1935

The year 1935 occurred during the interwar period and the era of the Great Depression, marked by political upheaval, economic reform, and growing international tension. It saw major social policy changes in the United States and stepped-up consolidation of authoritarian regimes in parts of Europe and Asia.

In the United States, the New Deal produced landmark legislation. The Social Security Act established old-age pensions, unemployment insurance, and aid to dependent children. The Wagner Act protected workers’ rights to organize and created the National Labor Relations Board. The Wealth Tax Act raised taxes on higher incomes. The Works Progress Administration began large-scale public works programs, and the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River was completed and dedicated in 1935.

Across Europe, the Saarland voted in January to rejoin Germany after a League-period referendum. The Stresa Front, an alignment among Britain, France, and Italy, sought to coordinate opposition to Italian expansion, though it proved short-lived. In June, the Anglo-German Naval Agreement allowed Germany a navy up to 35 percent of Britain’s tonnage. In September, the Nazi regime enacted the Nuremberg Laws, stripping Jews of citizenship and civil rights and marking a tightening of racial policy.

Internationally, Italy invaded Ethiopia starting in October 1935, triggering sanctions by the League of Nations that were limited and ineffective. The invasion intensified tensions leading toward broader conflicts in the late 1930s.

Other developments included ongoing environmental and economic strain from the Dust Bowl era, alongside continued advances in science, industry, and culture in various countries.