Benny Goodman
Although he did not invent swing music, he
helped make swing music America’s most
popular music of the 1930s.
His bands were racially integrated.
Known as the “King of Swing.”
John Steinbeck
Believed literature should wake people up and
feel uneasy about injustice.
Author of The Grapes of Wrath telling the story
of the Joad family and their travels to California
during the Dust Bowl.
Woody Guthrie
This musician popularized folk music and
pioneered the protest song.
He wrote music about social issues and the lives
of America’s disadvantaged.
Famous song: “This Land is Your Land”
Swing Music
This big band music is associated with a style of
couples dance that includes moves called the
“Lindy hop” and the “Jitterbug.”
This music alarmed many adults (and was
banned in Germany) because young people of
all races were seen dancing together.
War of the Worlds
Orson Welles created a fictitious radio
broadcast based on H.G. Wells’s famous
science fiction novel.
This 1938 Halloween prank revealed how
gullible people are in response to authority.
Millions of listeners who tuned in late into the
broadcast were duped into believing that earth
was being attacked by Martians.
Robert Johnson
Known as the father of Rock n’ Roll.
A legend claims this blues musician sold his
soul to the devil to learn how to play the guitar.
His legendary guitar and singing style inspired
Rock n’ Roll artists, such as the Rolling Stones,
Eric Clapton, Led Zepplin, and many more.
Joe Louis
One of the greatest boxers in history holding
the Heavyweight title for 11 years
First African American to be a hero to all of
America with his defeat of Max Schmeling in
1938 (U.S. v. Hitler)
Fireside Chats
Informal radio broadcasts given by Pres.
Roosevelt to help explain government actions and
calm people’s fears during the Depression
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Hoovervilles
These shantytowns were found in cities
throughout America and were populated by men
homeless men in search of work.
The towns were named after President Hoover,
who was accused by many people of not doing
enough to respond to The Great Depression.
Dust Bowl
This environmental disaster was caused by soil
erosion caused by overproduction, severe
windstorms, and a drought.
As a result, thousands of poor white farmers
called “Okies” migrated from the Midwest to
California in search of work.
Babe Didrikson
This was the first woman to prove that women
could be stud athletes.
She was good in just about every sport.
She performed at a time when female athletes
were considered freakish.
Repatriation
This refers to what happened to many Mexican
Americans during the Depression—they were
“repatriated” to Mexico (meaning they were
kicked out of the U.S.); often regardless of
whether or not they were U.S. citizens
New Deal
Under the banner of Relief, Recovery, and
Reform, President Roosevelt expanded the role
of government in the lives of everyday people.
Example programs: WPA (built schools,
bridges, damns and employed artists,
musicians), CCC (forestry jobs), FDIC (insured
bank deposits), SEC (regulated the stock
market), Social Security
Bonus Army
WWI veterans met in Washington D.C. to
request the bonus promised to them.
The government responded with force because
it feared a revolt.
This event ruined Hoover’s chances for reelection.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
This president help create a sense of hope by
promising Americans a New Deal
His radio broadcasts, known as fireside chats,
gave the impression that the President cares
about the American people.
His programs expanded the role of government
in the lives of ordinary people.
Herbert Hoover
This president served during the “Roaring
Twenties” and the beginning of the Great
Depression.
Although this president preached self-help
rather than government support, he was unfairly
blamed for the Great Depression.
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Orson Welles
Important radio personality and filmmaker
Produced The War of the Worlds broadcast which
listeners thought was a real invasion from Mars
Later directed & starred in Citizen Kane, one of
the greatest films of all time
Dorothea Lange
Her photos define the way we remember the
Great Depression.
Presented the suffering experienced by average
people.
Most famous picture is Migrant Mother.
Frank Capra
His Depression-era films had wholesome, feelgood themes that celebrated the goodness of
human nature.
His films enjoyed tremendous success at the
Academy Awards.
His films include It Happened One Night and
It’s a Wonderful Life.
Shirley Temple
This was the first child superstar.
Her films provided hope and cheer for
audiences during the Great Depression
Jesse Owens
Won 4 gold medals during the 1936 Olympic
games.
His performance defied the idea of Aryan racial
superiority.
He faced racial discrimination in the US despite
being an Olympic hero.
Grant Wood
Painted idealized visions of rural life in the
Midwest.
Presented a vision of hope during the Great
Depression.
Most famous painting is American Gothic.
Margaret Bourke-White
First female photographer for Life Magazine.
A pioneer in the field of photojournalism.
1st female photographer in a war zone.
Documented the Depression, the Holocaust,
WWII, South Africa, Gandhi, Korean War
Edward Hopper
Presented the isolation and loneliness of city
life.
Expressed the hopelessness many felt during the
Depression.
Most famous painting is Nighthawks.
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