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WWII
When the attack on Pearl Harbour came change shifted things in a different direction. When the news reached Kansas the govenor demanded that all contact through bridges, telephone lines and other forms of potential targets be guarded so that we would be ready if we were going to be attacked again. Several Kansans participated in helping the armed forces in operations around the world.More than 215,000 Kansas men and women served in the military during World War 2. -
June 1st WWI flu
The 1918 flu epidemic was said to start at the Kansas Fort Riley base. It started because of the dust and ash of burt manure created a wall of yellow haze that distibuted the flu. Several of Fort Riley's soldiers were sent over seas to fight taking the flu with them. Over a short period of time one fifth of the world population was involved in this astounding illness. -
Kansas and the struggle with the Klu Klux Klan
In Kansas the KKK was an issue while the railroad strike was in operation. Because of this the Klan saw an oppertunety to spread their beliefs and rachial disruptions. With all of this the Klan dained members when they sided with the union. -
Whichita, The Air Capital
After WWI, Wichita,s avation industry grew immensly. Three of the most famous avation leaders, Walter Beech, Clyde Cessna, and Lloyd Steerman, teamed up to create Travel Air Company. This company became the number one in light aircraft manufacturing. -
Minnie Johnson Grinstead
The 20th century dug up new oportunittys for ladies all over the US. Minnie Johnson Grinstead was the first women to get elected for the Kansas Legaslater. In 1924, Grinstead participated in the nomination for Calvin Coolage as president. -
The Great Depression
In Oct. of 1929 the stock market crashed. In Kansas the Great Depression hit hard. The aviation industry in Witchita was almost wiped-out. Only 29 aircraft manufacturing companies in Witchita survived the Depression. The Great Depression was also hard on farmers. Many farmers went into debt by buying farm machinery. -
The Dust Bowl
The 1930s in the Great Plains is often referred to as the " dirty thirties" or the "Dust Bowl."These names came from blowing dust that was the result of a series of severe droughts. Little rain, hot days, high winds, and soil- eroding farming practicescreated storms of black dust. Some of the dust storms lasted several days. When people got caught outside, inhaling dirt, in extreme cases, led to death through suffacation. -
Glenn Cunningham
Kansas and the nation had an athletic hero in thse "Kansa Flyer", this mans name was Glenn Cunningham. Cunningham was a world-class sportsman and a magnificent role model. While still in school Cunningham went on to set some records including setting the record for running a mile and went on to set the national record for high schoolers. While living as an adult he set many more records and eventually earned a Olymic silver medal. -
Amelia Earhart - A Historic Flight
Another famous Kansan to make news during the 30s was Amelia Earhart- the first women to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean.Earhart's 14 hour and 56 minute solo flight across the Atlantic was the first by a female pilot. It earned her the Distinguished Flying Cross, the first one congress awared to a women. -
Rural Electrification
In the 30s the residents of Kansas towns and cities enjoyed the use of electricity, but farmers did without. One of the New Deal programs that had a major effect in Kansas was rural electrifiication.The power was turned on March 31, 1938. WW2 delayed many rural eletrification projects in Kansas.
