1933 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1933 Law & Justice Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 06 Feb Twentieth Amendment certified as part of the Constitution: On February 6, 1933, Secretary of State Henry L. Stimson certified that the Twentieth Amendment had been ratified by the requisite number of states, making it part of the U.S. Constitution. source: law.cornell.edu
- 15 Feb Blaine Act Passes, Ending Prohibition: The Blaine Act, which was the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, was passed on February 15, 1933, effectively ending Prohibition and allowing the legal production and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States. source: history.com
- 16 Feb U.S. Senate Approves Repeal of 18th Amendment: The U.S. Senate approved the repeal of the 18th Amendment on February 16, 1933, paving the way for the end of Prohibition in the United States. source: history.com
- 28 Feb Reichstag fire decree implemented: The Reichstag Fire Decree, enacted on February 28, 1933, allowed the Nazi government to suspend civil liberties and arrest political opponents without warrants. This decree was a crucial step in the Nazis' consolidation of power, enabling them to suppress dissent and establish a totalitarian regime. source: britannica.com
- 04 Mar Bertha Wilson Appointed to Supreme Court of Canada: Bertha Wilson becomes the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, marking a historic moment for gender representation in the Canadian judicial system. Her appointment paves the way for future female judges and legal professionals.
- 10 Mar Execution of Giuseppe Zangara: Giuseppe Zangara was executed on March 10, 1933, for the assassination attempt on President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt. His execution marked a significant moment in American history, reflecting the tensions and political climate of the time. source: history.com
- 01 Apr Nazi boycott of Jewish businesses: On April 1, 1933, the Nazi regime initiated a nationwide boycott of Jewish-owned businesses in Germany. This action marked one of the first major steps in the systematic persecution of Jews, leading to widespread economic and social discrimination. The boycott was a precursor to more severe anti-Semitic policies. source: britannica.com
- 04 Apr Nazi Civil Service Law: On April 4, 1933, the Nazi regime in Germany enacted the Civil Service Law, which mandated the dismissal of Jewish individuals from civil service positions. This law was part of a series of anti-Semitic measures implemented by the Nazis to exclude Jews from public life and institutions. source: ushmm.org
- 07 Apr First Nazi Anti-Jewish Laws Enacted: On April 7, 1933, the German government enacted the Law for the Restoration of the Professional Civil Service, which restricted employment in the civil service to 'Aryans.' This law led to the dismissal of Jewish government workers, including teachers and professors, from their positions. It was one of the first official anti-Jewish laws implemented by the Nazi regime. source: encyclopedia.ushmm.org
- 13 Apr United Kingdom passes Children and Young Persons Act: The Children and Young Persons Act was passed in the UK on April 13, 1933, aimed at improving the welfare of children and young people. It introduced measures for their protection and care, reflecting a growing awareness of children's rights. source: britannica.com
- 21 Apr First Woman Director of US Mint: Nellie Tayloe Ross becomes the first woman to be named director of the United States Mint, breaking significant gender barriers in government leadership.
- 24 Apr Nazi Germany begins persecution of Jehovah's Witnesses: On April 24, 1933, Nazi authorities raided the headquarters of the Bible Students' Association in Magdeburg, marking the beginning of systematic persecution against Jehovah's Witnesses. This group faced severe discrimination for their refusal to swear allegiance to the state or participate in military service, leading to arrests and imprisonment in concentration camps. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 25 Apr Nazi Germany implements discriminatory education restrictions: On April 25, 1933, the Law Against Overcrowding in German Schools and Universities was enacted, limiting the number of Jewish students to 1.5% of the total enrollment. This legislation aimed to reduce the presence of Jewish students in educational institutions, reflecting the regime's antisemitic policies. source: encyclopedia.ushmm.org
- 26 Apr Establishment of the Gestapo in Nazi Germany: On April 26, 1933, Hermann Göring established the Gestapo (Geheime Staatspolizei; Secret State Police), marking a significant step in the consolidation of Nazi power and the intensification of political repression. source: jewishvirtuallibrary.org
- 26 May Nazi Eugenic Sterilization Law Enacted: On May 26, 1933, the Nazi regime enacted the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring, initiating a state-sponsored eugenics program that led to the forced sterilization of individuals deemed genetically inferior. source: ushmm.org
- 16 Jun Polk County Sheriff Kidnapping Incident: Sheriff William Killingworth of Polk County, Missouri, was kidnapped by the infamous gangster Pretty Boy Floyd but was subsequently released unharmed, highlighting the lawlessness of the era.
- 14 Jul Nazi eugenics law passed: On July 14, 1933, Nazi Germany enacted the Law for the Prevention of Hereditarily Diseased Offspring, allowing the compulsory sterilization of individuals deemed genetically unfit. This law was part of the regime's broader eugenics program. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 17 Jul Senator Karl C. Schuyler injured in New York: On July 17, 1933, former U.S. Senator Karl C. Schuyler was struck by an automobile while walking in Central Park, New York City. He was hospitalized but succumbed to his injuries on July 31. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 20 Jul Machine Gun Kelly Kidnaps Oklahoma Oilman: Notorious criminal George 'Machine-Gun' Kelly and accomplice Albert Bates kidnap Charles Urschel, a wealthy Oklahoma oilman, demanding a $200,000 ransom in a high-profile criminal act.
- 28 Jul Abolition of Grand Jury in English Law: The Administration of Justice (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1933, enacted on July 28, 1933, abolished grand juries in England and Wales. This reform aimed to streamline the legal process by removing the grand jury system. source: legislation.gov.uk
- 30 Aug Establishment of PIDE in Portugal: On August 30, 1933, the Portuguese government established the International and State Defense Police (PIDE), a secret police force responsible for internal security and political surveillance during the Estado Novo regime. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 04 Oct Nazi Government Passes Discriminatory Editors Law: On October 4, 1933, the Nazi government enacted the Editors Law (Schriftleitergesetz), which required editors to be of "Aryan" descent and excluded Jews and those married to Jews from the profession. This law was part of the regime's broader efforts to control the press and suppress dissenting voices. source: encyclopedia.ushmm.org
- 15 Dec 21st Amendment repeals Prohibition in the U.S.: On December 15, 1933, the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, repealing the 18th Amendment and ending Prohibition. This allowed the legal production and sale of alcoholic beverages in the United States. source: en.wikipedia.org
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