The 1930s were a time of great change and upheaval, both in the United States and across the world. The decade was marked by the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, and the start of World War II. But the 1930s were also a time of great advances in art, music, literature, and technology. Here is a look back at the 1930s and some of the major events that shaped the decade.
The Great Depression
The 1930s began with the Great Depression, the most severe economic downturn in US history. The stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent collapse of the banking system triggered a period of economic hardship that would last for the entire decade. Millions of people lost their jobs, and poverty and homelessness increased dramatically. In response to the crisis, President Franklin D. Roosevelt created the New Deal, a series of government programs designed to provide relief to the unemployed and stimulate the economy.
The Rise of Fascism
The 1930s were also marked by the rise of fascism in Europe. In 1933, Adolf Hitler became Chancellor of Germany and began to implement his policies of racial hatred and aggressive militarism. In the following years, fascist governments rose to power in Italy, Spain, and other countries.
The Jazz Age
The 1930s were also a time of great creativity and innovation in the arts. The decade is often referred to as the “Jazz Age,” due to the popularity of jazz music and the emergence of new styles of dance, fashion, and art. Writers such as Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and William Faulkner produced some of their most acclaimed works during this period.
Prohibition
The 1930s also saw the repeal of Prohibition, the 18th Amendment to the US Constitution which had banned the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. The repeal of Prohibition marked the end of a 13-year period in which alcohol was illegal in the United States.
The Dust Bowl
The 1930s were also marked by a period of severe drought and dust storms in the Great Plains region of the United States. The drought, combined with poor farming practices, caused the soil to become dry and loose. The wind then blew the soil up into huge dust storms, which caused widespread destruction. The Dust Bowl lasted for nearly a decade and resulted in the displacement of millions of people.
Technological Advances
The 1930s also saw a number of technological advances. The first commercial air service began in the United States, and the first passenger jet plane was developed. The first television broadcasts began, and the first commercial radio broadcasts were aired.
The Rise of Hollywood
The 1930s were also a time of great change in the film industry. Hollywood studios began producing high-quality films with sound and color, and the world’s first movie stars emerged. Movies such as “Gone With the Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz” were released during this period.
The Start of World War II
The decade ended with the start of World War II. In 1939, Germany invaded Poland, and in 1941, the United States entered the war. The war would last for six years and result in the deaths of millions of people.
Conclusion
The 1930s were a decade of great change and upheaval. The decade saw the Great Depression, the rise of fascism, the start of World War II, and the repeal of Prohibition. The 1930s were also a time of great advances in art, music, literature, and technology. The decade is remembered as a time of creativity, innovation, and tragedy.
