Major Events of May 1935: 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 1935 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of May 1935: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 May 1935 Boulder Dam Completed: The massive Boulder Dam (later renamed Hoover Dam) was completed on May 1st, 1935, representing a monumental engineering achievement during the Great Depression. Located on the Colorado River between Arizona and Nevada, the dam would provide critical hydroelectric power, flood control, and water management for the southwestern United States.
02 May 1935 Franco-Soviet Mutual Assistance Treaty: France and the Soviet Union concluded negotiations for a five-year Treaty of Mutual Assistance, a significant diplomatic agreement that reflected the complex geopolitical tensions and potential alliances in the lead-up to World War II.
03 May 1935 First International Peace Broadcast Honoring Jane Addams: On May 3, 1935, a groundbreaking worldwide peace broadcast took place, marking a significant moment in international cooperation and peace advocacy. Representatives from Britain, Japan, Russia, and France assembled in Washington's McPherson Square to participate in a synchronized radio event. The broadcast was dedicated to honoring Jane Addams, a renowned social reformer, peace activist, and the first American woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize. Addams herself was present in a radio broadcasting studio, delivering a powerful message of global unity and understanding during a tumultuous period between World Wars.
04 May 1935 Tragic Automobile Accident Involving Jackie Coogan: A devastating automobile accident occurred east of San Diego, involving actor Jackie Coogan. The vehicle plunged into a creek, resulting in multiple fatalities. While Coogan survived with minor injuries, the crash claimed the lives of his father, filmmaker Robert J. Horner, and actor Junior Durkin, among others.
05 May 1935 Jesse Owens Sets Historic Long Jump World Record: African American athlete Jesse Owens achieved a remarkable feat by setting a new world record in the long jump, leaping an impressive 26 feet 8.25 inches. This achievement was particularly significant during an era of racial segregation, showcasing Owens' extraordinary athletic prowess and challenging prevailing racial stereotypes of the time.
06 May 1935 Works Progress Administration Created: President Franklin D. Roosevelt established the Works Progress Administration (WPA) through Executive Order 7034, a critical New Deal program designed to provide employment during the Great Depression by funding public works projects across the United States.
07 May 1935 Uneventful Day in 1935: While no specific major historical events were documented for May 7, 1935, this does not necessarily mean nothing of significance occurred. Many historical moments happen without immediate widespread recognition. During this period, the world was still recovering from the Great Depression, and various social, political, and economic transformations were quietly unfolding across different regions.
08 May 1935 Ernie Lombardi's Historic Hitting Performance: Cincinnati Reds player Ernie Lombardi achieved a remarkable baseball feat by hitting doubles in four consecutive innings (6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th) during a game against the Philadelphia Phillies, leading the Reds to a decisive 15-4 victory.
09 May 1935 Birth of Nokie Edwards, Pioneering Guitarist: Nokie Edwards, a renowned American musician and influential guitarist best known for his work with The Ventures, was born on May 9, 1935, in Lahoma, Oklahoma. Edwards would later become a pivotal figure in the development of instrumental rock music, particularly in popularizing the electric guitar sound during the 1960s. His innovative playing style and contributions to surf rock and instrumental rock genres significantly impacted the evolution of popular music.
10 May 1935 Royal Walkabout in South London: King George V and Queen Mary conducted an impromptu public engagement by driving through the working-class neighborhoods of South London, demonstrating a rare and personal connection with ordinary citizens. Their unannounced appearance drew significant public enthusiasm, with crowds gathering spontaneously at street crossings to cheer and catch a glimpse of the monarchs. This event was notable for its informal nature, showing the royal family's attempt to bridge social distances during the mid-1930s.
11 May 1935 Nazi Germany Prepares for Potential Air Attacks: Nazi Germany implemented a significant civil defense measure by mandating that all new and modified buildings must consult the Air Protection League regarding the construction of bomb- and gas-proof cellars. This directive reflected the growing tensions and preparation for potential military conflict in pre-World War II Europe.
12 May 1935 Death of Józef Piłsudski: Józef Piłsudski, a prominent Polish statesman and military leader who played a crucial role in Poland's independence and interwar period, passed away at the age of 67.
13 May 1935 T.E. Lawrence Motorcycle Accident: Thomas Edward Lawrence, famously known as 'Lawrence of Arabia', was critically injured in a motorcycle accident near his home in Dorset, England. The renowned British military officer and writer, who played a pivotal role in the Arab Revolt during World War I, suffered severe injuries that would ultimately lead to his death shortly after.
14 May 1935 Berne Trial Exposes Protocols of the Elders of Zion as a Hoax: The Berne Trial in Switzerland concluded with a landmark ruling, determining The Protocols of the Elders of Zion to be a fabricated document. Two Nazis were found guilty of libel for distributing this antisemitic propaganda, marking an important legal moment in combating misinformation and hate literature.
15 May 1935 Italian Propaganda Against Ethiopia: Italian newspapers launched a propaganda campaign justifying a potential invasion of Ethiopia. The newspaper Il Giornale d'Italia published inflammatory rhetoric, claiming Ethiopia's cultural inferiority and using racist language to rationalize colonial ambitions, which would soon lead to the Second Italo-Ethiopian War.
