World Events in 1935
Italy Invades Ethiopia
On 3 October, Italian forces under Mussolini invaded Ethiopia without a declaration of war. The League of Nations condemned the aggression and imposed limited sanctions, but they proved ineffective. Emperor Haile Selassie's impassioned appeal to the League became a symbol of the body's failure.
Social Security Act Signed
On 14 August, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, creating a federal safety net for the elderly, unemployed, and disabled. It was the most far-reaching piece of New Deal legislation and remains the foundation of American social insurance.
Nuremberg Laws Enacted
In September, the Nazi regime passed the Nuremberg Laws, stripping German Jews of citizenship and banning marriage between Jews and non-Jews. The laws codified racial discrimination that had been practised since 1933 and marked a major escalation in the persecution of German Jews.
Persia Renamed Iran
On 21 March, Reza Shah Pahlavi formally requested that all foreign nations use the name 'Iran' instead of 'Persia'. The change reflected the Shah's modernisation programme and his desire to emphasise the country's Aryan heritage.
King George V's Silver Jubilee
In May, Britain celebrated King George V's 25 years on the throne with street parties, parades, and public celebrations across the empire. The outpouring of public affection surprised the King himself, who reportedly said, 'I am beginning to think they must really like me for myself.'
Music in 1935
"Red Sails in the Sunset"
Ray Noble and His Orchestra
This wistful ballad, written by Irish songwriter Jimmy Kennedy, was one of the biggest British hits of 1935. It became a standard performed by artists across the decades.
"Cheek to Cheek"
Fred Astaire
Irving Berlin's romantic standard from the film Top Hat became a massive hit for Fred Astaire. His performance dancing with Ginger Rogers in the film remains one of the most celebrated musical sequences in Hollywood history.
#1 Film of 1935
Mutiny on the Bounty
Box Office: $4.5 million
This lavish MGM production starring Clark Gable and Charles Laughton won the Academy Award for Best Picture. Based on the famous 1789 mutiny, Laughton's tyrannical Captain Bligh became one of cinema's great villains.
Born in 1935
Elvis Presley
Singer — the 'King of Rock and Roll'; Heartbreak Hotel, Jailhouse Rock
Woody Allen
Film director, writer, and actor — Annie Hall, Manhattan, Midnight in Paris
Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso)
Spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism and Nobel Peace Prize laureate
Julie Andrews
Actress and singer — Mary Poppins, The Sound of Music
Luciano Pavarotti
Italian operatic tenor, one of the Three Tenors, brought opera to mass audiences
Lost in 1935
T. E. Lawrence
British officer known as Lawrence of Arabia for his role in the Arab Revolt
Age 46
Will Rogers
American humorist, actor, and social commentator — the 'Cherokee Kid'
Age 55
Wiley Post
Aviation pioneer — first to fly solo around the world
Age 36
Oliver Wendell Holmes Jr.
US Supreme Court Justice known as the 'Great Dissenter'
Age 93
Technology in 1935
Robert Watson-Watt successfully demonstrated radar detection of aircraft, a technology that would prove decisive in the coming war. Kodachrome colour film was introduced, transforming photography. Canned beer appeared for the first time. Commercial air travel expanded with the Douglas DC-3 in development.
- ● Robert Watson-Watt demonstrates radar detection of aircraft at Daventry
- ● Kodachrome colour film is introduced by Kodak for 16mm movie cameras
- ● Canned beer is sold for the first time by Gottfried Krueger Brewing Company
- ● The Richter scale for measuring earthquake magnitude is developed by Charles Richter
Cost of Living in 1935
| Item | UK | US |
|---|---|---|
| Average house price | £540 | $3,900 |
| Average salary | £185 | $1,137 |
| Pint of milk | 2d | $0.06 |
| Loaf of bread | 3½d | $0.08 |
| Dozen eggs | 11d | $0.33 |
| Pint of beer | 5d | $0.15 |
| Cinema ticket | 7d | $0.25 |
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The Zeitgeist of 1935
The swing era exploded into full force, with Benny Goodman's concert at the Palomar Ballroom launching a nationwide dance craze. Roosevelt's New Deal matured with the Social Security Act and the Works Progress Administration providing relief to millions. Internationally, Mussolini's invasion of Ethiopia exposed the League of Nations as toothless, emboldening further aggression.
In the News in 1935
Italy invaded Ethiopia. The Social Security Act was signed into law. The Nuremberg Laws stripped German Jews of citizenship. Benny Goodman launched the Swing Era.