Major Events of May 1934: 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 1934 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

Major Events of May 1934: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 01 May 1934 May Constitution establishes Austrofascist Austria: On May 1, 1934, Austria's new constitution, known as the May Constitution, was promulgated, establishing the Federal State of Austria and ending the First Republic. This constitution centralized power under Chancellor Engelbert Dollfuss, creating an authoritarian regime. source: wien.gv.at
- 05 May 1934 Hunslet wins Rugby Challenge Cup Final: On May 5, 1934, Hunslet defeated Widnes 11-5 in the Rugby Challenge Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, marking their second Cup Final victory. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 06 May 1934 FC Sète wins Coupe de France: On May 6, 1934, FC Sète secured their second Coupe de France title by defeating Olympique de Marseille 2-1 in the final at Stade Olympique Yves-du-Manoir in Colombes. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 07 May 1934 Samuel Insull returns to United States: Fugitive businessman Samuel Insull arrived on American soil in the custody of authorities. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 11 May 1934 Catastrophic Dust Bowl Storm devastates Great Plains: On May 11, 1934, a severe dust storm swept across the Great Plains, significantly impacting agriculture and the environment. This event was part of the Dust Bowl phenomenon, which caused widespread ecological and economic damage during the 1930s. source: nps.gov
- 12 May 1934 Duke Ellington's 'Cocktails for Two' tops charts: On May 12, 1934, Duke Ellington's composition 'Cocktails for Two' reached the top of the music charts. This piece became one of the notable works of the jazz era, showcasing Ellington's influence on American music. source: jazzstandards.com
- 13 May 1934 Great Dust Bowl storm of 1934: On May 13, 1934, another significant dust storm occurred, exacerbating the conditions of the Dust Bowl. This storm contributed to the ongoing agricultural crisis in the Great Plains, affecting farmers and their livelihoods. source: nps.gov
- 14 May 1934 Sign Phillips - Welsh actress: On May 14, 1934, Welsh actress Sign Phillips gained recognition for her performances. She became known for her contributions to film and theater during this period. source: britannica.com
- 15 May 1934 Kārlis Ulmanis seizes power in Latvia: On May 15, 1934, Kārlis Ulmanis staged a coup d'état in Latvia, establishing an authoritarian regime. This event marked a significant shift in Latvian politics during the interwar period. source: britannica.com
- 16 May 1934 Minneapolis Teamsters strike begins: The Minneapolis Teamsters strike began on May 16, 1934, as workers sought better wages and working conditions. This strike was a pivotal moment in labor history, leading to significant changes in labor relations in the U.S. source: history.com
- 17 May 1934 Nazi sympathizers rally in New York City: On May 17, 1934, a rally organized by Nazi sympathizers took place in New York City, drawing significant public attention and controversy. The event highlighted the growing presence of pro-Nazi sentiments in the United States during the interwar period. source: nytimes.com
- 18 May 1934 Roosevelt calls for arms traffic regulation: On May 18, 1934, President Franklin D. Roosevelt addressed the need for regulating arms traffic, emphasizing the importance of controlling the international arms trade to prevent conflict. This call was part of broader efforts to promote peace and stability in the lead-up to World War II. source: archives.gov
- 19 May 1934 Bulgarian military coup of 1934: On May 19, 1934, a military coup took place in Bulgaria, leading to significant political changes in the country. The coup was part of a series of political upheavals in Eastern Europe during the interwar period, reflecting the instability of the region. source: britannica.com
- 20 May 1934 Birth of cosmonaut Alexei Leonov: Alexei Leonov, the first human to conduct a spacewalk, was born on May 20, 1934. His contributions to space exploration were significant, particularly during the early years of the Soviet space program. source: nasa.gov
- 21 May 1934 Oskaloosa's pioneering fingerprinting initiative: On May 21, 1934, Oskaloosa, Iowa, launched a pioneering fingerprinting initiative aimed at improving local law enforcement practices. This initiative was part of a broader trend in the United States to adopt scientific methods in policing. source: ia.gov
- 23 May 1934 Bonnie and Clyde killed in police ambush: On May 23, 1934, notorious criminals Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow were killed by law enforcement officers in Bienville Parish, Louisiana. After a prolonged manhunt, a posse ambushed the couple, resulting in their deaths. source: fbi.gov
- 28 May 1934 Donald Bradman scores 160 against Middlesex at Lord's: On May 28, 1934, Australian cricketer Donald Bradman scored 160 runs in 124 minutes for Australia against Middlesex at Lord's, including one six and 27 fours. source: sirdonaldbradmanyr9his.weebly.com
- 29 May 1934 Barmen Declaration Synod convenes in Germany: From May 29 to 31, 1934, the Confessional Synod of the German Evangelical Church met in Barmen, Germany, to oppose the 'German Christians' movement and affirm the church's independence from state control. source: britannica.com
- 30 May 1934 Japanese Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō dies: Admiral Tōgō Heihachirō, renowned for his leadership during the Russo-Japanese War, died on May 30, 1934, in Tokyo at the age of 86. source: britannica.com