Education--1930s and 40s

By MeriBeth
  • The Great Depression begins

    The Great Depression begins

    --budget cuts for public schools
    --many children dropped out
    at the same time parents encouraged their children to stay in school so they could become better educated and get a decent job
  • FDR is elected

    FDR is elected

  • Works Progress Admin.

    Works Progress Admin.

    --part of FDR's New Deal to get the nation out of the depression
    --WPA built schools (as well as other public buildings)
  • attack on Pearl Harbor

    attack on Pearl Harbor

  • US enters WWII

    US enters WWII

    --young men are drafted to fight, leaving schools
  • Kindergarten

    Kindergarten

    Kindergarten Movement--childhood was internationally seen as an important stage in life, not supported on a state level
  • ballpoint pens

    ballpoint pens

  • first computer is invented

    first computer is invented

    --advances in math and science lead schools away from literacy and verbal techniques
    --eventually (modern times) computer/typing courses become mandatory
  • Manhattan Project

    Manhattan Project

    -- Einstein helped developed the a-bomb
    -- chemistry, physics, and other sciences and advanced maths are pushed in schools
  • Bombing of Hiroshima & Nagasaki

    Bombing of Hiroshima & Nagasaki

  • Big Bang Theory

    Big Bang Theory

    -- goes against the Bible
    -- similar controversy to the Scopes Monkey Trial in the 1920s
    raises the question of "should creation be taught in schools?"
    -- Georges Lemaître (priest)