In the news1929–1933
Stock Market Crashes in 1929
The U.S. stock market crashed in 1929, leading to the Great Depression and leaving nearly one-third of American banks failed by 1933.
1931 – 1976
6 facts1 source
1931
Born
1976
Dies
He lived through 5 decades. Pick one to hear and see what it was like.
General history, not a record about the family: each item says where it comes from.
Who governed
President of the United States, 1929–1933 · United States
President of the United States, 1933–1945 · United States
In the news1929–1933
The U.S. stock market crashed in 1929, leading to the Great Depression and leaving nearly one-third of American banks failed by 1933.
Music
String band performances at community events
String band musicians often played at dances, fairs, and festivals to earn a living, sometimes performing for little or no pay just to gain a regional reputation. Common ensemble instruments included fiddles, banjos, guitars, mandolins, and harmonicas.
Around the world · 1939–1945The Second World War. The deadliest war in history, from 1939 to 1945: some 70 million people died. Brazil sent 25,000 soldiers to fight in Italy.
Daily life
Rapid Expansion of Home Electricity
While only about 35 percent of homes had electricity in 1920, by 1930 that number climbed to approximately 68 percent, with urban areas reaching over 84 percent.
In the news1933
Franklin D. Roosevelt took office in 1933 and introduced the New Deal, which established programs like Social Security and a federal minimum wage.
What people wore
Hollywood influence on mass-market fashion
Following the 1932 film Letty Lynton, Macy’s sold over 50,000 affordable department store versions of the movie's iconic dress, made from inexpensive rayon and cotton.
Getting around
Cars offered safety for Black travelers
During the 1930s, Black Americans frequently used cars to travel to avoid the discrimination and humiliation encountered on public transportation. To help plan these trips, they used the Negro Motorist Green Book, starting in 1936, to find safe places to stop for food and lodging.