In the news1929–1936
1929 crisis leads to mass unemployment
The 1929 global economic crisis caused unemployment to soar from 8,000 people to 93,000 by 1936. Many industries, especially textiles, never recovered, forcing the government to finally devalue the Swiss franc by 30% in 1936.
What people wore
Embroidery time for costumes
Hand-embroidering the small design on the white collar of an Appenzell women's costume takes seven hours of meticulous manual work.
Getting around
Expansion of affordable rail and bus travel
During the interwar period, Swiss railways and postbuses expanded their ticket offers, including reduced prices for families and ski trips, to attract more travelers.
In the news1921
Public radio broadcasting starts in 1921
Public radio broadcasting officially began in France in 1921, with regular programs transmitted from an antenna atop the Eiffel Tower.
Music
Appenzell Singing and String Music
In Appenzell, people gathered for social singing of Ratzliedli, which were humorous or mocking songs where everyone eventually joined in a yodeled chorus. Traditional instrumental groups during this era typically consisted of two violins, a hammer dulcimer, a cello, and an upright bass.
Daily life
Child labor in embroidery industry
Children as young as six were often employed to thread embroidery needles for hours before, during, and after school, deep into the night.