The Great Depression Period

Mickey Mouse

Nov 18, 1928

Newly introduced cartoon star Mickey Mouse appears on November 18th in Steamboat Willie, an animated 1928 short film produced by Walt Disney. Soon to be in the future as the most beloved children's cartoon character. The short cartoon of "Steamboat Willie" was quite popular and Disney began producing more films featuring the iconic mouse. Merchandise and fan clubs came soon after, making sure that the mischievous rodent, (Mickey Mouse) would earn a permanent place in popular culture.

Wall Street Crash

Oct 28, 1929

On this date in the early stages of the great depression this marked the day that the wall street had crashed and started a world-wide economic crisis that lasted until the mid 1930's

Frozen Food

Aug 12, 1930

Technology moves forward and Clarence Birdseye invents frozen food with his quick-freezing process and patents the concept. This makes dinners or even meals quicker and easier for family's to come.

The Star-Spangled Banner

Mar 3, 1931

The Star- Spangled banner written by Francis Scott Key is approved by congress to be the nations national anthem.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

Nov 8, 1932

Democratic challenger Franklin D. Roosevelt defeats incapable President Hoover in the presidential election only after his first four terms. It was a lop sided victory for Roosevelt with 472 Electoral College votes to 59.

21st Amendment

Dec 5, 1933

The 21st Amendment to the U.S. Constitution is passed, ending prohibition.

The Masters

Mar 22, 1934

For the first time in history the masters golf tournament is held at Augusta National Golf Club founded by Bobby Jones. The winner of the 1934 Masters was Horton Smith at four under par (-4).

Historic Sites Preserved

Aug 21, 1935

The Historic Sites Act is signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt declaring a national policy to preserve historic sites, including National Historic Landmarks.

Homestead Act

Mar 19, 1936

Located at the homestead of Daniel Freeman, a filer of one of the initial homestead applications of the Homestead Act of 1862. The Homestead National Monument in Nebraska is signed into law by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to pay tribute to those many pioneers that settled and to a chance in the western states.

William Henry Hastie

Mar 26, 1937

William Henry Hastie will be the first appointed African American to the federal branch. He becomes the first black African American judge.

Minimum Wage

Jun 25, 1938

The National Minimum Wage is signed into law within the federal legislation, also known as the Fair Labor Standards Act. It established a minimum wage of $0.25 at the time. This established the what we now have today as jobs having the option to pay minimum wage which is 7.25 or higher.

Neutrality

Sep 5, 1939

In 1939 President Roosevelt states the United States neutrality in the European war after Germany invaded Poland that effectively began World War II.