What Happened in 1931
Historical Highlights of 1931
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The Great Depression Worsens – Unemployment and economic struggles intensified worldwide.
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Empire State Building Opens (May 1) – The tallest building at the time was officially inaugurated in New York City.
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Commonwealth of Nations Established (December 11) – The Statute of Westminster gave legislative independence to former British colonies like Canada and Australia.
Pop Culture & Fun Facts from 1931
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Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights Released (January 30) – One of his greatest silent films.
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Dracula and Frankenstein Premiere – Universal Pictures’ horror classics featuring Bela Lugosi and Boris Karloff.
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Nevada Legalizes Gambling (March 19) – Paving the way for Las Vegas to become a gambling hub.
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The Star-Spangled Banner Becomes the U.S. National Anthem (March 3) – Officially recognized by Congress.
Science & Inventions of 1931
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Electron Microscope Invented – German physicist Ernst Ruska and Max Knoll developed the first prototype.
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First Modern Electric Razor – Jacob Schick patented the dry electric shaver.
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Yellowstone’s Old Faithful Inn Burns Down (August 17) – A major fire destroyed part of the historic landmark.
Sports Highlights of 1931
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Babe Ruth Hits 600th Career Home Run (August 21) – Strengthening his legendary baseball status.
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Gene Sarazen Wins The Open Championship – A major victory in golf.
Top Songs of 1931
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Minnie the Moocher – Cab Calloway & His Orchestra
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Dream a Little Dream of Me – Wayne King & His Orchestra
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All of Me – Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
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Brother, Can You Spare a Dime? – Bing Crosby
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Goodnight, Sweetheart – Ruth Etting
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Just One More Chance – Bing Crosby
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Out of Nowhere – Bing Crosby
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Life Is Just a Bowl of Cherries – Rudy Vallée & His Connecticut Yankees
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Wrap Your Troubles in Dreams – Russ Columbo
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I Found a Million Dollar Baby (In a Five and Ten Cent Store) – Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians
Top Movies of 1931
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Dracula – Starring Bela Lugosi
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Frankenstein – Starring Boris Karloff
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City Lights – Charlie Chaplin’s silent masterpiece
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Mata Hari – Starring Greta Garbo
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The Public Enemy – Starring James Cagney
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Little Caesar – Featuring Edward G. Robinson
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Cimarron – Winner of the Best Picture Oscar
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Monkey Business – A Marx Brothers classic
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Skippy – A popular family film starring Jackie Cooper
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The Champ – An emotional drama starring Wallace Beery and Jackie Cooper
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