1936

What Was Happening in 1936

Abdication, Berlin Olympics, and Spanish Civil War — a year of dramatic upheaval and ominous portents.

Born in

By the Numbers in 1936

World Population

UK Life Expectancy

51.6 years

US Life Expectancy

52.8 years

Gold Price (per oz)

$29.23

Dow Jones Index

78

US National Debt

Sovereign Nations

56

How Much Did Things Cost in 1936?

ItemUKUS
Average house price£550$4,100
Average salary£190$1,232
Pint of milk2d$0.06
Loaf of bread3½d$0.08
Dozen eggs1s$0.33
Pint of beer5d$0.15
Cinema ticket7d$0.25

Technology and Inventions in 1936

The BBC launched the world's first regular high-definition television service from Alexandra Palace. The Spitfire prototype made its maiden flight, and the Queen Mary ocean liner won the Blue Riband for the fastest Atlantic crossing. The Hoover Dam was completed on the Colorado River.

  • The BBC launches the world's first regular high-definition television service
  • The Supermarine Spitfire prototype makes its maiden flight at Eastleigh
  • Hoover Dam is completed on the Colorado River after five years of construction
  • The Douglas DC-3 enters airline service, revolutionising commercial aviation

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More About 1936

What Was Happening — A journey through the years