Whether you experienced the 1930s or are just curious, Life in the 1930s – A Trip Down Memory Lane will give you insight into some of the events, fads, and lifestyles that mark that decade.
LivingYourSeniorLife is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.
The 1930s were a tough time in America, coming right after the sparkle of the Roaring Twenties and the Art Deco era. The stock market crash of 1929 spiraled the nation into an economic depression that affected both city streets and rural areas. Families stood in long lines at soup kitchens while President Roosevelt tried to fix things with his New Deal programs. The Works Progress Administration and Civilian Conservation Corps gave jobs to many young men when work was hard to find.
Despite the economic crisis, people found ways to enjoy life. You could find families gathered around the radio for comedy shows or playing board games together in their living rooms. The Dust Bowl hit farm families hard with terrible drought conditions. As the decade came to a close, the shadow of World War II was starting to loom, though few knew how much it would change everything. The contrast between these hard times and the glitzy 1920s shows how quickly life can change.
Key Takeaways
- The Great Depression was a decade of economic hardship and governmental initiatives to revive the U.S. economy.
- Entertainment and family life became key escapes from daily struggles, leading to lasting cultural contributions.
- The end of the 1930s brought about profound social and political changes that set the stage for the United States’ entry into global conflicts.
Events
During the 1930s, the American economy faced severe challenges. The economic downturn began with the stock market crash on Black Tuesday, leading to widespread unemployment and poverty. Farm prices plummeted, and the worst droughts in U.S. history resulted in the Dust Bowl, exacerbating the plight of farm families in the Great Plains.
People adapted to poverty in different ways:
- Moving to cities looking for work
- Standing in breadlines for food
- Building “Hoovervilles” (makeshift homeless camps)
- Pulling children from school to work
The economic crisis affected personal choices too. Many couples delayed marriage and had fewer children because they couldn’t afford to start families.
President Herbert Hoover initially led the federal government’s response, but his efforts were deemed insufficient. By the early 1930s, the presidential election brought Franklin D. Roosevelt to power, who introduced the New Deal. Programs such as the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) aimed to provide economic security and recovery.
The end of the 1930s saw a shift with the start of World War II, marking a period that would eventually lead to the end of the Great Depression.
Video: Life in the 1930s: An Unforgettable Trip Down Memory Lane.
Glimpses of the 1930s: A Decade of Challenge and Change
The Leadership of Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt took office as president in 1933, at a time when the United States was grappling with the economic turmoil of the Great Depression. He was a president of many firsts, including being the first to be elected to four terms. During his tenure, one of FDR’s biggest achievements was creating the New Deal – a set of programs to help Americans who were suffering.
Key initiatives under the New Deal included the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which aimed to create jobs, and the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), which provided work in rural areas, such as planting trees, building roads, bridges, and parks.
The Social Security Act was another landmark achievement of FDR’s administration, offering unemployment insurance and paving the way for future federal programs aimed at ensuring economic security for various age groups. Before this, many older Americans faced poverty when they couldn’t work anymore.
Pivotal Moments Shaping a Decade
The 1930s were marked by significant events beyond the economic depression. Notable moments from this period include:
Space and Flight: Scientists discovered Pluto, and pilots like Amelia Earhart set flying records. She became the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic. Sadly in 1937, she disappeared over the Pacific Ocean while attempting to become the first woman to complete a circumnavigational flight of the globe.
Architectural Feats: The Empire State Building punctuated New York City’s skyline, becoming an iconic symbol of ambition and the American spirit.
Other Institutions & Infrastructure: projects included:
- Alcatraz Prison
- Hoover Dam
- Golden Gate Bridge
Musical Identity: The “Star Spangled Banner” officially became America’s national anthem during this time.
Labor & Economy: With the establishment of the New York Stock Exchange as a national securities exchange and the passing of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the framework for modern American labor standards and economic infrastructure was set.
- The federal government began to assist in the care for dependent children and the disabled under the Social Security Act of 1935, which also guaranteed pensions to some older Americans and established a system of unemployment insurance.
- Congress passed the Fair Labor Standards Act in 1938, creating a 44-hour workweek which was later changed to a 40-hour week. The minimum wage started at 25 cents an hour and, within six years, increased to 40 cents per hour.
World’s Fair: On April 30, 1939, the New York World’s Fair opened in New York City. The opening ceremony featured speeches by President Franklin D. Roosevelt and New York Governor Herbert Lehman, ushering in the first day of television broadcasting in New York.
These, among other events, bookended by two monumental challenges—the Great Depression at the beginning and the entry into the Second World War at the end—shaped the daily lives of American families, influencing everything from family structure to leisure time and the national psyche of resilience.
Athletics During Hard Times
In the mid-1930s, as you experienced economic challenges, the world of sports shone brightly. In 1936, baseball fans saw legends Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth become the first Baseball Hall of Famers. That same year, Joe DiMaggio stepped onto the field for the New York Yankees, starting what would become an amazing career.
Meanwhile, at the Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens astounded the world, snatching four gold medals and setting records. His triumphs stood as a stark contrast to the racial ideologies touted by Adolf Hitler, a testament to the strength and resilience of African Americans during times of adversity.
