Entertainment and Author´s during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl

The 1930s was a time of economic decline and great natural catastrophe. While, the United States was going through a great deal of cost reductions literature was an important way for people to escape the depression and recession that the 1930s brought.

During September 3, 1929 the stock market was at its peak (Boom or Bust). On October 29, 1929 the stock market crashed, known as “Black Tuesday” (Boom). While the stock market crashed the steel industry was down, several banks failed, and house constructing was reduced (The struggles of the 1930s). During this time international trade lowered by more than 50% and unemployment rose to 25% (Boom). In the early 1930’s the Dustbowl hit the Midwestern and Southern plains (Boom). The five major states affected by the Dustbowl were Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada. Over several years of bad agricultural practices and severe droughts to the Great Plains the region began to plummet. On 1932 the number of dust storms increased greatly. One-fifth of migrant families were from Oklahoma known as “Okies”. But about three-quarters of famers did not migrate away from the terrible land they stayed in their homes and awaited for the land to repair itself (struggles).

John Steinbeck was born on February 29, 1902. He was born in the farming town of Salinas California. Steinbeck’s first successful novel was Tortilla Flat (John Steinbeck Biography). He wrote sixteen novels and a variety collection of short stories. He was a smart, passionately interested in odd inventions. Steinbeck received his first interest in writing from his mother. She was a school teacher who encouraged his love for reading. In 1939 “The Grapes of Wrath,” was considered a masterpiece that won the Pulitzer Prize. S...

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...uring the 1930s one of American’s most popular films was produced. “A kindhearted Disney film” Snow White and Seven Dwarfs is one of America’s classics. The jealous stepmother of snow white only wanted for her to be unhappy putting snow white in a magical spell. Snow white is very loved by her best friends the seven dwarfs. Only a love’s kiss can save Snow White from her evil stepmother’s magical spell. One of the most known movies of the time was, Gone with the Wind. A manipulative Southern belle carries on an affair with a blockade runner during the American Civil War (AMC).

Although, the Dustbowl and great depression brought economic difficulties, America found ways to overlook the harsh events of the 1930’s. Some writers of the time describe the tough stories and circumstances. While producers and radio stations provided America with a gateway to distraction.