1930 - 1939
The 1930s were a tough decade. It was dominated with the battle against the Great Depression and saw the rise of Hitler's Third Reich and the beginning of World War II.
1930 - 1939 Timeline
A year-by-year look at the decade.
A year-by-year look at the decade.
Assassination Attempt on Franklin D. Roosevelt
On February 15, 1933, Giuseppe Zangara shot five bullets at President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt at the Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida. Although all the bullets missed FDR, one did mortally wound Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak.
On February 15, 1933, Giuseppe Zangara shot five bullets at President-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt at the Bayfront Park in Miami, Florida. Although all the bullets missed FDR, one did mortally wound Chicago Mayor Anton Cermak.
Bonnie and Clyde
From 1932 to 1934, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, mostly commonly known just as Bonnie and Clyde, were a young couple who went on a two-year crime rampage that included bank robberies, car theft, and murder. Their lives and their crime spree ended abruptly when police succeeded in ambushing them; Bonnie and Clyde died in their car from multiple gunshot wounds on May 23, 1934.
From 1932 to 1934, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow, mostly commonly known just as Bonnie and Clyde, were a young couple who went on a two-year crime rampage that included bank robberies, car theft, and murder. Their lives and their crime spree ended abruptly when police succeeded in ambushing them; Bonnie and Clyde died in their car from multiple gunshot wounds on May 23, 1934.
Der Stuermer
Circulated from 1923 until 1945, Der Stuermer was a weekly, Nazi newspaper used to spread propaganda and incite hatred.
Circulated from 1923 until 1945, Der Stuermer was a weekly, Nazi newspaper used to spread propaganda and incite hatred.
The Empire State Building
When the Empire State Building opened on May 1, 1931, it was the tallest building in the world. How did this gigantic icon get built? It started with a race to the sky.
When the Empire State Building opened on May 1, 1931, it was the tallest building in the world. How did this gigantic icon get built? It started with a race to the sky.
The Great Depression
The Great Depression struck the United States with surprising force. It began on October 29, 1929 with the Stock Market Crash and only ended after over a decade of hardship and suffering. Learn more about what caused the Great Depression, what life was like during it, and how it ended.
The Great Depression struck the United States with surprising force. It began on October 29, 1929 with the Stock Market Crash and only ended after over a decade of hardship and suffering. Learn more about what caused the Great Depression, what life was like during it, and how it ended.
The Hindenburg Disaster
At 7:25 p.m. on May 6, 1937, while the Hindenburg was attempting to land at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey, a flame appeared on the outer cover of the rear of the Hindenburg. Within 34 seconds, the entire airship was consumed by fire.
At 7:25 p.m. on May 6, 1937, while the Hindenburg was attempting to land at the Lakehurst Naval Air Station in New Jersey, a flame appeared on the outer cover of the rear of the Hindenburg. Within 34 seconds, the entire airship was consumed by fire.
How FDR Tried to Change Thanksgiving
The history of Thanksgiving is eclectic. It began with a three-day feast in 1621, but evolved through the next two centuries. Discover the history of Thanksgiving and find out how FDR tried to change it.
The history of Thanksgiving is eclectic. It began with a three-day feast in 1621, but evolved through the next two centuries. Discover the history of Thanksgiving and find out how FDR tried to change it.
King Edward VIII Abdicated for Love
King Edward was in love with Mrs. Wallis Simpson, not only an American, but also a married woman already once divorced. Yet, in order to marry the woman he loved, King Edward was willing to give up the British throne - and he did.
King Edward was in love with Mrs. Wallis Simpson, not only an American, but also a married woman already once divorced. Yet, in order to marry the woman he loved, King Edward was willing to give up the British throne - and he did.
The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact Signed
A 1939 pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, ensured Germany a one-front war and created a buffer zone for the Soviet Union.
A 1939 pact between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union, the Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact, ensured Germany a one-front war and created a buffer zone for the Soviet Union.
Prohibition Ends in the U.S.
Prohibition officially ended with the ratificaton of the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on December 5, 1933.
Prohibition officially ended with the ratificaton of the 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on December 5, 1933.
Terror on Kristallnacht
On November 9, 1938, the Nazis announced a government sanctioned pogrom against the Jews. Synagogues were ravaged and then burned. Jewish shop windows were broken. Jews were beaten, raped, arrested, and murdered. Throughout Germany and Austria, the pogrom rampaged.
On November 9, 1938, the Nazis announced a government sanctioned pogrom against the Jews. Synagogues were ravaged and then burned. Jewish shop windows were broken. Jews were beaten, raped, arrested, and murdered. Throughout Germany and Austria, the pogrom rampaged.
The Tragedy of the S.S. St. Louis
A ship full of Jewish refugees fled Nazi Germany in 1939, but the world would not let them in. Learn more about the fate of the voyage of the damned.
A ship full of Jewish refugees fled Nazi Germany in 1939, but the world would not let them in. Learn more about the fate of the voyage of the damned.
War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast Causes Panic
On Sunday, October 30, 1938, millions of radio listeners were shocked when radio news alerts announced the arrival of Martians. They panicked when they learned of the Martians' ferocious and seemingly unstoppable attack on Earth.
On Sunday, October 30, 1938, millions of radio listeners were shocked when radio news alerts announced the arrival of Martians. They panicked when they learned of the Martians' ferocious and seemingly unstoppable attack on Earth.
World War II Begins
Forty-six million soldiers and civilians died during the Second World War, learn how it started.
Forty-six million soldiers and civilians died during the Second World War, learn how it started.