1938 facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

The year 1938 was a time of many important changes and events around the world. New inventions, famous plays, and big political shifts all happened during this year. It was a time when the world was moving closer to a major global conflict, but also a year of new discoveries and cultural milestones.

Major Events of 1938
Famous People Born in 1938
Notable People Who Passed Away in 1938
Movies and Music of 1938
Nobel Prize Winner
Images for kids
See also

Major Events of 1938

January: New Beginnings

On January 3, the March of Dimes organization was started by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt. This group aimed to fight diseases like polio, which was a big problem at the time.
A few days later, on January 11, Frances Moulton made history. She became the first woman to lead a national bank in the United States. This was a big step for women in business.
On January 20, King Farouk I of Egypt married Queen Farida Zulficar in Cairo. This was a major royal event.
The first ski tow in America started working in Vermont on January 28. This made it much easier for people to enjoy skiing.
On January 31, Crown Princess Beatrix was born in the Netherlands. She would later become the Queen of the Netherlands.

February: Culture and Politics

Thornton Wilder's famous play Our Town opened in New York City on February 4. It's a play about everyday life in a small American town.
On February 10, Carol II of Romania took control of the government, gaining more power for himself.
A big step towards World War II happened on February 12. German troops entered Austria. This was a sign of growing tensions in Europe.
A new invention for daily life appeared on February 24. The first toothbrush with nylon bristles was sold. Nylon was a brand-new material at the time.

March: Oil and Annexation

On March 3, a very important discovery was made in Saudi Arabia: Oil! This would change the country's future forever.
Just nine days later, on March 12, German troops fully occupied Austria. This event, called the Anschluss, meant Austria became part of Germany.
On March 18, Mexico took control of all foreign-owned oil companies within its borders. This was a big move for Mexico's independence.

April to June: New Leaders and Discoveries

Édouard Daladier became the new president of France on April 12.
On April 28, four towns in Massachusetts (Dana, Enfield, Greenwich, and Prescott) were closed down. This was to make space for the Quabbin Reservoir, a large water supply.
The Vatican recognized Francisco Franco's government in Spain on May 5.
A very famous superhero first appeared on June 1. Superman was introduced in Action Comics issue #1.
On June 23, a new law was signed in the United States, creating the Civil Aeronautics Authority. This group helped manage air travel and aviation.
Also on June 23, Marineland opened near St. Augustine, Florida. It was one of the first marine parks.
Douglas Hyde was elected the first President of Ireland on June 25.
A huge meteorite, weighing 450 tonnes, hit the Earth on June 28. It landed in an empty field in Chicora, Pennsylvania.

November: A Dark Night

A terrible event known as Kristallnacht (Night of Broken Glass) happened in Nazi Germany on November 9 and November 10. During this time, Nazis attacked Jewish people, destroyed over 1,500 synagogues, and sent about 30,000 Jews to concentration camps.

Famous People Born in 1938

Many people who would become famous were born in 1938:

January 1 – Frank Langella, an American actor.
January 5 – Juan Carlos of Spain, who would become the King of Spain.
January 31 – Beatrix of the Netherlands, who would become the Queen of the Netherlands.
February 21 – Lester Bird, who became the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda.
April 26 – Duane Eddy, a well-known American guitarist.
May 31 – John Prescott, a British politician.
August 21 – Kenny Rogers, a very popular American singer.
August 29 – Elliott Gould, an American actor.
October 23 – H. John Heinz III, an American Senator.
October 29 – Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, who became the President of Liberia.
November 17 – Gordon Lightfoot, a famous Canadian singer.
December 29 – Jon Voight, an American actor.

Notable People Who Passed Away in 1938

Some important people died in 1938:

January 20 – Émile Cohl, a French artist known for his early animated films.
January 21 – Georges Méliès, a French movie director who was a pioneer in filmmaking.
February 7 – Harvey Firestone, an American who founded the Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.
March 13 – Clarence Darrow, a famous American lawyer.
April 8 – Joe "King" Oliver, an American jazz musician.
May 4 – Carl von Ossietzky, a German pacifist who won the Nobel Peace Prize.
August 7 – Konstantin Stanislavski, a Russian actor and director who developed important acting methods.
August 16 – Robert Johnson, a legendary American blues musician.
November 10 – Kemal Atatürk, the first President of Turkey, who founded the modern Turkish Republic.
December 25 – Karel Čapek, a Czech writer who invented the word "robot."

Movies and Music of 1938

Two big movies were released: The Adventures of Robin Hood starring Errol Flynn, and Jezebel which won Bette Davis an Academy Award for Best Actress.
The song "Thanks For The Memory" by Leo Robin and Ralph Rainger, from the movie Big Broadcast 1935, won an Academy Award for Best Song.

Nobel Prize Winner

The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Belgian doctor Corneille Heymans. He won for his work on how the body controls breathing and blood pressure.