Major Events of July 1933: 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 1933 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of July 1933: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Jul 1933 London Passenger Transport Board Established: The London Passenger Transport Board is founded, a significant reorganization of London's public transportation system, consolidating various transit services under a single administrative body.
- 02 Jul 1933 Carl Hubbell's Historic Pitching Performance: In a remarkable display of pitching prowess, Carl Hubbell of the New York Giants achieved a remarkable shutout against the Saint Louis Cardinals, winning 1-0 in an extraordinary 18-inning game. Hubbell's exceptional control was highlighted by the fact that he did not issue a single walk throughout the entire marathon game, demonstrating remarkable skill and endurance.
- 03 Jul 1933 Declaration of Independence Revision Process Continues: The ongoing revision of the Declaration of Independence proceeded through July 3 and extended into the early morning hours of July 4, with delegates meticulously reviewing and refining the historic document that would soon declare the American colonies' independence from British rule.
- 04 Jul 1933 Gandhi's Imprisonment: On July 4, 1933, Mahatma Gandhi was sentenced to prison in India, continuing his nonviolent resistance against British colonial rule. This imprisonment was part of his ongoing civil disobedience campaign, which played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence and would inspire global civil rights movements.
- 05 Jul 1933 Dissolution of German Catholic Center Party: On July 5, 1933, the Catholic Center Party (Zentrum), a significant political party representing Catholic interests in Germany, voluntarily dissolved itself under increasing pressure from the Nazi regime. This marked a critical moment in the consolidation of Nazi power, effectively eliminating the last major organized political opposition in the Weimar Republic.
- 06 Jul 1933 First Major League Baseball All-Star Game: The inaugural Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played at Comiskey Park in Chicago, marking a historic moment in baseball history. The American League emerged victorious, defeating the National League with a score of 5-2. This groundbreaking event brought together the best players from both leagues in a showcase of baseball talent and sportsmanship.
- 07 Jul 1933 Jack Crawford Wins Wimbledon Men's Singles Title: In a thrilling men's singles final at the Wimbledon Championships, Australian tennis player Jack Crawford defeated American player Ellsworth Vines, securing his first Wimbledon title. This match was a significant moment in the international tennis landscape of the 1930s, highlighting the competitive spirit between American and Australian players during that era.
- 08 Jul 1933 Public Works Administration Established: The Public Works Administration (PWA), a major New Deal agency created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, became effective. This agency was crucial in providing employment and implementing large-scale public infrastructure projects during the Great Depression.
- 09 Jul 1933 International Narcotic Drugs Convention Takes Effect: The Convention for Limiting the Manufacture and Regulating the Distribution of Narcotic Drugs, signed in 1931 by 39 nations, officially came into effect. The United States ratified the international agreement the following day, representing a significant global effort to control drug manufacturing and distribution.
- 10 Jul 1933 Failed Right-Wing Coup Attempt in Japan: A right-wing group called the 'Divine Soldiers' attempted to overthrow the Japanese government by planning to bomb Prime Minister SaitÅ Makoto's office during a cabinet meeting. The conspirators intended to establish a new government led by either Prince Naruhiko Higashikuni or Prince Chichibu. The plot was ultimately foiled by Tokyo police, and the conspirators received surprisingly lenient sentences. The details of this attempted coup were suppressed for several years.
- 11 Jul 1933 Roosevelt Creates Executive Council: President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 6202A, establishing a 24-member Executive Council that integrated cabinet members and federal agency administrators. The council was designed to meet weekly on Tuesday afternoons, enhancing governmental coordination during the Great Depression era.
- 12 Jul 1933 First US Federal Minimum Wage Law Established: On July 12, 1933, the United States Congress passed the first federal minimum wage law, setting the hourly wage rate at 33 cents per hour. This landmark legislation was part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal economic reforms, aimed at providing workers with a basic standard of living during the Great Depression.
- 13 Jul 1933 Nazi Regime Mandates Compulsory Greeting and Salute: On July 13, 1933, the Nazi regime, through Interior Minister Wilhelm Frick, officially mandated that all German government employees must use the 'Heil Hitler!' greeting and perform the distinctive Nazi salute (raising the right arm and hand upward). This directive was a critical step in enforcing ideological conformity and demonstrating loyalty to the Nazi Party, symbolizing the increasing totalitarian control over public and professional life in Germany.
- 14 Jul 1933 Nazi Gleichschaltung Decree: Adolf Hitler issued the Gleichschaltung decree, effectively abolishing all political parties in Germany except the Nazi Party. This was a critical step in establishing total Nazi control over the political system, eliminating democratic opposition and consolidating the Nazi regime's power.
- 15 Jul 1933 Four-Power Pact Signed in Rome: Representatives from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, and Italy signed the Four-Power Pact in Rome, a diplomatic agreement aimed at reducing weapons proliferation and maintaining international peace by committing to a ten-year non-aggression understanding.
