The Great Depression: Before & Beyond

The Great Depression: Before & Beyond
Causes & Effects of Two World Wars and Everything In-Between

Table of Contents Introduction Progressive Reform & World War I
The Roaring 20s The Stock Market Crash & The Great Depression World War II & Japanese Internment Camps The Cold War, Korea & Vietnam Conclusion References

Introduction Major events such as World Wars I and II, the Stock Market Crash of 1929, etc. are the result of many changes happening all at once. Often, groups of people are unhappy with the way others are running an organization or even a country, and the result is reform. Change can be violent or peaceful, gradual or all at once. It can affect different people in many different ways. Many things in history are cyclical – that is, they happen in cycles. There are patterns that people and countries and governments fall into, and these patterns can lead to drastic changes in landscape and the general culture in which human beings live their lives. The Great Depression and the decades surrounding it are, together, a perfect example of how history runs in a cycle. It’s important to note that this is not always intentional – it is doubtful, for instance, that people wanted to live in absolute poverty for over ten years during the 1930s, for example. Still, when we are able to compare and contrast different periods of history, we can start to see how similar certain aspects of them are. For instance, wars are almost always caused by radical change, or a bunch of changes happening at the same time. Often, different groups of people become unhappy with the way they are being treated, either by their government or by other citizens, and they decide to do something about it. Sometimes, change can be peaceful; other times, it is very violent. Also, change can be extremely slow, or it can happen very quickly, almost in a landslide – the Stock Market Crash of 1929, for example, was very quick. Change can also affect different groups of people in different ways. As we explore some of the different events surrounding the Great Depression, World Wars I & II, and some of the major events occurring within these time periods, I want you to think about what kinds of changes occurred, and how they relate to one another.

Progressive Movement The Progressive Era of the early 20th century was a collection of many different movements, all centered around making America a “better and safer” place to live (The Learning Page, 2002a), and to decrease the “widespread political corruption” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8, p. 130) in the country. U.S. Constitution made Amendments giving women the right to vote, establishing federal income tax, and creating a policy where the people elected U.S. Senators (as opposed to simply being appointed by the government.) Think of a time when you went to an amusement park or some place where you had to wait in long lines for something, and where there were so many people that it cut down on the amount of time you had to enjoy yourself. This is, in a small sense, how many Americans were beginning to feel at the beginning of the 20th century, or the early 1900s. Cities were becoming overcrowded, and many things were starting to fall apart – garbage was not being collected in a timely fashion, if at all, water was not clean, and many places were in dire need of proper sewer systems, paved roads, and public transportation. Many factories, mines and lumber mills were very unsafe working environments, and there was “widespread political corruption” (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 130). In short, reform came about because people wanted America to be a “better and safer” place to live (The Learning Page, 2002a). The United States government tried to do its part. They made a number of Amendments to the Constitution, including ones that gave women the right to vote, as well as Amendments that created a federal income tax, and one requiring new U.S. Senators to be voted in by the people, rather than being appointed by the government. Some of the government’s attempts at reform were more successful than others, as you will soon find out.

Prohibition This was an attempt to make illegal (prohibit) the production and sale of all alcoholic drinks in the United States. Reasons: Alcohol was “responsible for much of the abuse of women and children”; it was responsible for much crime; and it wasted money that could have been used for food (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 130). Prohibition was the U.S. government’s attempt to make alcoholic beverages illegal, whether people were making, buying or selling them. One of the reasons proposed was that alcohol was “responsible for much of the abuse of women and children.” This is very simplified. While many men drank, many did it as a brief stress reliever. Though it wasn’t necessarily a healthy option, it was available to them. Your textbook talks about how women championed prohibition more than men did. We can probably imagine that men would drink too much and then go home and abuse their families, so it is understandable that women would be frustrated. In a way, alcohol was used as a scapegoat – that is, something for people to pin all of their problems on, when really, that particular period in time was filled with many problems, all of them very complex. The government attempting to ban alcohol was what we call a “quick fix” today. Banning alcohol was intended to make society cleaner and “better”, but in reality, it probably just added to all the stress and the “political corruption” (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 130).

