Major Events of May 1932: Key Historical Moments from the Month

Each month is marked by defining moments that shape the course of history. Whether through political shifts, cultural movements, or world-changing events, these periods leave a lasting impression. Dive into the most important events from May 1932 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of May 1932: Key Historical Moments from the Month

03 May 1932 1932 Pulitzer Prizes Awarded: On May 3, 1932, the Pulitzer Prizes were announced, recognizing excellence in journalism and the arts. Notable winners included Pearl S. Buck for her novel "The Good Earth" and George Dillon for his poetry collection "The Flowering Stone." source: en.wikipedia.org
04 May 1932 Al Capone Imprisoned for Tax Evasion: On May 4, 1932, notorious gangster Al Capone was imprisoned for tax evasion, marking a significant victory for law enforcement against organized crime.
06 May 1932 Assassination of French President Paul Doumer: On May 6, 1932, French President Paul Doumer was assassinated by Paul Gorguloff, a Russian émigré, during a visit to the Paris International Exposition.
07 May 1932 58th Kentucky Derby Held: The 58th Kentucky Derby took place on May 7, 1932, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. The race was won by the horse Burgoo King. source: britannica.com
08 May 1932 French Legislative Election of 1932: The French legislative election took place on May 8, 1932, to elect members of the Chamber of Deputies. It was a significant event in the political landscape of France. source: britannica.com
09 May 1932 Piccadilly Circus Illuminated by Electricity: On May 9, 1932, Piccadilly Circus in London was illuminated by electric lights, marking a significant moment in the history of urban lighting. source: britannica.com
10 May 1932 Wellington Relief Workers Riot Over Unemployment Act: On May 10, 1932, over 4,000 unemployed workers in Wellington, New Zealand, marched to Parliament to protest the Unemployment Act. The demonstration turned violent when a breakaway group smashed shop windows in Lambton Quay. The following day, tensions escalated, leading to a riot in Cuba Street, where mounted and foot police dispersed the crowd. These events were part of a series of unemployment protests during the Great Depression. source: teara.govt.nz
11 May 1932 Siam Suspends Gold Standard: On May 11, 1932, Siam (now Thailand) suspended its adherence to the gold standard. This decision was part of a series of economic reforms during a period of significant political change, culminating in the Siamese revolution of 1932, which transitioned the country from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy. source: en.wikipedia.org
12 May 1932 Lindbergh Baby Kidnapping Tragedy: On May 12, 1932, Charles Lindbergh Jr., the 20-month-old son of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh and his wife, Anne Morrow Lindbergh, was kidnapped from their home in New Jersey. The case garnered international attention and led to a massive investigation, culminating in the discovery of the child's body in May 1932. source: en.wikipedia.org
14 May 1932 We Want Beer! Parade in New York: On May 14, 1932, approximately 100,000 New Yorkers marched down Fifth Avenue in protest against Prohibition, demanding the legalization of beer. The event, organized by Mayor Jimmy Walker, was dubbed the "We Want Beer!" parade. source: mcny.org
15 May 1932 Assassination of Japanese Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi: On May 15, 1932, Japanese Prime Minister Inukai Tsuyoshi was assassinated by a group of young naval officers and army cadets, an event that marked a significant turning point in Japanese politics. source: en.wikipedia.org
18 May 1932 Birth of Dean Tavoularis, Renowned Production Designer: Dean Tavoularis, an acclaimed American production designer known for his work on films like "The Godfather" and "Apocalypse Now," was born on May 18, 1932, in Lowell, Massachusetts. He has been recognized with an Academy Award for Best Art Direction for "The Godfather Part II." source: en.wikipedia.org
25 May 1932 Goofy's animated debut in Mickey's Revue: On May 25, 1932, the Walt Disney cartoon 'Mickey's Revue' was released, featuring the first appearance of Goofy, then known as Dippy Dawg, as a member of the audience. source: en.wikipedia.org
29 May 1932 Amelia Earhart's historic solo Atlantic flight: On May 20–21, 1932, Amelia Earhart became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean, piloting her Lockheed Vega from Harbour Grace, Newfoundland, to Londonderry, Northern Ireland, in approximately 15 hours. source: history.com
30 May 1932 End of Brüning Chancellorship in Germany: On May 30, 1932, Chancellor Heinrich Brüning resigned from his position in Germany, marking the end of his tenure during a period of political instability. source: en.wikipedia.org