Divine Randomness: The 1930s

Friday, September 30, 2011

The 1930s

Another Friday is upon us, and with it brings another decade spotlight...this time the 1930s. This era, of course, is mainly known for the great depression: folks "made do or did with out, used it up, and wore it out" and made countless sacrifices. But it was also part one of the golden age for film with classics like Gone With the Wind, The Wizard of Oz, and King Kong were made. Horror films also got their starts this decade with both Dracula starring Bela Lugosi and Frankenstein starring Boris Karloff making their debuts (something goths would love many years later).

Hollywood darling Shirley Temple and Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs made going to the movies a way for even the youngest to escape the grind of day to day life during the depression that seemed to have no end. As if that weren't enough, the Midwest had to cope with debilitating dust storms, and many decided to head west to California. The mob grew in power too, bringing us legendary names like Al Capone, Babyface Nelson, and Bonnie and Clyde.

Musically, not much changed from the previous decade, with the ukulele still prominent and big band not really taking off until the end of the decade. FDR was elected president, and with the help of his progressive programs, we were able to begin lifting up the economy. Meanwhile, over in Britain, the royal family got a shakeup when King Edward VIII decided to abdicate the throne to marry Wallis Simpson and his brother, George, became king in his place. Another thing I love that this decade brought? Art Deco. This popular design began popping up all over the country mainly in architecture, but even in posters, silverware, and even jewelry and many examples can still be seen today, such as Union Station in LA: