On This Day

Leader of the fascist Iron Guard movement, Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, and 13 other legionnaires are assassinated by order

Leader of the fascist Iron Guard movement, Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, and 13 other legionnaires are assassinated by order of King Carol II.

Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, born Corneliu Zelinski and commonly known as Corneliu Codreanu, was a fascist Romanian politician, the founder and charismatic leader of the Iron Guard or The Legion of the Archangel Michael (also known as the Legionary Movement), an ultranationalist and violently antisemitic organization active throughout most of the interwar period. Generally seen as the main variety of local fascism, and noted for its mystical and Romanian Orthodox-inspired revolutionary message, the Iron Guard gained prominence on the Romanian political stage, coming into conflict with the political establishment and the democratic forces, and often resorting to terrorism.

Events Before

  1. Anastasio Somoza García becomes President of Nicaragua

    Anastasio Somoza García becomes President of Nicaragua

  2. American musician Nat King Cole (18) weds dancer Nadine Robinson in Ypsilanti, Michigan; divorce in 1948

    American musician Nat King Cole (18) weds dancer Nadine Robinson in Ypsilanti, Michigan; divorce in 1948

  3. American actress Mary Astor (30) weds third husband, Mexican film editor Manuel del Campo (23) in Yuma, Arizona; divorce

    American actress Mary Astor (30) weds third husband, Mexican film editor Manuel del Campo (23) in Yuma, Arizona; divorce in 1941

  4. Australian cricketer Don Bradman scores 169 in the 5th Test match against England in 223 minutes, ensuring Australia win

    Australian cricketer Don Bradman scores 169 in the 5th Test match against England in 223 minutes, ensuring Australia wins the Ashes 3-2

  5. Film director D. W. Griffith (61) weds actress Evelyn Baldwin (26)

    Film director D. W. Griffith (61) weds actress Evelyn Baldwin (26)

Events After

  1. Jim Bakker is born

    Jim Bakker televangelist, known for american televangelist, was born on 1939-01-02. James Orsen Bakker is an American televangelist and convicted felon.

  2. American future MLB catcher Roy Campanella (18) weds Bernice Ray; eventually divorce

    American future MLB catcher Roy Campanella (18) weds Bernice Ray; eventually divorce

  3. Adolf Hitler threatens Jews during his speech to the German Reichstag (Parliament)

    Adolf Hitler (20 April 1889 – 30 April 1945) was an Austrian-born German politician who was the dictator of Germany during the Nazi era, which lasted from 1933 until his suicide in 1945.

  4. American singer Frank Sinatra (23) marries 1st wife Nancy Barbato (21) at Our Lady of Sorrows catholic church in Jersey

    American singer Frank Sinatra (23) marries 1st wife Nancy Barbato (21) at Our Lady of Sorrows catholic church in Jersey City, New Jersey; divorce in 1951

  5. Mahatma Gandhi begins a fast in Bombay to protest against autocratic rule in India

    Mahatma Gandhi begins a fast in Bombay to protest against autocratic rule in India

More from the 1930s

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened on November 30, 1938?
Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, born Corneliu Zelinski and commonly known as Corneliu Codreanu, was a fascist Romanian politician, the founder and charismatic leader of the Iron Guard or The Legion of the Archangel Michael (also known as the Legionary Movement), an ultranationalist and violently antisemitic organization active throughout most of the interwar period. Generally seen as the main variety of local fascism, and noted for its mystical and Romanian Orthodox-inspired revolutionary message, the Iron Guard gained prominence on the Romanian political stage, coming into conflict with the political establishment and the democratic forces, and often resorting to terrorism.
Why is Leader of the fascist Iron Guard movement, Corneliu Zelea Codreanu, and 13 ot... historically important?
Generally seen as the main variety of local fascism, and noted for its mystical and Romanian Orthodox-inspired revolutionary message, the Iron Guard gained prominence on the Romanian political stage, coming into conflict with the political establishment and the democratic forces, and often resorting to terrorism.

Explore More