World Events in 1928
Discovery of Penicillin
In September, Scottish bacteriologist Alexander Fleming noticed that mould had killed bacteria in a petri dish at St Mary's Hospital, London. His discovery of penicillin would eventually revolutionise medicine and save hundreds of millions of lives.
Equal Franchise Act in Britain
On 2 July, the Equal Franchise Act gave British women the same voting rights as men — the right to vote at age 21, regardless of property ownership. It added 5 million women to the electoral roll.
Amelia Earhart Flies the Atlantic
On 18 June, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic Ocean, travelling as a passenger from Newfoundland to Wales. She would make the solo crossing four years later.
Kellogg-Briand Pact
On 27 August, fifteen nations signed the Kellogg-Briand Pact in Paris, renouncing war as an instrument of national policy. Though ultimately ineffective, it reflected the era's idealism about preventing another world war.
First Five-Year Plan in the Soviet Union
Joseph Stalin launched the first Five-Year Plan for rapid industrialisation of the Soviet economy. It would transform Russia from an agrarian society into an industrial power, at an enormous human cost.
Herbert Hoover Elected President
Herbert Hoover won the presidential election in a landslide against Al Smith, the first Roman Catholic major-party nominee. Hoover promised continued prosperity; the crash came less than a year later.
Music in 1928
"Ol' Man River"
Paul Robeson
Paul Robeson's majestic bass-baritone performance of this song from Show Boat became one of the most iconic recordings of the decade. The song, about the suffering of Black workers on the Mississippi, transcended its musical context.
"Makin' Whoopee"
Eddie Cantor
Eddie Cantor's cheeky novelty song about the perils of marriage was a massive hit from the Ziegfeld musical 'Whoopee!' It became his signature tune and a lasting standard of the era.
#1 Film of 1928
The Singing Fool
Box Office: $5.9 million
Al Jolson's follow-up to The Jazz Singer was an even bigger hit, becoming the highest-grossing film until Gone with the Wind a decade later. His performance of 'Sonny Boy' had audiences weeping.
Born in 1928
Che Guevara
Argentine revolutionary and guerrilla leader
Andy Warhol
Pop artist and filmmaker (Campbell's Soup Cans, Marilyn)
Stanley Kubrick
Film director (2001, A Clockwork Orange, The Shining)
Shirley Temple
Child star of the 1930s, later US Ambassador
James Brown
Singer, 'Godfather of Soul'
Lost in 1928
Thomas Hardy
English novelist and poet (Tess of the d'Urbervilles, Far from the Madding Crowd)
Age 87
Emmeline Pankhurst
Leader of the British suffragette movement
Age 69
Roald Amundsen
Norwegian explorer, first to reach the South Pole
Age 55
Leos Janacek
Czech composer (The Cunning Little Vixen, Sinfonietta)
Age 74
Technology in 1928
Alexander Fleming's accidental discovery of penicillin would eventually save millions of lives, though its development as a drug took another decade. Talking pictures were now the standard. Mickey Mouse made his debut in Steamboat Willie, one of the first cartoons with synchronised sound. Sliced bread was sold for the first time.
- ● Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin
- ● Mickey Mouse debuts in Steamboat Willie
- ● First colour television demonstration by John Logie Baird
- ● Sliced bread sold for the first time in Chillicothe, Missouri
Cost of Living in 1928
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £430 | $5,800 |
| Average salary | £150 | $1,400 |
| Pint of milk | 2d | $0.07 |
| Loaf of bread | 3½d | $0.09 |
| Dozen eggs | 1s 6d | $0.50 |
| Pint of beer | 4d | Prohibited |
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The Zeitgeist of 1928
The Jazz Age was burning brightly but the end was in sight. The stock market was booming and speculation was rampant. Fashion was at its most daring — skirts had never been shorter. Talkies were killing off silent film stars whose voices didn't match their image. Amelia Earhart flew the Atlantic, and Mickey Mouse made his debut.
In the News in 1928
Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin. Mickey Mouse debuted in Steamboat Willie. Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly across the Atlantic. British women gained equal voting rights at age 21. Herbert Hoover won the US presidential election in a landslide.