16 May 1935 Czechoslovakia-Soviet Union Mutual Assistance Treaty: On May 16, 1935, Czechoslovakia and the Soviet Union formalized a significant diplomatic agreement by signing a five-year Treaty of Mutual Assistance. This treaty represented an important geopolitical strategy in the context of rising tensions in Europe, aiming to create a mutual defense pact against potential aggression, particularly from Nazi Germany.
17 May 1935 Funeral of Józef Piłsudski, Polish National Hero: The body of Józef Piłsudski, the influential Polish statesman and military leader who was instrumental in Poland regaining independence after World War I, was transported by train from Warsaw to Kraków for burial. This somber event marked the end of an era for Poland, as Piłsudski was a pivotal figure in the nation's modern history.
18 May 1935 Canonization of John Fisher and Thomas More: Pope Pius XI canonized Cardinal John Fisher and statesman Thomas More, two prominent English historical figures who were executed by King Henry VIII during the English Reformation. Their canonization recognized their steadfast religious principles and martyrdom, marking a significant moment in Catholic Church history.
19 May 1935 Canonization of John Fisher and Thomas More: Pope Pius XI canonized John Fisher, an English bishop, and Thomas More, a renowned scholar and statesman, recognizing their steadfast faith and martyrdom during the English Reformation. Both were executed for refusing to accept King Henry VIII's separation from the Catholic Church.
20 May 1935 Birth of Marinella, Legendary Greek Singer: Marinella, born Kyriaki Papadopoulou, emerged as one of the most iconic and influential Greek popular music performers of the 20th century. Her powerful voice and emotional interpretations of traditional and contemporary Greek music made her a cultural symbol in Greece and across the Mediterranean region.
21 May 1935 Nazi Germany Introduces Conscription Law: Germany enacted a new conscription law mandating one-year military service for all males aged 18-45, a direct violation of the 1919 Treaty of Versailles. This legislation was a critical component of Hitler's systematic re-armament strategy, signaling Germany's increasing military preparedness and defiance of post-World War I international restrictions.
22 May 1935 Moscow Metro Inaugurates First Public Line: On May 22, 1935, the Moscow Metro officially opened to the public, marking a significant milestone in urban transportation infrastructure. The inaugural phase stretched 11 kilometers (6.8 miles) and featured 13 meticulously designed stations. This underground transit system not only represented a technological achievement for the Soviet Union but also symbolized the industrial progress and urban modernization of the era.
23 May 1935 Canonization of John Fisher and Thomas More: Pope Pius XI officially canonized English Cardinal John Fisher and statesman Thomas More, both of whom were martyred during the reign of King Henry VIII for their steadfast opposition to the King's break with the Roman Catholic Church. Their canonization recognized their profound moral courage and unwavering commitment to their religious principles, even in the face of execution.
24 May 1935 Pope Pius XI Condemns Nazi Sterilization Program: Pope Pius XI publicly condemned the Nazi regime's forced sterilization program, marking a significant moral stance against the emerging racial policies of Nazi Germany prior to World War II.
25 May 1935 Hitler's Non-Intervention Pledge on Austria: German Chancellor Adolf Hitler publicly commits to a non-intervention policy regarding Austria, pledging not to annex or directly interfere with Austrian sovereignty. This diplomatic statement was part of the complex geopolitical maneuvering preceding World War II.
26 May 1935 Political Tension at Paris Tomb of the Unknown Soldier: On May 26, 1935, a politically charged incident occurred at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Paris, revealing the volatile political atmosphere of pre-World War II France. During a ceremony to rekindle the eternal flame, led by military figure Maxime Weygand, a group of Nationalist supporters gathered and began vocally advocating for Weygand's political ascension, shouting 'Put Weygand in power!' The situation escalated when a dispute arose over a perceived lack of respect, reportedly triggered by someone not removing their hat during the ceremony. The tension quickly devolved into a riot, resulting in several individuals being injured. This event highlighted the deep political divisions and potential for civil unrest in France during this tumultuous period.
27 May 1935 Supreme Court Strikes Down New Deal Legislation: In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court of the United States declared the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) unconstitutional in the case A.L.A. Schechter Poultry Corp. v. United States. This ruling was a significant blow to President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal economic recovery program, challenging the federal government's ability to regulate economic activities.
28 May 1935 Establishment of the Central Bank of Argentina: On May 28, 1935, the Central Bank of Argentina (Banco Central de la República Argentina) was officially established, marking a significant milestone in the country's financial infrastructure. This institution was created to regulate monetary policy, manage currency stability, and provide strategic financial oversight for Argentina's economic development.
29 May 1935 Messerschmitt Bf 109 First Flight: The Messerschmitt Bf 109, a revolutionary German fighter aircraft, completed its inaugural test flight. This aircraft would become one of the most significant and widely used fighter planes during World War II, playing a crucial role in the German Luftwaffe's aerial operations.
30 May 1935 Babe Ruth's Final Major League Baseball Game: Baseball legend Babe Ruth played his final Major League Baseball game for the Boston Braves against the Philadelphia Phillies. After an illustrious 22-season career, Ruth concluded his remarkable journey with a hitless performance. Throughout his career, he won ten World Series tournaments and hit an unprecedented 714 home runs, solidifying his status as one of baseball's greatest players of all time.
31 May 1935 Devastating Quetta Earthquake: A catastrophic 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck Quetta, British India (now Pakistan), causing massive destruction and resulting in approximately 50,000 fatalities. The earthquake was one of the deadliest seismic events in the region's history, completely devastating the city and leaving widespread devastation.