A Hopeful Decade

The 1930s portrays everything from utter desolation and starvation to new and unique art of every kind. Although the misery of the Great Depression has been greatly emphasized there was also a lot of hope. The New Deal, presented by Franklin Delano Roosevelt, sparked much hope in people's hearts. The Public Works Art Project is one example of society's determination to continue a normal life doing what they loved. Even when it seemed life no longer held any purpose, many people accepted this way of life and tried to make the most of it.

On October 24, 1929, after a large increase in production and stock, the stock market crashed. This marked what is known as "Black Tuesday". People all over the United States began to panic and employment dramatically decreased. By 1933 25% of the U.S. workforce was unemployed. Franklin Delano Roosevelt's New Deal was put into action in 1933 when he was elected as the U.S. president. This New Deal emphasized the three "r"s: relief, recovery, and reform. This provided jobs for the unemployed and also provided economic stability to prevent future depressions. On March 6, 1933, Roosevelt closed all banks to allow the Department of Treasury to examine all bankbooks. Those that were in good financial condition were given money and those that were in poor financial condition were kept closed. On March 9, 1933 the "Hundred Days" began. During this time many reform laws were sent to Congress to be passed, such as the Agricultural Adjustment Act, the Tennessee Valley Authority Act, and the National Industrial Recovery Act. Also, the Federal Emergency Relief Administration was put into effect, which gave $500 million for state and city relief, as well as the Civil Works Administration, which provided funds to state authorities for roads, bridges, schools, parks, etc... The Civilian Conservation Corps provided work and training to two and a half million young people, and the Works Progress Administration employed two million workers, annually, from 1935 to 1941.

After Herbert Hoover's presidential term was over in 1932, Franklin Delano Roosevelt was elected as president of the United States. In this time of great need many believe Roosevelt was the perfect person to occupy this position. Hoover, however, is not happily remembered by most. Being that the Great Depression began during his term, he was quickly blamed for this event. His incapability to effectively restore the U.S. stability added to U.S. citizens resentment. Roosevelt took office and was able to slowly pull the Americans out of the depression. This action alone has given Roosevelt the position of "hero" in many people's eyes. Roosevelt once stated, "Let me assert my firm belief that the only thing we have to fear is fear itself---nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed to convert retreat into advance." This confidence somewhat reassured the people that effort and endurance would, eventually, lead to prosperity.

During the Great Depression people did anything possible to attempt to forget their awful predicament. The Public Works Art Project and Federal Writer's Project tried to gather and strengthen all artists and writers. During these engagements members were able to discuss and create what they cherished. Film was also extremely popular in this era. People everywhere would save up any money they could to go watch a new and exciting world other than their own. Films such as, The Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, and Scarface are just a few known examples of 1930s film. Many placed bets and marathons to defeat boredom during their long and eventless days. Friends would set up walking, radio listening, doughnut eating, kissing, dancing, roller-skating, and bicycling marathons. Often bets were made on who would win to heighten the fun. Throughout the worst of days, there was always something to occupy their time.

The 1930s, although filled with horror and death, was also an era of new ideas for film and art. The struggle of the depression revealed a new light that could be translated into new ideas. It only proves that even the worst conditions, if twisted and molded, can be turned into something better. Irritation, frustration and negativity cannot help. The strength of the people, who endured these difficult events, proves this.

Essay Sources:

McElvaine, Robert S.; The Depression and the New Deal; Oxford University Press; 2000

Press, Petra; A Cultural History of the United States: Through the Decades: The 1930s; Greenhaven Press, Inc; 1999

The 1930s: America's Decades; Greenhaven Press, Inc; 2000

The World Book Encyclopedia: G Vol.8: Q/R Vol.16; World Book, Inc; 1990

Photograph Sources:

Roosevelt, Franklin D. -- Britannica Online E...; http://www.britannica.com/eb/art-3388/Franklin-D-Roosevelt-1937

Photograph of a Mother of Seven Children Duri...; http://history1900s.about.com/library/photos/blygd45.htm

Germany; http://library.thinkquest.org/C005121/data/germany.htm