creating a seminal moment in classical music history.
  • 15 Jul 1932 President Hoover's Salary Reduction During Great Depression: In a symbolic gesture of solidarity during the challenging economic times of the Great Depression, President Herbert Hoover voluntarily reduced his presidential salary by 15-20%. This action was part of the broader Economic Act signed on June 30, 1932, which aimed to demonstrate fiscal responsibility and share the economic burden faced by millions of Americans during the economic crisis.
  • 16 Jul 1932 Central City Opera House Restoration and Company Formation: On this historic day, the Central City Opera House in Colorado was officially re-opened, marking a significant moment in the state's cultural preservation. The restoration was spearheaded by three prominent local women: Ida Kruse McFarlane, Edna Chappell, and Anne Evans. Their dedicated efforts not only revived the historic venue but also established the official Central City Opera company, ensuring the continuation of local performing arts traditions.
  • 17 Jul 1932 Altona Bloody Sunday: On July 17, 1932, a violent confrontation erupted between the Nazi Party's paramilitary forces (SS and SA) and the German Communist Party in the Altona borough of Hamburg, Germany. This street battle represented a critical moment of political tension during the tumultuous Weimar Republic period, highlighting the growing political polarization and street violence that characterized Germany's descent into political chaos before the Nazi rise to power.
  • 18 Jul 1932 Irish Free State Retaliates in Trade War: The Irish Free State's senate approved retaliatory tariff measures against Britain, escalating the ongoing Anglo-Irish Trade War and demonstrating the economic tensions between the two nations during this period.
  • 19 Jul 1932 King George V Opens Lambeth Bridge: On July 19, 1932, King George V officially opened the Lambeth Bridge, a significant infrastructure project connecting the north and south banks of the River Thames in London. The bridge, constructed with a distinctive red color to match the nearby Houses of Parliament, represented an important moment in London's urban development during the early 20th century.
  • 20 Jul 1932 Preußenschlag: Hindenburg Dissolves Prussian Government: German President Paul von Hindenburg signed a critical decree ordering Franz von Papen to take control of the Prussian state government and declaring martial law, effectively suspending regional autonomy and centralizing power in the national government.
  • 21 Jul 1932 Emergency Relief and Construction Act Signed: President Herbert Hoover signed the Emergency Relief and Construction Act, a significant piece of legislation aimed at providing economic relief and infrastructure support during the depths of the Great Depression. The act authorized federal funding for public works projects and established mechanisms to support struggling local and state governments.
  • 22 Jul 1932 Hoover Signs Emergency Relief and Construction Act: President Herbert Hoover signed the Emergency Relief and Construction Act into law, a significant legislative measure aimed at providing economic relief and infrastructure support during the depths of the Great Depression.
  • 23 Jul 1932 Bonus Army Veterans Facing Eviction: Bonus Army veterans, who had been squatting in abandoned government-owned buildings in Washington, D.C., were officially notified by local police that they would be forcibly evicted within 24 hours. The buildings were scheduled for demolition to make way for a new public park, highlighting the challenging post-World War I economic conditions and treatment of veterans.
  • 24 Jul 1932 Diplomatic Confrontation at Inter-Parliamentary Union in Geneva: A heated diplomatic incident occurred during the 28th Inter-Parliamentary Union conference in Geneva, highlighting the rising tensions between fascist Italy and democratic European nations. Italian delegate Carlo Costamagna was delivering a speech praising Fascism's judicial achievements when French representative Pierre Renaudel dramatically interrupted him. Renaudel challenged the Fascists' legitimacy, questioning their understanding of parliamentary democracy and referencing the notorious assassination of Giacomo Matteotti, a prominent socialist politician murdered by Fascist squadristi in 1924. The exchange quickly escalated into a verbal confrontation, with Mussolini subsequently threatening to withdraw Italy from the organization and demanding diplomatic respect. This incident symbolized the growing ideological divide in pre-World War II Europe between fascist authoritarianism and democratic parliamentary systems.
  • 25 Jul 1932 German Constitutional Crisis: In a pivotal moment for Weimar Republic politics, the German Supreme Court on July 25, 1932, declined Prussia's request for an injunction to prevent Chancellor Franz von Papen from taking over the government. This decision significantly weakened Prussian autonomy and marked a critical step in the erosion of democratic institutions in Germany.
  • 26 Jul 1932 Death of Frederick S. Duesenberg: Frederick S. Duesenberg, a pioneering automotive engineer and co-founder of the legendary Duesenberg automobile company, passed away. Known for creating some of the most luxurious and high-performance cars of the early 20th century, Duesenberg was instrumental in establishing American automotive engineering excellence.
  • 27 Jul 1932 Trial of Paul Gorguloff for Presidential Assassination: On July 27, 1932, Paul Gorguloff stood trial for the assassination of French President Paul Doumer, which had occurred earlier that year. During the legal proceedings, Gorguloff attempted an unusual defense strategy, claiming he was possessed by a demon and therefore not responsible for his actions. This bizarre insanity defense drew significant public and media attention, highlighting the sensational nature of the case and the psychological complexities surrounding political violence.
  • 28 Jul 1932 Bonus Army Violently Dispersed by U.S. Military: On July 28, 1932, the U.S. government forcibly evicted World War I veterans who were demanding early payment of their promised wartime bonuses. Under the leadership of General Douglas MacArthur, General George Patton, and General Dwight D. Eisenhower, federal troops used tanks, bayonets, and tear gas to clear the veterans' encampment in Washington, D.C. The violent operation resulted in multiple casualties, including two veterans fatally wounded, and the complete destruction of the Bonus Army's camp by fire.
  • 29 Jul 1932 Bonus Army Dispersed in Washington, D.C.: During the Great Depression, U.S. Army troops forcibly dispersed the 'Bonus Army', a group of World War I veterans who had gathered in Washington, D.C. to demand early payment of service certificates promised to them. The military used aggressive tactics including arson, bayonets, sabers, tanks, tear gas, and chemical agents to break up the protest.
  • 30 Jul 1932 1932 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony in Los Angeles: The 10th modern Olympic Games officially opened with a grand ceremony at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. United States Vice President Charles Curtis declared the Games open, addressing a crowd of 100,000 spectators. The event featured a parade of 1,332 athletes from 37 nations, the raising of the Olympic flag, the lighting of the Olympic torch via a silver button, and a symbolic release of 2,000 white pigeons, marking the beginning of a historic international sporting event.
  • 31 Jul 1932 Nazi Party Gains Significant Electoral Power in Germany: In a pivotal moment of German political history, the National Socialist German Workers' Party (NSDAP) achieved a remarkable electoral victory, winning 38% of the vote in the Reichstag elections. This substantial electoral support signaled the growing political influence of the Nazi Party during the tumultuous Weimar Republic period.