Major Events of May 1938: 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 1938 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.
Major Events of May 1938: Key Historical Moments from the Month
- 04 May 1938 Douglas Hyde becomes first President of Ireland: On May 4, 1938, Douglas Hyde was elected unopposed as the first President of Ireland. Hyde, a distinguished Gaelic scholar and writer, was inaugurated on June 25, 1938, serving until 1945. source: britannica.com
- 05 May 1938 Record-breaking baseball inning: On May 5, 1938, the Chicago Cubs scored 12 runs in the eighth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies, setting a National League record for runs allowed in an inning by a single pitcher. source: sabr.org
- 08 May 1938 Nazi arrest warrant issued for Archduke Felix: On May 8, 1938, Nazi-controlled authorities in Austria issued a warrant for the arrest of Archduke Felix, accusing him of stealing silverware and linen from the Theresian Military Academy where he was a cadet. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 10 May 1938 Death of Australian Cricketer Peter McAlister: Peter McAlister, an Australian cricketer who played in eight Test matches from 1904 to 1909, died on May 10, 1938, in Richmond, Victoria. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 12 May 1938 US rejects Soviet defense proposal against Nazi Germany: On May 12, 1938, U.S. Secretary of State Cordell Hull rejected the Soviet Union's offer of a joint defense pact aimed at countering the rise of Nazi Germany. This decision reflected the United States' preference for bilateral agreements and its reluctance to enter into multilateral defense commitments at that time. source: history.state.gov
- 13 May 1938 US Naval Expansion Bill passed: On May 13, 1938, the United States Congress passed a Naval Expansion Bill, authorizing the construction of new warships. This legislation aimed to strengthen the U.S. Navy in response to growing international tensions and the rise of aggressive powers in Europe and Asia. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 14 May 1938 England defeats Nazi Germany in soccer match: On May 14, 1938, the England national football team defeated Nazi Germany in a friendly match. This game was notable for its political context, as it was played in Berlin and was seen as a symbol of goodwill between the two nations. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 15 May 1938 Formation of Red Coalition in Belgium: On May 15, 1938, the Red Coalition was formed in Belgium. This political alliance aimed to unite various left-wing factions in response to the rising threat of fascism in Europe. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 16 May 1938 Vatican establishes diplomatic relations with Francoist Spain: On May 16, 1938, the Vatican established diplomatic relations with Francoist Spain. This move was significant as it marked the Vatican's recognition of Francisco Franco's regime following the Spanish Civil War. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 21 May 1938 Tsuyama Massacre in Japan: The Tsuyama Massacre occurred when a former soldier, Masaru Saito, killed 30 people in Tsuyama, Japan. This tragic event highlighted issues of mental health and societal pressures in pre-war Japan. source: britannica.com
- 22 May 1938 British diplomatic stance on Czechoslovakia: On May 22, 1938, Britain reaffirmed its support for Czechoslovakia amid rising tensions in Europe. This stance was part of the broader context of appeasement policies leading up to World War II. source: britannica.com
- 23 May 1938 Hitler's diplomatic deception in Sudetenland crisis: On May 23, 1938, Adolf Hitler engaged in diplomatic maneuvers regarding the Sudetenland, attempting to mislead European powers about Germany's intentions. This was a key moment leading up to World War II. source: britannica.com
- 24 May 1938 Prince Buster born: Prince Buster, a significant figure in the ska music genre, was born on May 24, 1938. His contributions to music have had a lasting impact on Jamaican culture and beyond. source: britannica.com
- 25 May 1938 Hitler elevates birthplace to city status: On May 25, 1938, Adolf Hitler's birthplace, Braunau am Inn, was designated as a city by the Nazi regime. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 26 May 1938 Hitler establishes Volkswagen plant: On May 26, 1938, Adolf Hitler laid the cornerstone for a new Volkswagen plant in the Fallersleben district of Wolfsburg, Germany. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 27 May 1938 Nordic countries' neutrality declaration: On May 27, 1938, the Nordic countries declared their neutrality in the face of rising tensions in Europe. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 28 May 1938 Hitler's aggressive plans against Czechoslovakia: On May 28, 1938, Adolf Hitler outlined aggressive plans against Czechoslovakia, escalating tensions in Europe. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 29 May 1938 Balaguer Offensive fails during Spanish Civil War: On May 29, 1938, the Balaguer Offensive, a Republican military operation during the Spanish Civil War, ended in failure. The offensive aimed to break through Nationalist lines but was unsuccessful, leading to significant Republican casualties and a strategic setback. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 30 May 1938 Hitler-Chamberlain Sudetenland negotiations: On May 30, 1938, German Chancellor Adolf Hitler and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain engaged in negotiations concerning the Sudetenland region of Czechoslovakia. These discussions were part of the lead-up to the Munich Agreement, which aimed to address the territorial disputes in Central Europe. source: en.wikipedia.org
- 31 May 1938 Lou Gehrig's consecutive game streak: On May 31, 1938, American baseball player Lou Gehrig extended his consecutive games played streak to 1,308 games, a record that stood for decades and highlighted his durability and commitment to the sport. source: en.wikipedia.org