The year 1926 was marked by significant developments across the globe in politics, science, culture, and technology. Here's a breakdown of some of the most important events:
Politics and World Affairs
January 8: Ibn Saud becomes the King of Hejaz, later to become part of Saudi Arabia. This marks a crucial step in the consolidation of Saudi power in the Arabian Peninsula.
April 24: The Treaty of Berlin is signed between Germany and the Soviet Union, reaffirming their neutrality in case of an attack on either country by a third party. This strengthens ties between the two nations and provides a counterbalance to Western European powers.
May 12: Józef Piłsudski's May Coup in Poland overthrows the government. This event marks the beginning of the Sanacja regime in Poland, a period of authoritarian rule.
June 29: Gottlieb Daimler and Karl Benz merge their companies to form Daimler-Benz, which would become the renowned automobile manufacturer Mercedes-Benz.
November 11: The World War I memorial in Canberra, Australia, is dedicated.
Science and Technology
March 16: Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts, marking a significant milestone in rocket science and space exploration. This event, though initially met with skepticism, laid the groundwork for future advancements in space travel.
November 23: The first automatic telephone exchange comes into service in London.
Culture
January 7: The Harlem Renaissance, a cultural, social, and artistic explosion centered in Harlem, New York City, is in full swing. Prominent writers, artists, and musicians like Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Duke Ellington are making significant contributions to American culture.
February 26: Erich Maria Remarque's novel All Quiet on the Western Front is published, offering a powerful and unflinching depiction of the horrors of war and becoming an international bestseller.
October 15: A. A. Milne's Winnie-the-Pooh is first published, becoming a beloved children's classic.
Births: Important figures born this year include:
Marilyn Monroe (June 1): Iconic actress and cultural figure.
Allen Ginsberg (June 3): Influential poet and counterculture icon.
United States Focus
March 16: As mentioned above, Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket in Auburn, Massachusetts.
The Harlem Renaissance: Continues to be a major cultural force within the United States.
Jazz Age: The "Roaring Twenties" and the Jazz Age are in full swing, with significant cultural shifts and social changes happening across the United States.