18th Amendment This made alcohol illegal all over the U.S.
Americans did not take the ban seriously. British Columbia “rumrunners” smuggled in liquor, since it was still legal north of the border. Alcohol was consumed in private clubs/road houses, called “blind pigs”, since police (“pigs”) were bribed to ‘turn a blind eye’ to alcohol consumption. 1933: Prohibition repealed after 14 years. The 18th Amendment was created in order to make alcohol illegal in the United States, or to prohibit it – which is where Prohibition gets its name, of course. Americans did not take the ban seriously at all. They paid people from British Columbia, Canada, who were called “rumrunners”, to smuggle alcohol into the country. Why do you think they earned that nickname? Much of that alcohol was brought and sold in private night clubs or road houses, which were called “blind pigs”. This was because many policemen (or “pigs”) were bribed – probably with alcohol, even – not to shut down establishments that still sold alcohol. Eventually, Prohibition was repealed after 14 years, and in 1933, it was no longer illegal to produce, sell, or drink alcohol in America. Your textbook compares Prohibition in the early 1900s to today’s war on drugs (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 130). How do you think our illegal drug problem today compares to Prohibition?

Legislative Reform William U’Ren of Oregon was a very dynamic leader regarding getting legislative changes made in Oregon (later adapted in Washington). Created the initiative (citizens could pass their own laws by gathering signatures and having them placed on a ballot to be voted on), and the referendum (citizens could vote for laws already passed by the legislative branch of government). Also the recall, where voters could have an official removed from office. Legislative reform was another large part of the Progressive Movement. Citizens were beginning to ask for more control over their country, and they were getting it, in part thanks to the efforts of various leaders and officials. One of these persons was William U’Ren of Oregon, who helped to create a number of different ways for citizens to make or reject laws. Recall, of course, that the legislative branch of the government makes the laws. This is, therefore, where the Legislative Reform gets its name. U’Ren helped Oregon approve the initiative, which allowed citizens to pass their own laws by gathering signatures and having the proposed new law placed on a ballot to be voted on by the people. Another creation was the referendum, where citizens could vote on laws that the legislature had passed and placed on a ballot. In addition, the recall was created, where voters could have an official removed from their seat in office if the country collectively felt s/he wasn’t doing a good enough job. A recent and local example of this is the former mayor of Spokane, Jim West, who was recalled from office by a margin of 65% supporting having him removed. Mr. West left office in December of 2005, and died of complications from colon cancer in July of The replacement mayor, and the person currently filling the position is Dennis Hession (Wikipedia, 2007a).

Business Regulation Government began charging fees for people to use railroads and utilities. Laws also passed that limited the amount of hours that people could work – women, for example, could only work 8 hours per day. Children were also required to attend school now, instead of working all day in mines and factories. The government also tried to regulate, or keep track of who used their services, and began charging for them. As part of the Progressive Movement, citizens began having to pay for railroads and utilities. Laws were also passed that limited the amount of hours that people could work. Women, for instance, could only work 8 hours per day, and children were required to go to school instead of working all day in mines and factories (Carlson & Green, 2005, p. 131). This is similar to current employment practices with minors today. According to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (2007), children as young as 14 or 15 can be employed, but can only work three hours a day, 16 hours a week, and 6 days a week, no earlier than 7 AM and no later than 7 PM - though on Saturday and Sunday, and during non-school weeks, they can work an 8 hour shift. Sixteen and seventeen-year-olds can work 20 hours a week and until midnight on Friday and Saturday, but only until 10 PM Sunday through Thursday, unless in special cases.

Women’s Suffrage Suffrage: The right to vote.
Granting women the right to vote was considered one of WA’s most significant victories of the time. Washington was the fifth state to pass an Amendment allowing this; ten years later, all women in the U.S. could vote. Women’s suffrage, or the right that women eventually gained to vote, was an extremely important victory, both in Washington State and in the United States in general. WA was the fifth state to pass an Amendment allowing women to vote in state and local elections, to hold public office, and to serve on juries. Ten years later, the national suffrage amendment was passed - all women in the United States now have these rights (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 131).

