Major Events of April 1933: 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 April 1933 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of April 1933: Key Historical Moments from the Month


  • 01 Apr 1933 Heinrich Himmler becomes police commander: On April 1, 1933, Heinrich Himmler was appointed as the commander of the German police. This position allowed him to expand the power of the SS and implement the Nazi regime's policies of repression and terror. Himmler's role was crucial in the establishment of the police state in Nazi Germany. source: britannica.com
  • 02 Apr 1933 Wally Hammond's record Test match performance: On April 2, 1933, Wally Hammond achieved a record performance in a Test match, scoring 336 runs against New Zealand. This remarkable feat solidified his reputation as one of cricket's greatest batsmen. Hammond's performance remains one of the highest individual scores in Test cricket history. source: britannica.com
  • 03 Apr 1933 First flight over Mount Everest: On April 3, 1933, Squadron Leader Douglas Douglas-Hamilton and Flight Lieutenant David McIntyre piloted two aircraft over Mount Everest, marking the first aerial crossing of the world's highest peak. The expedition, sponsored by Lucy, Lady Houston, aimed to map the region and assist mountaineers. The aircraft, a Houston-Westland and a Westland-Wallace, took off from Lalbalu aerodrome in India, reaching altitudes near 30,000 feet and clearing Everest by approximately 100 feet. The flight lasted three hours, covering a return distance of 320 miles, and provided valuable photographs of the mountain. source: theguardian.com
  • 04 Apr 1933 Roosevelt's gold ownership ban: On April 4, 1933, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order that required all individuals to exchange their gold coins, gold bullion, and gold certificates for U.S. dollars. This measure aimed to combat the Great Depression by increasing the money supply and was a significant step in the abandonment of the gold standard. source: federalreservehistory.org
  • 05 Apr 1933 Gold confiscation executive order: On April 5, 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed an executive order requiring all individuals to surrender their gold coins, gold bullion, and gold certificates to the Federal Reserve. This action aimed to combat the Great Depression by increasing the money supply and was a significant step in the United States' departure from the gold standard. source: federalreservehistory.org
  • 07 Apr 1933 Utah ratifies 21st Amendment: On April 7, 1933, Utah became the 36th state to ratify the 21st Amendment, which repealed Prohibition in the United States. This marked a significant shift in American social policy and the regulation of alcohol. source: archives.gov
  • 08 Apr 1933 Herbert von Karajan Joins Nazi Party: On April 8, 1933, renowned conductor Herbert von Karajan became a member of the Nazi Party. His membership was part of a broader trend of artists and intellectuals aligning with the regime during this period. Karajan's affiliation with the party has been a subject of historical scrutiny. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 10 Apr 1933 Anti-monarchist rebellion in Siam: On April 10, 1933, an anti-monarchist rebellion occurred in Siam (now Thailand), reflecting the growing discontent with the monarchy and calls for democratic reforms. This event was part of a larger movement towards modernization in the country. source: britannica.com
  • 13 Apr 1933 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
  • 15 Apr 1933 Roy Clark birth: Roy Clark, an American country music singer and television personality, was born on April 15, 1933. He gained fame as a performer and host of the television show 'Hee Haw,' contributing significantly to country music's popularity. source: britannica.com
  • 16 Apr 1933 Easter Sunday in 1933: Easter Sunday in 1933 fell on April 16, marking a significant day in the Christian calendar. Celebrations included various religious services and traditions observed by Christians around the world. source: britannica.com
  • 19 Apr 1933 37th Boston Marathon Results: Leslie Pawson of Rhode Island won the 37th Boston Marathon with an impressive time of 2:31:01.6, showcasing his exceptional long-distance running skills.
  • 21 Apr 1933 Establishment of the Gestapo: On April 21, 1933, the Gestapo, the secret police of Nazi Germany, was established, marking a significant step in the regime's consolidation of power and suppression of opposition. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 24 Apr 1933 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 1933 United States and Canada abandon gold standard: On April 25, 1933, the United States and Canada officially abandoned the gold standard, allowing their currencies to be issued without direct conversion to gold. This move aimed to combat the economic challenges of the Great Depression. source: jewishvirtuallibrary.org
  • 26 Apr 1933 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
  • 30 Apr 1933 Assassination of Peruvian President Luis M. Sanchez Cerro: On April 30, 1933, Peruvian President Luis M. Sanchez Cerro was assassinated. He was a military leader who had taken power in a coup and was known for his authoritarian rule. source: en.wikipedia.org