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

Major Events of February 1933: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 Feb 1933 Hitler's proclamation to the German people: On February 1, 1933, Adolf Hitler made a proclamation to the German people, emphasizing national unity and the need for strong leadership. This speech was part of his campaign to garner public support for his regime. source: britannica.com
- 02 Feb 1933 Hitler dissolves German parliament: On February 2, 1933, Adolf Hitler dissolved the Reichstag, the German parliament, as part of his strategy to consolidate power. This move was a significant step in the establishment of a totalitarian regime in Germany, leading to the eventual enactment of the Enabling Act later that month. source: britannica.com
- 03 Feb 1933 Hitler's expansionist plans revealed to German generals: On February 3, 1933, Adolf Hitler outlined his expansionist plans to German generals, emphasizing the need for Lebensraum (living space) for the German people. This meeting was crucial in shaping the military strategies that would lead to aggressive territorial expansion in Europe. source: britannica.com
- 04 Feb 1933 Hitler's press suppression ordinance: On February 4, 1933, Adolf Hitler enacted a press suppression ordinance that allowed the government to control and censor the media. This ordinance was a critical tool in the Nazis' efforts to eliminate dissent and manipulate public opinion in Germany. source: britannica.com
- 05 Feb 1933 Dutch Navy suppresses naval mutiny with deadly force: On February 5, 1933, the Dutch Navy suppressed a mutiny with deadly force, resulting in casualties among the sailors. This event highlighted the tensions within the military and the government's willingness to use violence to maintain order. source: britannica.com
- 06 Feb 1933 Record low temperature in Oymyakon: On February 6, 1933, Oymyakon, Russia, recorded one of the lowest temperatures ever measured, reaching -67.7°C (-89.9°F). This extreme cold is characteristic of the region, known for its harsh winters. source: britannica.com
- 07 Feb 1933 Colonial violence in Suriname: On February 7, 1933, violent uprisings occurred in Suriname, driven by discontent among the local population against colonial rule. This event highlighted the tensions in colonial societies during this period. source: britannica.com
- 09 Feb 1933 Oxford Union's 'King and Country' Debate: On February 9, 1933, the Oxford Union debating society passed a motion stating, "That this House will in no circumstances fight for its King and country." The motion passed by 275 votes to 153, sparking widespread controversy and debate about patriotism and pacifism. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 Feb 1933 First singing telegram: The first singing telegram was delivered on February 10, 1933, by the Western Union company. This innovative service became a popular way to send messages in a unique and entertaining format. source: britannica.com
- 15 Feb 1933 Assassination Attempt on FDR in Miami: On February 15, 1933, President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt in Miami, Florida, when Giuseppe Zangara fired five shots at him. Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak was fatally wounded in the attack. source: history.com
- 16 Feb 1933 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
- 17 Feb 1933 Newsweek Magazine Launches First Issue: Newsweek magazine, a prominent American news publication, published its first issue on February 17, 1933, marking its entry into the media landscape. source: history.com
- 18 Feb 1933 Birth of Yoko Ono: Yoko Ono, a Japanese multimedia artist, singer, songwriter, and peace activist, was born on February 18, 1933, in Tokyo, Japan. source: britannica.com
- 22 Feb 1933 Birth of Duchess of Kent: Princess Marina of Greece and Denmark, later known as the Duchess of Kent, was born on February 22, 1933. She became a member of the British royal family through her marriage to Prince Edward, Duke of Kent. source: royal.uk
- 23 Feb 1933 Japanese invasion of Rehe Province: On February 23, 1933, Japan invaded Rehe Province in China, furthering its expansionist policies in East Asia. This invasion was part of the broader conflict leading to the Second Sino-Japanese War. source: britannica.com
- 24 Feb 1933 German Communist Party's final public demonstration: The German Communist Party held its last public demonstration on February 24, 1933, shortly before the Nazis consolidated power. This event marked the decline of communist influence in Germany. source: britannica.com
- 25 Feb 1933 USS Ranger aircraft carrier launch: The USS Ranger, the first aircraft carrier built from the keel up for the U.S. Navy, was launched on February 25, 1933. This marked a significant advancement in naval aviation. source: history.navy.mil
- 26 Feb 1933 Marinus van der Lubbe detained: Marinus van der Lubbe, a Dutch communist, was arrested for allegedly setting fire to the Reichstag building in Berlin. His detention marked the beginning of a series of events that would lead to the consolidation of power by the Nazi regime. The fire was used as a pretext to suppress political opposition in Germany. source: britannica.com
- 27 Feb 1933 Reichstag fire: A pivotal moment in Nazi Germany: The Reichstag fire occurred on February 27, 1933, and was a significant event that allowed the Nazis to claim a communist threat. This incident led to the suspension of civil liberties and the arrest of political opponents, facilitating Hitler's rise to absolute power. It is often viewed as a turning point in the establishment of the Nazi dictatorship. source: britannica.com
- 28 Feb 1933 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