Major Events of May 1936: 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 1936 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of May 1936: Key Historical Moments from the Month

01 May 1936 Emperor Haile Selassie leaves Ethiopia as Italian invades.
02 May 1936 Emperor Haile Selassie Flees Abyssinia: During the Second Italo-Ethiopian War, Emperor Haile Selassie and his family were forced to flee Abyssinia (Ethiopia) as Italian forces under Benito Mussolini invaded and occupied the country, marking a significant moment in colonial history.
03 May 1936 French Popular Front Wins Legislative Elections: The French Popular Front, a left-wing coalition of socialists, communists, and radical socialists, secured a significant electoral victory, winning a majority of seats in the Chamber of Deputies. This marked a pivotal moment in French political history, signaling a shift towards progressive policies and social reforms.
04 May 1936 Haile Selassie's Exile Journey: Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia sailed aboard HMS Enterprise from Djibouti to Port Said, continuing his journey of exile after being displaced by Italian invasion. This marked a significant moment in his resistance against Fascist Italy's occupation of Ethiopia.
05 May 1936 Ethiopian Annexation by Italy: Italy formally annexed Ethiopia, with Mussolini proclaiming Victor Emmanuel III as the emperor of Ethiopia, solidifying Italy's colonial control and international territorial aggression.
06 May 1936 Hindenburg's Inaugural Transatlantic Flight: On May 6, 1936, the German airship Hindenburg embarked on its first historic flight to the United States, marking a significant milestone in early 20th-century aviation technology and international transportation. This voyage represented the pinnacle of airship travel during the interwar period, showcasing Germany's advanced engineering capabilities and the potential of lighter-than-air transportation.
07 May 1936 Italian Annexation of Ethiopia: Italy formally annexes Ethiopia, marking a significant moment in colonial expansion under Benito Mussolini's fascist regime. This act completed the Italian invasion that began in October 1935, transforming Ethiopia from an independent African kingdom into an Italian colonial territory.
08 May 1936 Emperor Haile Selassie's Exile Journey: Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia, having been forced into exile after the Italian invasion of his country, sailed aboard HMS Enterprise from Djibouti to Port Said, marking a significant moment in his diplomatic efforts to seek international support against Fascist Italy's occupation.
09 May 1936 Mussolini Proclaims Italian East Africa: Benito Mussolini dramatically announced the annexation of Ethiopia and the creation of Italian East Africa in a triumphant speech from the balcony of the Palazzo Venezia, symbolizing fascist Italy's imperial ambitions.
10 May 1936 Haile Selassie's Exile Statement: Ethiopian Emperor Haile Selassie provided a written statement to journalists explaining his and his family's forced exile, emphasizing that their personal safety was secondary to the broader interests of the Ethiopian people in the context of Italian invasion.
11 May 1936 Italian Delegation Walks Out of League of Nations Session over Ethiopia: On May 11, 1936, tensions escalated at the League of Nations when the Italian delegation dramatically walked out of a session after Ethiopia's delegate was permitted to continue participating. This incident occurred during a critical period of international diplomatic tension, reflecting the growing hostility between Italy and Ethiopia in the lead-up to Italy's invasion and colonization of Ethiopia. The walkout symbolized Italy's increasing diplomatic isolation and its defiance of international norms under Mussolini's fascist regime.
12 May 1936 Santa Fe Super Chief Train Inaugural Journey: The Santa Fe Railroad launched its prestigious all-Pullman 'Super Chief' passenger train, establishing a luxurious transcontinental route connecting Chicago, Illinois, and Los Angeles, California. This train would later become known as the 'Train of the Stars', symbolizing the golden age of American rail travel.
13 May 1936 Trial of Charles 'Lucky' Luciano Begins: On May 13, 1936, the high-profile criminal trial of Charles 'Lucky' Luciano, a prominent organized crime figure, commenced in New York. Luciano, a key member of the Italian-American Mafia, was facing serious charges that would significantly impact the landscape of organized crime in the United States.
14 May 1936 Bobby Darin's Birth: Bobby Darin, a legendary American singer, songwriter, and actor who would later become a multi-talented entertainer, was born on May 14, 1936. Known for hits like 'Mack the Knife' and 'Beyond the Sea', Darin would become an iconic figure in 20th-century popular music.
15 May 1936 Amy Johnson's Record-Breaking Flight to Cape Town: British aviator Amy Johnson completed a remarkable return flight from England to Cape Town, further establishing her reputation as a pioneering female pilot and adventurer. Her achievement highlighted the growing capabilities of long-distance aviation in the 1930s.