Opposition to Women’s Suffrage
Obviously, there was some opposition to such a radical movement. Here, a group of men peek into the window of the headquarters for the National Association Opposed to Woman Suffrage (Library of Congress, 1998).

Picketing for Women’s Rights, February 1917
In this picture, taken in front of the White House in February of 1917, women picket for suffrage. The sign on the left reads, “Mr. President, how long must women want for liberty”; the one on the right says, “Mr. President, what will you do for woman suffrage” (Library of Congress, 1998).

56th & Lexington, 1917 Three women casting ballots in 1917 in New York City – the crossroad is listed as 56th & Lexington (Library of Congress, 1998): “The women voters showed no ignorance or trepidation, but cast their ballots in a businesslike way.”

Industrial Workers of the World, a.k.a., IWW
Created in 1905, the IWW enjoyed the notion of “One big union”. IWW set itself against capitalism, a system of government involving private ownership of land, property, and businesses. Capitalists were known to hire workers for very low wages, making their own profits larger. The IWW was one of the first groups to welcome African-Americans as well as women. IWW union members were called “Wobblies”. The Industrial Workers of the World, or the IWW, was created in 1905 as a means of combating capitalism, which is a system of government where private businesses own the majority of a nation’s land, property and businesses. As a result, these owners are able to hire workers and pay them very low wages, which makes their own profits very large. One of the most notable things about the IWW from its inception, or its beginning, was that it welcomed women and African-Americans, two groups that still had a number of social stigmas against them in the United States. In addition, “The union … gave dignity to unskilled workers who were barred from other unions” (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 132). Union members were called “Wobblies”.

Radical Change The Wobblies felt that real reform could only come from radical change. They agreed to strike if there was a need for it. Fought for rights to speak freely to employers, and also for safer working conditions and higher wages. Spoke on street corners and in public parks, and gathered much sympathy for their cause (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 132). The Wobblies were willing to go to great extremes to see that radical change took place for laborers. They felt that striking was an option if it meant that they might accomplish their goals, which included the right to speak freely to bosses. They also fought hard for safer working conditions, and also for higher wages, speaking on street corners and in public parks. The Wobblies were genuine and passionate about their cause, and drew a lot of support and sympathy because of this.

Wobblies Lingo Bindle: Blanket roll
Bindle Stiff: Worker who carries his bedding California Blankets: Newspapers used for bedding Dingbat: A tramp considered “homeless, helpless, and harmless” Fink: An informer or strikebreaker Jungle: A place, usually near a railroad yard, where migrants cooked/slept Rattler: Fast freight train Scab: Person who takes the job of a striking union member Skid Road: An area of town with saloons, gambling and prostitution List of commonly used terms from the initial IWW movement (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 133).

The Everett Massacre IWW was willing to get violent to achieve its goals. Literature openly discussed sabotage – destroying a company’s tools/materials to force it out of work. In Everett, Wobblies were giving speeches criticizing World War I/capitalism, and were arrested/beaten by police and vigilantes – citizens who take it upon themselves to punish criminals. A boat of 300 Wobblies landed at Everett to lend support; their effort was met with gunfire. Five workers and two vigilantes were killed in the scuffle. Though 74 Wobblies were charged with murder, no one could tell who fired the first shot, and they were freed. The IWW was willing to become violent to achieve its goals. However, much of the violence produced from the IWW’s efforts was directed towards the group, rather than directed at it. An example is the Everett Massacre, wherein Wobblies were giving speeches that criticized World War I, as well as capitalism. Many of them were arrested by local police, and beaten by both law enforcement and vigilantes, who are people (men, the textbook specifies) that take it upon themselves to punish criminals – in a sense, they police themselves. The riot caused a boatload of some 300 additional Wobblies to lend their support. However, when they tried to land in Everett, they were met with gunfire. In the end, five workers and two vigilantes were killed. And even though 74 Wobblies were charged with murder, there was no real evidence regarding who fired the first shot, and no guns were found aboard the ship. They were freed eventually (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 133).

