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Major Events of May 1939: 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 1939 and discover how they influenced the world both then and now.

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Major Events of May 1939: Key Historical Moments from the Month

  • 01 May 1939 Pulitzer Prize awarded to Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings: Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1939 for her novel "The Yearling." This recognition highlighted her contributions to American literature and her ability to capture the essence of rural life in Florida. source: britannica.com
  • 02 May 1939 Lou Gehrig's consecutive games streak ends: Lou Gehrig's remarkable streak of 2,130 consecutive games played came to an end on May 2, 1939, when he was unable to play due to health issues. This record stood for decades and solidified his legacy in baseball history. source: britannica.com
  • 03 May 1939 Formation of All India Forward Bloc: The All India Forward Bloc was formed on May 3, 1939, by Subhas Chandra Bose as a faction within the Indian National Congress. It aimed to consolidate anti-colonial forces and promote a more radical approach to India's independence. source: britannica.com
  • 04 May 1939 Japan's diplomatic support for Axis powers: On May 4, 1939, Japan expressed its diplomatic support for the Axis powers, aligning itself with Germany and Italy during World War II. This move was part of Japan's broader strategy to expand its influence in Asia. source: britannica.com
  • 05 May 1939 Poland stands firm against Nazi territorial demands: On May 5, 1939, Poland rejected Nazi Germany's territorial demands, asserting its sovereignty in the face of increasing pressure. This stance contributed to the tensions leading up to World War II. source: britannica.com
  • 10 May 1939 Hungarian Anti-Semitic Legislation Enacted: On May 10, 1939, Hungary enacted the Second Anti-Jewish Law, which defined Jews in racial terms and imposed further restrictions on their rights, including limitations on employment and property ownership. source: encyclopedia.ushmm.org
  • 11 May 1939 Battle of Nomonhan: Japanese-Soviet Conflict: On May 11, 1939, a border clash occurred between Japanese and Soviet forces near the Khalkhin Gol River, escalating into the Battle of Nomonhan, a significant conflict between Japan and the Soviet Union. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 13 May 1939 SS St. Louis Departs with Jewish Refugees: On May 13, 1939, the German ocean liner SS St. Louis departed Hamburg carrying 937 Jewish refugees seeking asylum in Cuba, but was denied entry, leading to a tragic return to Europe. source: encyclopedia.ushmm.org
  • 15 May 1939 Ravensbrück concentration camp opens: On May 15, 1939, the SS established Ravensbrück, the largest concentration camp for women, located north of Berlin, Germany. source: worldwar2-sof.com
  • 16 May 1939 First US food stamp program launch: On May 16, 1939, the first US food stamp program was launched, aiming to provide food assistance to low-income individuals. source: history.com
  • 17 May 1939 Nordic countries reject German non-aggression pact: On May 17, 1939, the Nordic countries rejected the German non-aggression pact, signaling their resistance to Nazi Germany's influence. source: worldwar2-sof.com
  • 18 May 1939 Jewish Riots in Jerusalem Against British White Paper: On May 18, 1939, Jewish protests erupted in Jerusalem in response to the British White Paper, which limited Jewish immigration to Palestine. Demonstrations escalated into riots, resulting in over 100 Jews injured in confrontations with police. The unrest included a general strike and mass meetings, reflecting widespread opposition to British policies among the Jewish community. source: loc.gov
  • 19 May 1939 Franco's Victory Parade in Madrid: On May 19, 1939, Madrid hosted a grand victory parade to celebrate the Nationalists' triumph in the Spanish Civil War. The event featured approximately 100,000 soldiers and attracted around a million spectators. The parade lasted seven hours, showcasing military units, historical banners, and was attended by General Francisco Franco, who received the Grand Cross with Laurels of St. Ferdinand. source: archive.catholicherald.co.uk
  • 20 May 1939 First Regular Transatlantic Airmail Service Launched: On May 20, 1939, Pan American Airways inaugurated the first regular transatlantic airmail service, connecting New York and Lisbon. This service marked a significant advancement in international mail delivery, reducing transit times between the United States and Europe.
  • 21 May 1939 Pact of Steel Signed: On May 21, 1939, Italy and Germany signed the Pact of Steel, a military and political alliance that solidified the Axis powers' cooperation during World War II. The pact committed both nations to support each other in times of war and marked a significant escalation in European tensions.
  • 23 May 1939 Hitler's Threat to Poland: On May 23, 1939, Adolf Hitler informed Wehrmacht generals of his decision to wage war against Poland, with the Free City of Danzig as a pretext. He expressed confidence that Britain would not intervene, even if it did, Germany could economically cripple Britain by conquering the Low Countries and France. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 26 May 1939 Birth of renowned sportscaster Brent Musburger: Brent Musburger, an American sportscaster known for his work with CBS and ESPN, was born on May 26, 1939, in Portland, Oregon. source: en.wikipedia.org
  • 27 May 1939 Jerry Mercer born: Jerry Mercer, a Canadian drummer known for his work with the band April Wine, was born on May 27, 1939, in Montreal, Quebec. source: en.wikipedia.org