Automobile Evolution in the 1930s
Though there were numerous models of cars, six new models of cars were introduced in the 1930s:
- Bentley 8 Litre
- Cadillac V-16
- Chevrolet Series AD Universal
- Mercedes-Benz 770
- Volvo TR670 Series
- Wolseley Hornet (1930)
Cars got much comfier during this time. You could now enjoy:
- Built-in radios
- Heaters for cold days
- Automatic transmissions (no more manual shifting!)
Even though money was tight during the Great Depression, car makers kept improving their vehicles. These changes forever changed how you drive today.
Fashion and Style
In the 1930s, with the economic hardships being experienced, the clothing industry changed. Garments were now being made in factories being mass-produced compared to the made-to-order fashion of earlier times.
Dresses
In the 1930s, women’s dresses changed from the boyish styles of the 1920s to more feminine shapes. You would observe dresses with a snug fit around the waist, gentle flaring of skirts from the natural waistline, and higher necklines, all designed to enhance a woman’s natural curves while maintaining modesty.
Hats
For both men and women, hats were a definite fashion accessory of the 1930s. During this time, you would complete any ensemble with a fashionable hat. For men, choices ranged from the casual boater and cap to the more refined fedora and bowler. Women could choose from an array of hats including berets, famously paired with suits a la Marlene Dietrich, or more elegant options like veiled hats and turbans, adding a touch of sophistication and mystery.
Popular Hat Types for Men
- Boater
- Cap
- Derby/Bowler
- Fedora
- Hamburg
- Walker
Popular Hat Types For Women
- Berets – Marlene Dietrich was known for wearing this type of hat with men’s suits
- Cloche
- Fedora
- Map cap
- Sailor
- Slouch made famous by Greta Garbo
- Turban
- Veiled
Footwear
Footwear options of the ’30s varied widely. Women often chose from walking Oxfords, which were quite popular, or other styles like T-straps and sandals, which offered both style and comfortable wearability. Men’s footwear staples included the classic Oxford, the ornate wingtip, and the distinctive monk strap, providing a polished look suitable for the era’s hard times.
Popular Women’s Shoes
- Oxford
- Pumps
- Saddle Shoes
- Sandles – Ghillies Lace
- T-Strap
Popular Men’s Shoes
- Monk Strap
- Oxford
- Saddle
- Wingtip
Hairstyles
During these economic hard times, maintaining a sense of dignity through personal grooming was a subtle rebellion against the economic crisis, becoming a popular way for the American people to express resilience and hope.
Women in the early 1930s embraced ultra-feminine hairstyles as a form of escape from daily worries. The era was marked by refined finger waves and pin curls. These styles often featured side or center parts that added a touch of charm despite the era’s hard times.
Men weren’t left out of the style revolution! Taking cues from movie stars like Clark Gable, many guys opted for neat, clean-cut looks. The popular style was short above the ears with a nice taper down to the neck – simple but polished.
Popular 1930s Hairstyles:
- For women: Finger waves, pin curls, side parts
- For men: Short sides, tapered backs, clean-cut looks
Leisure and Amusement
Dance
During the 1930s, a mix of dance styles provided an escape from the burdens of life. The Foxtrot and Waltz continued to be favorites at social gatherings. Swing dance emerged from jazz and grew to dominate dance halls, with dynamic moves like the Jitterbug captivating the youth. Tap dancing also gained momentum, partly propelled by cinematic representations.
Popular Dances Included:
- Foxtrot
- Swing
- Waltz
- Tap
- Jitterbug
Music
The 1930s brought exciting changes to music. Jazz evolved into swing music, characterized by its rhythmic vigor and brass section vigor. Big Band leaders like Duke Ellington guided audiences through this sonic journey. Crooners, with their smooth, lyrical delivery—like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby—became the heartthrobs of the day. Radio programs like “Your Hit Parade” offered listeners the most beloved tunes weekly, reflecting the musical tastes of the American people.
In 1935 a new radio program, “Your Hit Parade”, highlighted the most popular songs of the week. Shortly after, in 1936, Billboard Magazine published Hit Parade, a list of the most popular songs of the time.
Popular Songs of the 1930s Include:
- A Tisket, A Tasket – Ella Fitzgerald with Chick Webb’s Orchestra
- Boogie Woogie – Tommy Dorsey
- In The Mood – Glenn Miller
- God Bless America – Kate Smith
- Moonlight Serenade – Glenn Miller
- Over the Rainbow – Judy Garland/Glenn Miller
- Pennies From Heaven – Bing Crosby
- Putting on the Ritz – Harry Richman with Earl Burtnett
- Sing, Sing, Sing – Benny Goodman
- Silent Night, Holy Night – Bing Crosby
Popular Swing Musicians Included:
- Artie Shaw
- Benny Goodwin
- Billie Holiday
- Cab Calloway
- Ella Fitzgerald
- Glenn Miller
- Louis Armstrong
- Tommy Dorsey
Popular Crooners of the 1930s Included:
- Bing Crosby
- Frank Sinatra
- Fred Astaire
- Nat King Cole
- Perry Como
- Rudy Vallee
In 1935 a new radio program, “Your Hit Parade”, highlighted the most popular songs of the week. Shortly after, in 1936, Billboard Magazine published Hit Parade, a list of the most popular songs of the time.
