World Events in 1923
German Hyperinflation Crisis
The Weimar Republic experienced catastrophic hyperinflation. By November, one US dollar was worth 4.2 trillion German marks. People used wheelbarrows of banknotes to buy groceries, and savings were wiped out overnight.
Beer Hall Putsch
On 8-9 November, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party attempted to seize power in Munich. The coup failed, Hitler was arrested and imprisoned, where he wrote Mein Kampf.
Republic of Turkey Proclaimed
On 29 October, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk proclaimed the Republic of Turkey, becoming its first president and launching sweeping modernisation reforms.
Great Kanto Earthquake
On 1 September, a magnitude 7.9 earthquake struck the Tokyo-Yokohama region of Japan, killing over 100,000 people and destroying vast swathes of both cities.
Wembley Stadium Opens
The Empire Stadium at Wembley opened on 28 April for the FA Cup Final between Bolton and West Ham. An estimated 200,000 people tried to enter the 127,000-capacity stadium, causing the famous 'White Horse Final' crowd scenes.
President Harding Dies in Office
Warren G. Harding died suddenly on 2 August in San Francisco, reportedly of a heart attack. Calvin Coolidge was sworn in as the 30th President by his father, a notary public, by kerosene lamp.
Music in 1923
"Yes! We Have No Bananas"
Billy Jones
This novelty song became one of the biggest hits of the decade. It was inspired by a Greek fruit seller on Long Island and became a catchphrase on both sides of the Atlantic.
"Yes! We Have No Bananas"
Billy Jones
The sheet music for this song sold millions of copies, making it one of the best-selling songs of the entire decade. It captured the era's love of fun and absurdity.
#1 Film of 1923
The Ten Commandments
Box Office: $4.2 million
Cecil B. DeMille's first version of The Ten Commandments was a spectacular silent epic. The massive sets built for the Exodus scenes were so large that some were simply buried in the sand dunes at Guadalupe, California.
Born in 1923
Richard Attenborough
Actor and director (Gandhi, Jurassic Park)
Charlton Heston
Actor (Ben-Hur, The Ten Commandments, Planet of the Apes)
Henry Kissinger
US Secretary of State and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Rocky Marciano
Undefeated heavyweight boxing champion (49-0)
Maria Callas
Soprano, the most renowned opera singer of the 20th century
Lost in 1923
Warren G. Harding
29th President of the United States
Age 57
Katherine Mansfield
New Zealand short story writer
Age 34
Alexander Gustave Eiffel
French engineer who designed the Eiffel Tower
Age 91
Wilhelm Röntgen
Discoverer of X-rays, first Nobel laureate in Physics
Age 77
Technology in 1923
Radio sets were flying off shelves. The first neon advertising sign appeared in the US. Frozen food technology was being developed by Clarence Birdseye. Le Mans held its first 24-hour motor race. The first transatlantic radio broadcast took place. Autogiros (precursors to helicopters) made their first flights.
- ● First neon advertising signs appear in the United States
- ● Clarence Birdseye develops commercial frozen food process
- ● First Le Mans 24-hour motor race held in France
- ● Vladimir Zworykin patents an early electronic television system
Cost of Living in 1923
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £330 | $4,400 |
| Average salary | £115 | $1,260 |
| Pint of milk | 2d | $0.07 |
| Loaf of bread | 3½d | $0.09 |
| Dozen eggs | 1s 3d | $0.50 |
| Pint of beer | 3½d | Prohibited |
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The Zeitgeist of 1923
The Roaring Twenties were roaring louder. Flappers, jazz, and cocktail culture defined the era. The Charleston dance was sweeping dance halls. Hollywood was becoming the entertainment capital of the world. Sport was thriving — Jack Dempsey was heavyweight champion, and Wembley Stadium opened in London.
In the News in 1923
German hyperinflation reached absurd levels — a loaf of bread cost billions of marks. Adolf Hitler's Beer Hall Putsch in Munich failed. The Hollywood sign (originally reading 'Hollywoodland') was erected. Wembley Stadium hosted its first FA Cup Final. President Warren G. Harding died suddenly in office.