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Prohibition Era (1920-1933)
The Prohibition Era, beginning in 1920 and ending in 1933 with the 21st amendment, this era saw the ban on the manufacture and sale of alcohol. This inspired bootlegging, speakeasies and organized crime. Eventually, support for Prohibition became less and less, and led to the ratification of the 21st Amendment. -
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The Roaring 20's and Great Depression
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The First Macy's Thanksgiving Parade (1924)
Many businesses prospered during the Roaring 20's, but none so more than Macy's. The Macy's Thanksgiving parade was originally to celebrate the opening of the "Worlds Largest Store", and was on 34th street in New York. And while they hold the title for the most popular Thanksgiving parade, they are not the first with the idea originating from the Philadelphia's Gimbel Brother's Dept. -
The first public demonstration of a television is held (1926)
On this date John Logie Baird, showed his invention to the Members of the Royal Institution of Great Britain. Originally titled the Televisor, this would open up new entertainment options to the public. There is also a plaque called "The Milestone" dedicated to John Baird and the Television. -
Steamboat Willie Debuts (1928)
Directed by Walt Disney and Ub Iwerks, this was the first appearance of Disney's iconic Mascot, Mickey Mouse. Not only that, but this film is one of the first films with synchronized sound! Steamboat Willie was also rated the 13th greatest cartoon in the book "The 50 Greatest Cartoons." -
Stock Market Crash of 1929
Signaling the end of the Roaring 20s, the stock market crash of 1929 was devastating to the rich and poor alike. During this time the stock market lost around 1/10th of its value, dropping from $64 billion to $30 billion. This began the Great Depression, an era that would last a decade. -
Star Spangled Banner Becomes US's Official Anthem (1931)
Its surprising to think that there was a time when the Star Spangled Banner wasnt our national anthem. Originally written by Francis Scott Key in 1814 and first used officially by the US Navy in 1889, it wasnt until 1931 that it was recognized as the official anthem of the USA. Before this, the US had no national anthem. -
Amelia Earheart flies over the Atlantic Ocean (1932)
The first woman to fly alone over the Atlantic Ocean, Amelia Earhart headed off from Harbour Grace Newfoundland and landed in a pasture in at Culmore, Northern Ireland. The flight lasted 14 hours and 56 minutes. And not only that, but she was known to take people on flights with her, particularly Hubert Hoover and may have even inspired Eleanor Roosevelt to to obtain a student permit to fly. -
FDR's New Deal (1933-1938)
Due to the Stock Market Crash of 1929, America was suffering financially. FDR's New Deal was a set of programs designed to help America and stabilize the economy. This established social security, and helped begin the labor movement. This was also the time that FDR gave said his famous line, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." -
The Dust Bowl (1931-1935)
Coined by AP Reporter Robert Greiger, the Dust Bowl is the term used to describe the period of time the US (particularly the South) suffered severe dust storms due to a long drought. This drought was caused by changes in regional weather, land policies, and poor agricultural techniques. The drought intensified the effects of the Great Depression, and made farming hard for those who lived in the South. -
Babe Ruth Hits His Last Home Run (1935)
During one of Babe Ruth's last games, at the Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, Ruth hit his 714th home run. This would set a record that would stay for almost 40 years, being beaten by Hank Aaron in 1974. During that game, Babe Ruth hit the last home run of his career.