Even though the Great Depression was a very bleak time in the United States' history, there were many influences and new technology developed that we still use today. Radio was a very prominent influence during the Great Depression. Radio shows became immensely popular during this period, so much so that the 1930s is often called the Golden Age of Radio. Families listened to what musicians preferred which was hot jazz or swing.
Entertainment: The United States put many back to work with the entertainment industry. Before, entertainment was very expensive so the industry provided cheap and affordable or free amusements for people which allowed them to forget all of their troubles for some time. The most popular form of entertainment in the 1930s was movies and the radio. Comedies were popular during the 30s because it took things of off people's mind. Some of these productions are still seen by adults and children. They must have been very good, don't you think? Also, listening to radio broadcasting became a source of free entertainment for millions of Americans. It had something for all ages of people so this became a very cheap and inexpensive way to enjoy newscasts, music, etc.
Trends: Fashion in the 1930s was directly influenced by the Wall Street Crash of October 24, 1929 and the subsequent Depression (ecusd7.org). The focus moved from making new clothes every season to reusing and remaking clothes already owned because no one had enough money to make or buy the clothes. New fabrics and shapes of clothes were created and more people began liking the new style. Muted and deep hues were popular, as were abstract and geometric prints. Daytime hemlines reached midcalf, with evening hems at the ankle or floor. Dresses had a natural waistline, sometimes emphasized by flounces or seams. Moderately full skirts accentuated a small waist and minimized the hips. The long skirts of the 30s sometimes flared in flounces or were trimmed with ruffles, but just as often they were simply long and slender. The bodices sometimes had puffed, flounce, or ruffled sleeves. V-neck or crossover styles were the most common, accented with lace, ruffles, or ties. Separate lace collars or scarves were popular, as well. Necklines were lowered while torsos were sensuously molded beneath squared shoulders. Darts were replaced by soft gathers. Dress bodices were designed with inset pieces and yokes. Necklines received dramatic attention, often with wide scallop-edged or ruffled collars. Feminine V-neck sweaters or cardigans worn over long, slender skirts were also common. Popular fabrics included cotton, tweed, rayon, silk, and wool (ecusd7.org).
Entertainment: The United States put many back to work with the entertainment industry. Before, entertainment was very expensive so the industry provided cheap and affordable or free amusements for people which allowed them to forget all of their troubles for some time. The most popular form of entertainment in the 1930s was movies and the radio. Comedies were popular during the 30s because it took things of off people's mind. Some of these productions are still seen by adults and children. They must have been very good, don't you think? Also, listening to radio broadcasting became a source of free entertainment for millions of Americans. It had something for all ages of people so this became a very cheap and inexpensive way to enjoy newscasts, music, etc.
Trends: Fashion in the 1930s was directly influenced by the Wall Street Crash of October 24, 1929 and the subsequent Depression (ecusd7.org). The focus moved from making new clothes every season to reusing and remaking clothes already owned because no one had enough money to make or buy the clothes. New fabrics and shapes of clothes were created and more people began liking the new style. Muted and deep hues were popular, as were abstract and geometric prints. Daytime hemlines reached midcalf, with evening hems at the ankle or floor. Dresses had a natural waistline, sometimes emphasized by flounces or seams. Moderately full skirts accentuated a small waist and minimized the hips. The long skirts of the 30s sometimes flared in flounces or were trimmed with ruffles, but just as often they were simply long and slender. The bodices sometimes had puffed, flounce, or ruffled sleeves. V-neck or crossover styles were the most common, accented with lace, ruffles, or ties. Separate lace collars or scarves were popular, as well. Necklines were lowered while torsos were sensuously molded beneath squared shoulders. Darts were replaced by soft gathers. Dress bodices were designed with inset pieces and yokes. Necklines received dramatic attention, often with wide scallop-edged or ruffled collars. Feminine V-neck sweaters or cardigans worn over long, slender skirts were also common. Popular fabrics included cotton, tweed, rayon, silk, and wool (ecusd7.org).