16 May 1936 Italian Senate Annexes Ethiopia: The Italian Senate officially ratified the annexation of Ethiopia, a significant moment in the expansion of Italian colonial territories in Africa during the fascist era.
17 May 1936 Jerusalem Curfew Imposed: On May 17, 1936, authorities imposed a curfew in Jerusalem to prevent potential civil unrest following a shooting incident the previous night. This measure was likely part of the ongoing tensions between Arab and Jewish communities during the British Mandate period in Palestine.
18 May 1936 Uneventful Day in 1936: While no specific significant historical events were recorded for May 18, 1936, this does not necessarily mean nothing of importance occurred. Many historical moments happen without immediate documentation or global recognition.
19 May 1936 Louis Zamperini Sets High School Mile Record: Louis Zamperini, later famous as an Olympic runner and World War II veteran, set a remarkable high school mile record of 4:21, a time that would stand unbroken for 19 years and showcase his exceptional athletic potential.
20 May 1936 Rural Electrification Act Enacted in the United States: The Rural Electrification Act was signed into law on May 20, 1936, as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal initiatives. This landmark legislation aimed to provide electricity to rural areas that were previously underserved, significantly transforming agricultural communities and improving quality of life for millions of Americans.
21 May 1936 Chile's Potential League of Nations Withdrawal: During his annual congressional address, Chilean President Arturo Alessandri expressed potential plans to withdraw from the League of Nations, criticizing the organization's structure and hinting at possible alternative diplomatic measures.
22 May 1936 James Henry Thomas Political Scandal: On May 22, 1936, James Henry Thomas was forced to resign from his position as Secretary of State for the Colonies following a significant political scandal. Thomas was implicated in a serious breach of governmental trust after leaking confidential budget details, which undermined his political credibility and ministerial integrity.
23 May 1936 Australia Raises Tariff Rates, Straining Japan-Australia Trade Relations: On May 23, 1936, the Australian government significantly increased tariff rates on imported goods, which had a particularly severe impact on Japanese textile imports. This protectionist economic policy created diplomatic tension between Australia and Japan, reflecting the complex international trade dynamics of the pre-World War II era.
24 May 1936 Dutch Bishops Oppose Nazi Party: In a significant stance against Nazi ideology, the Dutch bishops officially prohibited membership in the Nazi Party, demonstrating early resistance to the rising fascist movement in Europe.
25 May 1936 Black Legion Members Charged with Murder: Twenty-five members of the Black Legion, a racist paramilitary organization, were formally charged with murder and kidnapping, specifically in connection with the killing of a Works Progress Administration (WPA) worker. This event highlights the racial violence and social tensions prevalent in the United States during the 1930s.
26 May 1936 Catholic Monks Trial in Nazi Germany: In a closed-door trial in Koblenz, Germany, 276 Catholic monks were put on trial on charges of immorality, reflecting the increasing religious persecution and suppression of religious institutions during the Nazi regime.
27 May 1936 RMS Queen Mary's Maiden Voyage: The RMS Queen Mary, a prestigious British ocean liner, embarked on her historic maiden voyage from Southampton, England to New York City. This transatlantic crossing represented a significant milestone in maritime transportation and luxury travel during the mid-1930s.
28 May 1936 Alan Turing Submits Groundbreaking Paper on Computability: On May 28, 1936, Alan Turing submitted his seminal paper 'On Computable Numbers' to the Proceedings of the London Mathematical Society. In this landmark work, Turing introduced the concept of the Turing Machine, a theoretical computational device that would become foundational to computer science. The paper not only described an abstract machine capable of performing algorithmic computations but also defined the fundamental limits of what can be computed, establishing key principles of computational theory.
29 May 1936 Yeste Conflict: Deadly Confrontation: A violent armed confrontation occurred between the Guardia Civil and local farmers in Yeste, resulting in 18 fatalities and numerous serious injuries. This incident highlighted the intense social and economic tensions in rural Spain during the pre-Civil War period.
30 May 1936 Publication of 'Gone with the Wind': Margaret Mitchell's groundbreaking novel 'Gone with the Wind' is first published, marking a significant moment in American literature. The book would later become a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel and inspire the iconic 1939 film adaptation starring Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh.
31 May 1936 Indalecio Prieto Shooting Incident: Spanish socialist politician Indalecio Prieto was shot during a political rally in Écija, marking a violent moment in the pre-Spanish Civil War political landscape. The incident highlighted the intense political tensions and potential dangers faced by political leaders during this turbulent period in Spanish history.