1. Depression and American Culture
Mr. Chojnacki
US II Honors

2. Depression Values Social Values changed very little
People actually responded to hard times by recommitting to familiar ideas and goals
Remained committed to traditional American emphasis on the Individual

3. Success Ethic
Most people did not look to the government for assistance
Many blamed corporate moguls, bankers, and others
Overall the Depression was not able to erode the success ethic

4. Self Blame Many unemployed blamed themselves
Many refused to leave their homes
Turned to alcohol
Foreigners described Depression as “hard to see” as many unemployed did not go out in public

5. Radio During the Depression
Most homes owned radios by 1930’s
Escapism was the staple of broadcasting
Amos and Andy, Superman, Dick Tracy, The Lone Ranger
Comedy: George Burns
Soap Operas: Popular with women, sponsored by soap companies

6. Radio’s Impact First direct access to news and sports
World Series, Academy Awards, Presidential Speeches
Hindenburg Disaster: “Oh the Humanity”
War of the Worlds: massive panic in NJ
Drew American’s together with shared experiences and common views on culture

7. Movies Cheap option for entertainment Mainly not controversial topics
Sometime dealt with political/social issues
Frank Capra: celebrated small town virtues and decency of mankind over shallow corrupt values of the cities
It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr. Deeds goes to Town, Mr. Smith goes to Washington

8. Walt Disney Created shorts in the 1920’s
Steamboat Willie: Debut of Mickey Mouse in 1928
Eventually created full length features like Snow White (1937)
Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind were other major movies of the era (Book adaptations)

9. Popular Literature Margaret Mitchell: Gone with the Wind
Hemingway: For Whom the Bell Tolls (Spanish Civil War) being part of something
Steinbeck: The Grapes of Wrath (Showed harsh side of Depression, but also endurance of main characters)

10. Long Term Effects
Radio, Movies, and Books mainly upheld belief in the “American Way of Life”
Allowed people to escape or empathize with characters