The IWW Today The IWW still exists today, boasting on its official website (iww.org) about its 102-year history. To the left, a union member protests policies of the Starbucks company in Seattle, WA. The Industrial Workers of the World union is still alive and well today, enjoying the claim of a rich 102-year history. The official website for the organization, iww.org, contains news clips, directions for how to join, IWW blogs, and links to related websites, amongst other things. The above picture is a union member protesting various policies of Seattle, WA’s Starbucks company, whose 2006 Corporate Irresponsibility Report has been making headlines since it was released.

World War I (WWI) Also called the Great War; raged from before the U.S. became involved. Central vs. Allied Powers. Central = Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey; Allied = England, France, Italy, Russia, and eventually the United States. U.S. became involved when Germany sunk a ship carrying American tourists using submarines/U-boats. World War I was also called the Great War. It raged from , three years before the United States became involved. President Woodrow Wilson struggled to keep America out of the conflict, but he was forced to concede that the country needed to join the fight after a U.S. ship carrying American tourists was sunk by German submarines, or U-boats. Congress declared that America was joining the war when more ships were attacked (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 134). The U.S. joined up with the Allied Powers, consisting of England, France, Italy and Russia. On the other side were the Central powers, consisting of Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Turkey.

Allied vs. Central Powers
A map of Europe in 1914 highlights the different sides of World War I. The countries in gray are the Allied Powers, i.e.: England, France, Italy, and Russia (the U.S. is not shown, of course). The Central Powers are light pink: Austria-Hungary, Germany, and Turkey. The orange countries are those that were neutral at the time – Switzerland, Spain, Norway, Sweden, Iceland, etc. (Wikipedia, 2007b).

Liberty Sausage For All!
Germans were the enemy in Europe during WWI. Many Americans felt that those of German-American heritage were not to be trusted. German-Americans were beaten up, and often had their farms/businesses vandalized. German language was banned in many schools. Things with German names were given American names; hamburger, for example, was “liberty sausage”, and sauerkraut became “liberty cabbage” (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 135). Since Germany was the main reason that the United States was forced to become involved in World War I, Germans were considered America’s enemy. Americans felt that many German-Americans could not be trusted, and as a result, many of them were beaten up, and often had their farms and businesses vandalized. Learning or speaking the German language was banned in schools. In addition, things were German names were given American names, such as hamburger, which became “liberty sausage”, and sauerkraut, which was renamed “liberty cabbage” (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 135). This is similar to a very recent incidence in The United States, which was angry at France for declaring that they would not assist America in their war with Iraq, declared that foods with French names would be renamed. For example, French fries became “freedom fries”, and French toast became “freedom toast”. An embassy spokeswoman named Nathalie Loisau spoke on behalf of France regarding the French-to-freedom redubbing: "We are at a very serious moment dealing with very serious issues and we are not focusing on the name you give to potatoes" (Wikipedia, 2007e). By July 2006, many restaurants had changed the names of French foods back to the way they were. Still, this pattern of hysteria and distrust of is a recurring theme in American history. Can you think of any others that you've heard or read about it at this point?

Selective Service Act All men were required to sign up for the military. In World War I, about 75,000 Washington men were “drafted”. To the left is a poster of Uncle Sam, a national personification of the United States, urging men to sign up for the Army. When not enough men signed up voluntary to join the war effort, Congress passed the Selective Service Act, requiring all men between years of age to sign up for military service. In Washington State, about 75,000 men were “drafted”, as it was/is called, to fight in World War I (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 134). In 1917, an artist named James Montgomery Flagg created the infamous Uncle Sam Army recruitment poster, using a modified version of his own face for Uncle Sam; a veteran named Walter Botts posed for the drawing itself. The poster itself was based on a 1914 British recruitment poster by Alfred Leete featuring Lord Kitchener (Wikipedia, 2007c). Uncle Sam was a personification of the United States – this meant that he was not a real person, but simply an embodiment of what the United States might look and dress like if it were a human being.

