1930s Popular Culture

Question 1

What were the three main aspects of 1930s popular culture?

Answer 1

1. Cinema
2. Radio
3. Books/comics

Question 2

How did cinema in the 1930s reflect the period?

Answer 2

1. Creation of the “talkies” which replaced silent films - musicals e.g. Swing Time (1936) became popular.
2. Fred Astaire’s “Pick Yourself Up” from Swing Time, encouraged Americans to “pick” themselves up and “start all over again”, raising morale.

Question 3

How did books/comics in the 1930s reflect the period?

Answer 3

1. Escapism - 1938 publication of Superman led to a Golden Age of comics as they contained an element of escapism that was welcomed by Americans who wanted to escape the reality of their situation.
2. Realism - John Steinbeck’s “Grapes of Wrath” was set during the G.D and depicted a poor family of tenant farmers experiencing drought (Dust Bowl), economic hardship and agricultural industry changes. Allowed Americans to identify with them.

Question 4

What was the effect of radio in the 1930s?

Answer 4

1. By 1930, 28 mil homes had a radio
2. Roosevelt would do his “Fireside Chats”
3. Popularized jazz further