The 1930s
The 1930s was a time of great change and struggle. People were
struggling with the Great Depression and the stock market crash. The main focus
of the 30s was just striving to survive. Fortunately, the president at the time,
Franklin D. Roosevelt was a man of his word and commitment. FDR created a plan
called The New Deal, an attempt to end the depression and help restore society.
Roosevelt started relief programs intended to help people financially and physically.
He even wanted to help people regain their strength mentally. FDR gave radio
speeches called "Fireside Chats." Across the nation, families gathered
around their radios and listened.
Hero Charles Lindbergh's baby was kidnapped. The Dust Bowl brought devastation
to the Midwest. Desperate for money and food, some people turned to robbery
and murder including Bonnie and Clyde, Al Capone and John Dillinger. The
1930s was also a decade of sports. The Yankees won the World Series five times
and Jessie Owens set five world records in track and field in one day.
To make life easier, Campbell's introduced chicken noodle soup in a can. Some
of the other new foods of the thirties were the famous Spam, Fritos and Twinkies.
Movie classics such as Snow White, The Wizard of Oz and Gone
with the Wind were made. Construction on some of the most famous American
landmarks was also begun in the 1930's. On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean,
war was coming!
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