1. Life during the New Deal New Deal brought new ways of doing things. Changes for A.A.’s and women were great. Women: Sec. of Labor – Frances Perkins = 1 st women to head an executive department. Helped develop Social Security system. FDR appointed many women to lead New Deal agencies. (Thanks to Eleanor) New Deal programs usually paid men higher wages. More job opportunities for men.

2. African Americans in New Deal FDR also appointed A.A.’s into government positions. William Hastie – 1 st black federal judge Known as the Black Cabinet – A.A.’s to fill government positions Leader was Mary McLeod Bethune. Black Cabinet acted as the unofficial advisors to FDR. However, New Deal programs really did not help A.A.’s Most were share croppers or tenant farmers Most southern Democrat congressmen opposed efforts to aid African Americans. However for the 1 st time since the Civil War most A.A.’s will vote for democrats.

3. Telling the Story of the Depression Art reflected economic turmoil and the struggles of the working class. “The Grapes of Wrath” – John Steinback – about farmers and the dust bowl. Dorothea Lange – photographer – jobless people, rural poor. Helped raise awareness about the poorest of the poor.

4. Popular Entertainment in the 1930’s Movie Theatres became very popular. Radio was at an all time high. This would allow people to escape the sorrows of everyday life. Focused on the hardships of life. Grapes of Wrath, I am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (jobless man, lured to a life of crime) Most films however spread a positive message.

5. Movies, Musicals, Radio Musicals- Fred Astaire, Ginger Rodgers Comedy – Marx Brothers, Charlie Chaplin Director Frank Capra – “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington” Walt Disney – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – 1 st full length animated movie. This Wizard of Oz, Gone with the Wind, - COLOR MOVIES Radio – fireside chats, Father Coughlin rants against the New Deal, sports, religion, music, and shows.

6. Radio and Sports Radio appealed to many people. The spread of jazz and other music genres. Swing – swept the country 1930, big bands. Sports – Golden Age of Sports – BASEBALL: national pastime. Joe Dimaggio – NY Yankess, 56 game hitting streak. Lou Geghrig – most consecutive games played (over 1000) Broken by Cal Ripken Jr. in 1990’s. Boxing became very popular – Joe Louis vs. Maz Schmeling (German).