- 16 Jul 1933 Groundbreaking of Grand Coulee Dam: Construction officially began on the Grand Coulee Dam, a massive hydroelectric and irrigation project located on the Columbia River in Washington state. This landmark infrastructure project would become one of the largest concrete structures in the world and a critical component of the New Deal's economic recovery and infrastructure development strategy.
- 17 Jul 1933 NIRA Cotton Textile Code Implemented: The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) Cotton Textile Code was enacted, significantly improving working conditions for American mill workers. The code reduced the standard workweek from 54 to 40 hours without wage reduction and established a minimum weekly wage of $13, representing a landmark labor rights achievement during the Great Depression.
- 18 Jul 1933 Edwin H. Land Patents Polarized Lens Technology: Edwin H. Land was granted U.S. Patent 1,918,848 for the mass production of polarized lenses, a groundbreaking technological innovation that would later form the foundation of the Polaroid Corporation. This patent represented a significant advancement in optical technology, enabling widespread production of polarized eyewear and camera lenses.
- 19 Jul 1933 Lucille Ball's Hollywood Journey Begins: At age 22, Lucille Ball, a New York model, boarded a train to Hollywood after being signed by an agent to appear in the chorus of the movie 'Roman Scandals', marking the start of her legendary entertainment career.
- 20 Jul 1933 Vatican-Nazi Germany Concordat Signed: Vatican State Secretary Eugenio Pacelli (later Pope Pius XII) signs a controversial diplomatic accord with Nazi Germany, establishing a formal agreement between the Catholic Church and the emerging Nazi regime.
- 21 Jul 1933 Opening of Haifa Harbor in British Mandate Palestine: On July 21, 1933, the strategically important Haifa Harbor was officially opened, marking a significant milestone in the maritime infrastructure of British Mandate Palestine. This modern port facility would play a crucial role in the region's economic development and trade capabilities, serving as a key connection point between the Mediterranean and the Middle Eastern hinterland.
- 22 Jul 1933 Wiley Post's Historic Solo World Flight: Aviator Wiley Post completed the first solo flight around the world, landing at Floyd Bennett Field in New York City after an extraordinary journey. He traveled 15,596 miles (25,099 km) in 7 days, 18 hours, and 49 minutes, demonstrating remarkable aviation skill and endurance.
- 23 Jul 1933 Georges Speicher Triumphs in the 27th Tour de France: On July 23, 1933, French cyclist Georges Speicher emerged victorious in the grueling 27th edition of the Tour de France, a prestigious multi-stage bicycle race that tests the endurance and skill of the world's top cyclists. Speicher's win was a significant moment for French cycling, demonstrating the nation's prowess in this challenging international sporting event.
- 24 Jul 1933 Legal Proceedings Against Van der Lubbe: German judge Vogt formally signed the deed of accusation against Marinus van der Lubbe, a key figure in the controversial Reichstag fire incident that played a significant role in the Nazi Party's rise to power.
- 25 Jul 1933 Duke Ellington's Historic Dutch Radio Performance: On July 25, 1933, Duke Ellington made history by performing in the first live radio concert in the Netherlands. This groundbreaking event marked a significant moment in Dutch broadcasting and jazz music, introducing the legendary American jazz musician to a European audience through the innovative medium of radio.
- 26 Jul 1933 Battersea Power Station Begins Electricity Generation: A significant moment in London's industrial history, the Battersea Power Station commenced electricity generation, marking an important step in modernizing urban infrastructure and electrical power distribution in the United Kingdom.
- 27 Jul 1933 Discovery of Asteroid 1312 Vassar: On the same day, July 27, 1933, Belgian-American astronomer George Van Biesbroeck discovered asteroid #1312 Vassar. Van Biesbroeck was a renowned astronomer who made numerous contributions to the field of asteroid and planetary research during his career at the Yerkes Observatory.
- 28 Jul 1933 Spain Recognizes the Soviet Union: On July 28, 1933, Spain officially recognized the Soviet Union, a significant diplomatic milestone that represented a growing international acceptance of the Soviet state and marked an important moment in early 20th-century geopolitical relations.
- 30 Jul 1933 Great Britain Triumphs in Davis Cup Tennis Championship: In a thrilling international tennis competition, the Great Britain national tennis team defeated France in a closely contested Davis Cup match held in Paris. The final score was 3-2, showcasing the exceptional skill and determination of the British players in this prestigious tennis tournament.
- 31 Jul 1933 Death of Former U.S. Senator Karl C. Schuyler: Former U.S. Senator Karl C. Schuyler tragically passed away on July 31, 1933, after succumbing to injuries sustained when he was struck by an automobile while walking in New York City's Central Park. The incident highlights the growing dangers of urban traffic in the early 20th century and the vulnerability of pedestrians during a time of rapidly increasing automobile usage.