The 1930s was a time of great change and struggle. People were struggling with the Great Depression and the stock market crash. The main focus of the 30s was just striving to survive. Fortunately, the president at the time, Franklin D. Roosevelt was a man of his word and commitment. FDR created a plan called The New Deal, an attempt to end the depression and help restore society. Roosevelt started relief programs intended to help people financially and physically. He even wanted to help people regain their strength, mentally. FDR gave radio speeches called “Fireside Chats.” Across the nation, families gathered around their radios and listened.

Charles Lindbergh’s baby was kidnapped. The Dust Bowl brought devastation to the Midwest. Desperate for money and food, some people turned to robbery and murder, including Bonnie and Clyde, Al Capone, and John Dillinger. The 1930s was also a decade of sports. The Yankees won the World Series five times and Jessie Owens set five world records in track and field in one day.

To make life easier, Campbell’s introduced chicken noodle soup in a can. Some of the other new foods of the thirties were the famous Spam, Fritos, and Twinkies. Movie classics such as Snow White, The Wizard of Oz, and Gone with the Wind were made. Construction on some of the most famous American landmarks was also begun in the 1930’s. On the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, war was coming!