Movies
The motion picture industry soared as Hollywood provided a glamorous respite from the economic depression. Iconic films such as “Gone With The Wind” and “The Wizard of Oz” captivated viewers. The inception of the drive-in theater in 1933 revolutionized how families engaged with the silver screen, becoming a popular way to enjoy the latest releases from the comfort of their automobiles.
- Popular Movies Included:
- It Happened One Night (1930) Starring Claudette Colbert and Clark Gable.
- Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde (1931) Starring Frederic March.
- King Kong (1933)
- Little Women (1933), Starring Katherine Hepburn
- Cleopatra (1934) Starring Claudette Colbert and directed by Cecil B. DeMille.
- Gone With The Wind (1939) Starring Clark Gable, Vivien Leigh, Olivia de Havilland, and Leslie Howard.
- The Wizard of Oz (1939) Starring Judy Garland, Frank Morgan, Ray Bolger, Jack Haley, Bert Lahr, and Margaret Hamilton.
Radio
For the first time, citizens did not have to wait until the evening paper to get the latest news — radios brought breaking news right into people’s living rooms. The airwaves carried talk about jobs and the economy during the Great Depression, but Americans also heard the news about incredible advances in science and technology, celebrities of aviation exploration, and political changes afoot in Europe.
Games/Toys
In the 1930s, iconic board games like Monopoly emerged, becoming a staple in American families for entertainment during the economic depression. Monopoly, conceived in 1935, exemplifies the enduring charm of board games that brought respite during hard times. Let’s take a look:
- Monopoly, 1935 – A classic game reflecting economic strategies.
- Sorry!, 1934 – Engaging in apologies while advancing.
- The Head of the Class, 1936 – Education and fun combined.
Card games also gained popularity, with Canasta appearing at the end of the 1930s. These games provided affordable leisure to American people amid the hard times.
Betsy Wetsy: a popular doll introduced by the Ideal Toy Company in 1934, cherished for its innovative design allowing it to drink from a bottle and wet its diaper, mimicking aspects of baby care for young children.
Fads and Crazes of the 1930s
Gold Fish Swallowing
Goldfish swallowing became a bizarre fad in the late 1930s, particularly on college campuses. It reportedly started in 1939 when a Harvard student swallowed a live goldfish on a dare. The stunt quickly spread to other universities, with students trying to outdo each other by swallowing multiple goldfish at once. It was one of those quirky, attention-grabbing trends that faded as quickly as it started.
Dance Marathons
During the Great Depression, dance marathons became a popular form of entertainment and a way for participants to win much-needed cash prizes. Couples would dance for days, sometimes even weeks, with only short breaks. These events attracted large crowds looking for free entertainment and a distraction from economic hardships.
Monopoly Craze
Monopoly, introduced in the 1930s, became a massive trend as families sought affordable at-home entertainment. The board game provided an escape from real financial struggles while allowing players to “build wealth” in a fantasy setting.
Radio Talent Shows
With the rise of radio as the dominant form of entertainment, amateur talent shows became a national craze. Programs like Major Bowes’ Amateur Hour allowed ordinary people to showcase their singing, comedic, and musical skills, inspiring future talent competitions.
Movie Star Paper Dolls
Hollywood’s Golden Age gave rise to a fascination with film stars. Children and adults alike collected paper dolls modeled after famous actors and actresses such as Shirley Temple, Clark Gable, and Greta Garbo. These inexpensive cutouts provided hours of entertainment.
Miniature Golf Boom
Mini golf courses popped up across the country in the late 1920s and became a major craze in the early 1930s. Courses featured creative obstacles and themes, making them perfect spots for dates and family outings. The game was inexpensive, easy to play, and offered a fun escape from everyday struggles.
Jigsaw Puzzle Mania
Jigsaw puzzles surged in popularity as an affordable form of home entertainment. During the Depression, some companies even gave away puzzles with newspapers or used them as advertising promotions.
The “Lucky Strike” Green Hype
In 1934, Lucky Strike cigarettes changed their packaging from green to white, claiming it was because “green was out of fashion.” In reality, it was due to wartime rationing of the green dye. This marketing gimmick created a temporary obsession with the color white in fashion and advertising.
Final Words
Looking back at the 1930s gives us a window into how Americans faced tough times together. When the stock market crashed, it changed lives across the country in ways many hadn’t seen before. The government stepped up with new programs like the Works Progress Administration to help people find work and dignity again. As dust storms ravaged the Great Plains, coping mechanisms such as board games and radio programs provided some solace.
What memories do you have of this era? Maybe your grandparents shared stories about living through these challenging years. Your experiences and family histories add rich detail to our understanding of this important decade. Please share your thoughts below!
In taking a look at Life In The 1930s – A Trip Down Memory Lane, I hope you were able to revisit some fond life events. If you didn’t live during that time, my hope is you were able to learn something new about the decade.