Key Takeaways:
- The year 1926 was marked by notable events, including the birth of famous individuals such as David Attenborough, Mel Brooks, and Marilyn Monroe.
- The year saw the death of notable figures, including Harry Houdini, Bessie Coleman, and Rudolph Valentino.
- The U.S. population was approximately 117.4 million, with 48 states and an unemployment rate of 1.8%.
- The Ford Model T was the most popular car, selling for $260, and the U.S. numbered highway system was introduced.
- The year also saw the introduction of the first radio commercial singing jingle, the launch of the NBC radio network, and the debut of the comedy series "Sam ‘n’ Henry," which later became "Amos ‘n’ Andy."
Introduction to 1926
The year 1926 was a significant one, filled with notable events, births, and deaths. This article takes a look back at life in 1926, highlighting famous firsts, milestones, and more. From the birth of famous individuals to the introduction of new technologies and innovations, 1926 was a year that shaped the world as we know it today. With a population of approximately 117.4 million people, the United States was a growing and changing country, with 48 states and an unemployment rate of 1.8%. The Ford Model T was the most popular car, selling for $260, and the U.S. numbered highway system was introduced, including the famous U.S. Route 66.
Life in the United States
In 1926, Calvin Coolidge was the President of the United States, and Charles G. Dawes was the Vice President. The Republicans held a slight majority in the 69th Congress, with 54 seats. William Howard Taft was the Chief Justice, and the nation was experiencing a period of growth and prosperity. The cost of living was relatively low, with a stamp costing 2 cents and a gallon of gasoline costing around 15 cents. The introduction of the eight-hour, five-day work week by Henry Ford was a significant innovation, which would later become law. The year also saw the introduction of the first radio commercial singing jingle, which aired on Christmas Eve, and the launch of the NBC radio network.
Notable Events and Innovations
The year 1926 saw the introduction of several notable innovations, including the first liquid-fuel rocket, launched by Robert H. Goddard, and the first public demonstration of a television system by John Logie Baird. The concept of financing was also introduced, with 75% of new-vehicle purchases being financed, and the idea soon expanded to appliances. The Air Corps Act of 1926 changed the name of the Air Service to Air Corps, and the Army established the Air Corps Training Center in San Antonio. Bertha Knight Landes became the first female mayor of a major U.S. city, Seattle, and Chrysler Corp. had its first full year of business, expanding its line of automobiles.
Entertainment and Culture
The year 1926 was a significant one for entertainment and culture, with the publication of two classics of literature: A.A. Milne’s "Winnie-the-Pooh" and Ernest Hemingway’s "The Sun Also Rises." Paul Whiteman’s "Valencia" spent 17 weeks atop the U.S. Billboard charts, and Gene Austin’s "Bye Bye, Blackbird" was number one for 12 weeks. The dance pioneer Martha Graham gave her first New York performance, and the comedy duo of George Burns and Gracie Allen married in Northeast Ohio. The year also saw the debut of the comedy series "Sam ‘n’ Henry," which later became "Amos ‘n’ Andy," and the introduction of the first radio commercial singing jingle.
Disasters and Tragedies
The year 1926 was also marked by several disasters and tragedies, including a hurricane that slammed Miami Beach, killing 243 people and leaving thousands homeless. A train hijacking in Mexico resulted in the deaths of dozens of people, and an explosion on a Chinese troop-transport ship killed 1,200 people. The Pabst Mine disaster in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula killed three workers, and an explosion in a Wilburton, Oklahoma, mine killed 91 miners. These events were a sobering reminder of the risks and challenges faced by people around the world.
Awards and Honors
The year 1926 saw the awarding of several notable prizes and honors, including the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded to Aristide Briand and Gustav Stresemann for their work on the Locarno Treaty. The Pulitzer Prize for fiction was awarded to Sinclair Lewis for his novel "Arrowsmith," and the Pulitzer Prize for drama was awarded to George Kelly for his play "Craig’s Wife." The Nobel Prize for Literature was awarded to Italian writer Grazia Deledda, and the Spingarn Medal was awarded to historian-author Carter G. Woodson. These awards recognized the achievements of individuals in various fields and highlighted the importance of their contributions to society.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the year 1926 was a significant one, marked by notable events, innovations, and cultural achievements. From the birth of famous individuals to the introduction of new technologies and innovations, 1926 was a year that shaped the world as we know it today. The year also saw its share of disasters and tragedies, but ultimately, it was a year of growth, progress, and achievement. As we look back on this pivotal year, we are reminded of the importance of innovation, perseverance, and creativity in shaping our world.
