1928

What Was Happening in 1928

Mickey Mouse was born, penicillin was discovered, and women finally got equal voting rights in Britain

Born in

By the Numbers in 1928

World Population

UK Life Expectancy

51.0 years

US Life Expectancy

52.2 years

Gold Price (per oz)

$20.59

Dow Jones Index

37

US National Debt

Sovereign Nations

55

How Much Did Things Cost in 1928?

ItemUKUS
Average house price£430$5,800
Average salary£150$1,400
Pint of milk2d$0.07
Loaf of bread3½d$0.09
Dozen eggs1s 6d$0.50
Pint of beer4dProhibited

Technology and Inventions 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

Shop 1928 memorabilia on eBay/Amazon

More About 1928

What Was Happening — A journey through the years