The year 1932 was marked by the depths of the Great Depression, significant political shifts, and advances in various fields. It was a year that shaped the geopolitical landscape and laid the groundwork for future developments.
Political Events
January 7: The Stimson Doctrine is proclaimed by the United States government. This policy declared that the US would not recognize territorial changes made by force, specifically in response to Japan's invasion of Manchuria.
January 28: The First Battle of Shanghai begins, escalating tensions between China and Japan. This event highlights the growing Japanese expansionism in Asia.
March 1: The Empire of Manchuria (Manchukuo) is established under Japanese control with Puyi, the last Emperor of China, as its puppet ruler. This demonstrated Japan's aggressive foreign policy.
March 3: Charles Lindbergh's son is kidnapped. This event in the United States triggered a massive investigation and had a lasting impact on American society, eventually leading to stricter kidnapping laws.
March 9: Éamon de Valera becomes President of the Executive Council (Prime Minister) of the Irish Free State. This marked a shift in Irish politics towards greater independence from the United Kingdom.
May 15: The May 15 Incident in Japan sees a group of naval officers assassinate Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi. This event highlighted the growing militarism and political instability in Japan.
June 7: The United States Congress passes the Revenue Act of 1932, significantly raising taxes to combat the budget deficit caused by the Great Depression. This decision reflected the government's efforts to address the economic crisis.
June 16 - July 9: The Lausanne Conference addresses the issue of German reparations payments following World War I. Ultimately, reparations were effectively cancelled, recognizing the economic hardship facing Germany.
July 30 - August 14: The 1932 Summer Olympics are held in Los Angeles, California, showcasing American technological prowess and attracting international attention.
November 8: Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected President of the United States in a landslide victory over incumbent Herbert Hoover. This marked a significant turning point in American politics, ushering in the era of the New Deal.
December 9: The Second Spanish Republic is established after the abdication of King Alfonso XIII.
Scientific Events
James Chadwick discovers the neutron. This discovery at the University of Cambridge was a pivotal moment in nuclear physics, providing a crucial understanding of atomic structure and paving the way for future developments in nuclear technology and the development of the atomic bomb.
Carl D. Anderson discovers the positron. This discovery provided the first evidence of antimatter and further solidified the development of quantum mechanics.
Cultural Events
Aldous Huxley publishes Brave New World. This dystopian novel offered a critical commentary on technological advancement and societal control, becoming a highly influential work of literature.
Opening of the Radio City Music Hall in New York City. This iconic venue became a symbol of American entertainment and a major cultural landmark.
Walt Disney releases Flowers and Trees, the first Technicolor cartoon. This marked a significant advancement in animation technology and contributed to Disney's growing success.
Technological Events
Development of the first commercially viable high-frequency radio system. This advancement improved long-distance communication capabilities and had implications for broadcasting and maritime communication.
Development of the first self-sealing fuel tank for aircraft. This innovation significantly improved aviation safety by reducing the risk of fire in the event of damage to the fuel tank.
Economic Events
The Great Depression deepens globally. Unemployment rates soared, and economies around the world contracted significantly. Banks failed, and businesses collapsed. United States saw record unemployment. This impacted global trade.
Emergency Relief and Construction Act: Legislation passed in United States in response to the Depression.
1932 was a year of profound challenges and significant developments. The political landscape was reshaped by the rise of authoritarianism and the escalating global economic crisis. Scientific discoveries advanced our understanding of the universe, while cultural works reflected the anxieties and aspirations of a world on the brink of significant change. The election of Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States signaled a new direction in American politics and a commitment to addressing the Great Depression through unprecedented government intervention.