Visions of the 1930s
More specifically, 1938-1939
What was the world like during the 1930s?
What was going on?
Who were the prominent figures in current events?, sports?,
movies & entertainment?, Best Sellers?, other authors?,
science & technology?
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In a late-night rampage, Nazis destroy German Jewish property and attack Jews. The attack is called Kristallnacht, after the shattered glass on the streets. Adolf Hitler rides triumphantly into his homeland, Austria, without having to fire a shot. The West doesn't like it but fears angering Hitler. Munich Pact—Britain, France, and Italy agree to let Germany partition Czechoslovakia. Douglas “Wrong-Way” Corrigan flies from New York to Dublin. Fair Labor Standards Act establishes minimum wage. The 26th Indianapolis 500 was won by Floyd Roberts averaging 117.2 mph. German chemists Otto Hahn and Fritz Strassman are the first to split the atom, making a nuclear chain reaction — and ultimately a bomb — possible. Orson Welles' dramatization of the H.G. Wells story War of the Worlds, broadcast nationwide over CBS Radio, causes widespread panic, especially near Grover's Mill, NJ. Kate Smith introduces Irving Berlin's God Bless America on her Armistice Eve Radio Show. Two brothers named Biro invent the ballpoint pen in Argentina. Superman debuts in Action Comics. Other comic strips appearing in the 1930s were Dick Tracy, Krazy Kat, Buck Rogers, Little Orphan Annie, and Popeye. Legendary blues singer Ella Fitzgerald records her first hit, “A-Tisket, A-Tasket.” Auto land speed record of 357.5 mph set by George Eyston on September 16th at Bonneville. Red Skelton made his film debut alongside Ginger Rogers in the RKO picture "Having a Wonderful Time". Howard Hughes sets record: around the world in 3 days, 19 hours, and 14.28 minutes. Best motion picture of the year Oscar went to "You Can't Take it With You", best actor to Spencer Tracy in "Boys Town", best actress to Bette Davis in "Jezebel", and best director to Frank Capra for "You Can't Take It With You". Chinese Checkers, by Parker Brothers, was released. |  Douglas "Wrong Way" Corrigan |
 Celebrating 60th Anniversary of Broadcast in 1998 |
 Ella Fitzgerald, First Lady of Song |
 Kate Smith, Songbird of the South |
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 Chinese Checkers |
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 George Eyston in "Speed of the Wind" |
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Germany invades Poland on Sept. 1. France and Great Britain finally declare war on Germany. World War II begins. In U.S., Roosevelt submits $1,319-million defense budget, proclaims U.S. neutrality, and declares limited emergency. Einstein writes FDR about feasibility of atomic bomb. New York World's Fair opens. New York World's Fair shows television to public. Eleanor Roosevelt resigns from the DAR when it refused to allow Marion Anderson to perform at Constitution Hall in Washington, DC . Using a cyclotron, John Dunning splits an atom in his lab at Columbia University, suggesting that nuclear fission is possible. New York Yankees' Lou Gehrig, with a lifetime batting average of .340, retires after being struck by a fatal disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis . Gone with the Wind attracts record-breaking crowds, who clamber to see Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh in the Civil War-torn South. Golden Gate International Exposition. Stagecoach, starring John Wayne, was released. Air mail service across the Atlantic. Best actor Oscar awarded to Robert Donat in "Goodbye, Mr. Chips" and best supporting actor Thomas Mitchell in "Stagecoach". Best motion picture was "Gone With The Wind". Best actress went to Vivien Leigh. Olivia de Havilland, portraying Melanie, lost best supporting actress to Hattie McDaniel, who portrayed Mammy. Hattie became the first black actor/actress to win an Oscar. Director, Victor Fleming also won. The Wizard of Oz, starring Judy Garland, was released and won best song and best score Oscars. |  |
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 Marian Anderson |
 Lou Gehrig, "The Iron Horse" |
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 Wizard of Oz cast: Bert Lahr, Ray Bolger, Judy Garland, & Jack Haley |
 Hattie McDaniel as "Mammy" |
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