1937 Economy & Business Events — Verified Historical Highlights
1937 Economy & Business Events — Verified Historical Highlights | TakeMeBack.to
- 01 Mar US Steel raises workers' wages: On March 1, 1937, U.S. Steel announced a wage increase for its workers, reflecting the growing labor movement and demands for better pay and working conditions during the Great Depression. source: nytimes.com
- 02 Mar Mexico nationalizes oil industry: On March 2, 1937, Mexico officially nationalized its oil industry, a significant move that aimed to assert control over natural resources and reduce foreign influence. This decision was met with both domestic support and international criticism. source: britannica.com
- 03 Mar Holmes Foundry labor conflict: The Holmes Foundry labor conflict erupted on March 3, 1937, highlighting tensions between workers and management over wages and working conditions. This conflict was part of a larger wave of labor unrest during the period. source: nytimes.com
- 11 Mar Jersey Airport Opens: Jersey Airport was inaugurated in the Channel Islands, marking an important development in regional transportation infrastructure during the late 1930s.
- 25 Mar First perfumed advertising page in US newspaper: In 1937, a U.S. newspaper published the first perfumed advertising page, introducing a new marketing technique that combined scent with print media to attract readers' attention and promote products. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 08 Apr Oshawa strike begins in Canada: The Oshawa strike began on April 8, 1937, as workers protested against poor working conditions and low wages in the automotive industry. This labor action was significant in the context of the broader labor movement in Canada during the 1930s. source: britannica.com
- 25 Apr Soviet Union completes five-year economic plan: On April 25, 1937, the Soviet Union announced the completion of its first five-year economic plan, aimed at rapid industrialization and collectivization. This plan significantly transformed the Soviet economy and society. source: britannica.com
- 26 Apr Great Depression unemployment in USA: On April 26, 1937, the United States was still grappling with high unemployment rates due to the Great Depression. Economic recovery efforts were ongoing, but many Americans continued to face hardship. source: bls.gov
- 25 May First Global Airmail Circumnavigation: The first global airmail circumnavigation was completed, marking a milestone in aviation and postal services. This event demonstrated the capabilities of air travel for international communication. source: britannica.com
- 28 May Volkswagen founded: Volkswagen was founded on May 28, 1937, in Germany, with the aim of producing affordable cars for the masses. This company would go on to become one of the largest automobile manufacturers in the world. source: britannica.com
- 04 Jun Shopping cart invention introduced: Sylvan Goldman introduced the shopping cart in Oklahoma City, revolutionizing the grocery shopping experience. This innovation allowed customers to carry more items conveniently. source: britannica.com
- 05 Jun Ford introduces 32-hour work week: Ford Motor Company announced a 32-hour work week for its employees, a significant shift in labor practices aimed at improving worker satisfaction and productivity. source: britannica.com
- 14 Jun Minimum Wages and Hours Bill Passed: On June 14, 1937, the U.S. Congress passed a bill establishing minimum wages and maximum working hours, aiming to improve labor conditions during the Great Depression. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 Jun August Busch III becomes CEO of Anheuser-Busch: August Anheuser Busch III, born on June 16, 1937, became the CEO of Anheuser-Busch in 1975, succeeding his father. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 01 Aug US oil embargo against Japan: On August 1, 1937, the United States imposed an oil embargo on Japan in response to its aggressive actions in China. This embargo aimed to pressure Japan to cease its military operations and expansionist policies. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 Aug US-USSR Trade Treaty signed: On August 6, 1937, the United States and the Soviet Union signed a trade treaty aimed at improving economic relations between the two nations. This agreement facilitated trade and investment, reflecting a period of cautious engagement during the interwar years. It was significant for both countries' economic strategies. source: britannica.com
- 08 Aug Bonneville Dam begins power generation: On August 8, 1937, the Bonneville Dam, located on the Columbia River, began generating electricity. This marked a significant milestone in the development of hydroelectric power in the United States, contributing to regional economic growth. source: usbr.gov
- 10 Aug Canon's founding as precision optical company: On August 10, 1937, Canon was founded in Tokyo, Japan, as a precision optical company. This marked the beginning of its evolution into a leading manufacturer of imaging and optical products. source: britannica.com
- 16 Aug Polish peasant labor strike: On August 16, 1937, Polish peasant workers organized a labor strike, demanding better working conditions and rights. This movement was part of a broader trend of labor activism in Poland during the interwar period. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 Aug Toyota Motors established as independent company: On August 28, 1937, Toyota Motors was established as an independent company, marking a significant milestone in the automotive industry. source: toyota-global.com
- 02 Sep US Housing Authority established: The United States Housing Authority was established on September 2, 1937, as part of the New Deal to provide affordable housing and improve living conditions during the Great Depression. source: hud.gov
- 28 Sep Bonneville Dam Dedication: On September 28, 1937, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated the Bonneville Dam in the Columbia River Gorge, marking a significant achievement in American infrastructure. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 Sep Purdy Bridge Opening: The Purdy Bridge was inaugurated in Purdy, Washington, representing local infrastructure development and improved transportation connectivity in the region.
- 21 Oct Inauguration of Enrico Forlanini Airport: The Enrico Forlanini Airport in Linate, Milan was officially inaugurated, marking an important moment in Italy's aviation infrastructure development during the interwar period. Named after the pioneering Italian engineer Enrico Forlanini, the airport would play a significant role in the region's transportation network.
- 17 Dec German Autobahn Expansion Continues: On December 17, 1937, six new sections of the German Autobahn totaling 218 kilometers were opened, further expanding the Reichsautobahn network. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 22 Dec Lincoln Tunnel Opens in New York City: The Lincoln Tunnel, connecting Weehawken, New Jersey, to Midtown Manhattan, opened on December 22, 1937. This 1.5-mile tunnel was a significant engineering feat, costing $85 million to construct. It was the first vehicular tunnel under the Hudson River, designed by civil engineer Ole Singstad. The opening ceremony featured military parades and aerial bomb detonations. The initial toll was 50 cents per passenger car. source: baruch.cuny.edu
- 28 Dec Death of Hans Niels Andersen: Hans Niels Andersen, a prominent Danish shipping magnate and founder of the East Asiatic Company, passed away, marking the end of a significant business career.
- 29 Dec French Public Service Workers' Strike: Approximately 120,000 public service workers in France initiate a general strike, which is resolved within a single day, indicating labor tensions and quick political negotiation.
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