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Wall Street Crash
The American stock market collapsed, commencing the Great Depression. Many individuals left penniless, scavenging for a job. -
Smoot-Hawley Tariff
This tariff raised import duties in an attempt to protect American manufactures from foreign competition. This tariff has very little effect of the American economy, however Europe farther into crisis. -
Major Bank Collapse
New York's Bank of the United States collapses in the largest bank failure to date in American history. Around $200 million in deposits disappear and customers rage. -
Roosevelt Elected
Franklin D. Roosevelt (democrat) beats his opponent Herbert Hoover (republican) in a competition to win the presidency. -
Townsend Proposes Pension Plan
Dr. Francis Townsend sends a letter to the Long Beach Press-Telegram proposing state-funded pensions for the elderly to boost consumption and employment. -
Roosevelt Inauguration
Franklin D. Roosevelt is inaugurated into office as 32nd president of the United States. -
National Union
Father Charles Coughlin, "The Radio Priest," establishes the National Union for Social Justice. -
Upton Sinclair Wins Primary
Upton Sinclair's movement gives Sinclair a victory in the Democratic gubernatorial primary in California. -
Huey Long Assasinated
Long was assassinated inside the Louisiana Capitol Building. -
Roosevelt Reelected
Roosevelt was elected to a second term as president, beating fellow candidate Alf Landon. The only states he did not win were Maine and Vermont. -
Unemployment in 1939 at 17.2%
The unemployment rate averages 17.2% for the year. -
Nazi Rally in New York City
The German-American Bund stages a rally of fascist sympathizers supporting "True Americanism".