Sedition Act This was Congress’ attempt to suppress, or silence criticism by prohibiting any speech it felt was “disloyal, profane, … or abusive” (Green & Carlson, 2005, p ) about the government, the flag, the Constitution, or the Armed Forces. The IWW campaigned often against the war; as a result, many Wobblies were arrested for violation of the Sedition Act. The Sedition Act was passed by Congress as a way of trying to prevent American citizens from speaking out against their efforts to fight for the rights of their country during World War I. The Act prohibited anybody from saying anything that was “disloyal, profane, … or abusive” (Green & Carlson, 2005, p ), about either the government, the flag, the Constitution, or the Armed Forces. As we’ve already discussed, the IWW often campaigned on street corners and such, speaking out against capitalism and World War I. It is not surprising, therefore, that many Wobblies ended up getting arrested for breaking the Sedition Act (Green & Carlson, 2005, p. 136). The Act was eventually repealed in 1921 (Wikipedia, 2007d).

“As Gag-Rulers Would Have It”
In this comic, a trio of children representing honest opinion, free speech, and free press are attempting to fight off a snake, representing sedition. This is a persuasive comic strip – why? What point is the creator trying to make? Do you agree or disagree – why? Also, what do you think a “gag-rule” refers to?

Communism & the Red Scare
In Russia during World War I, times were hard; food and fuel were scarce, and the czar, Nicholas II was eventually overthrown. Communism: Government ownership of all land, property and business. Not successful in Russia. Striking workers in U.S. considered part of a worldwide conspiracy against democracy – caused nationwide hysteria. Even though the economy was booming during World War I in America, this was not always the case in other parts of the world. In Russia, times were very difficult; people found it difficult to find regular food and fuel. Eventually, they overthrew their czar, Nicholas II, and created a system of government known as communism. Communism was originally meant to mean that “all the people” would share the country’s resources, but “all the people” really ended up meaning “the government”. In a way, this was no better than having a czar – instead of having an emperor-type figure, the government became a sort of ruling class all their own. Any striking workers in the United States were considered part of a worldwide scheme to overthrow democracy, which was and still is the system of government in America. This was referred to as The Red Scare, since the Russians’ flag was red. The flag pictured on the left, incidentally, was originally used from , up until the beginning of the Russian Revolution, where the hammer-and-sickle was adopted – the flag on the right (Enchanted Learning, 2007). The hammer and sickle together are meant to symbolize the unity between agricultural and industrial workers (Wikipedia, 2007f). Eventually in 1991, the original Russian flag was re-adopted (Enchanted Learning, 2007).

Economic Boom The war created lots of jobs – prior to WWI, there was one ship building company, for example. At the end of it, there were 25. The Boeing Company became the largest company in Washington, after building airplanes for the government. Jobs existed for people fighting in the war and even women and minorities who remained at home. The war was terrible, but business was booming (Green & Carlson, 2005, p ). Economic boom refers to the fact that the war created many new jobs. Before World War I, for instance, there was only one ship building company in the entire country – by the end of the war, there were 25. World War I also had a need for many airplanes. This was how the Boeing Company was started; Boeing built fifty airplanes for the government in 1917; they were originally meant to be simply for observation, but eventually became fighter planes. The war allowed women and minorities to work, which had not been the case before. Also, men who were not able to be drafted found better jobs while the soldiers left for Europe. Even though the war had many terrible events, it also gave companies in the United States a lot of business (Green & Carlson, chap. 8, p ).

From Boom to Bust When the war ended, there was a “sharp” drop in farm and lumber prices. Women and minorities were no longer an intricate part of the work force. Seattle General Strike: Shipyard workers went on strike for wage increases that were forbidden during the war. “People could not get a ride on a streetcar, or a meal in a restaurant” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8, p. 138). Unfortunately, when the war ended, there was also a huge drop in farm and lumber prices. The U.S. had shipped a lot of food to Europe during WWI, but it was not as necessary afterwards. Many smaller businesses that had opened during the peak of the war now did not have enough customers to stay open, and the women and minorities who had kept many of them open were now forced to return to their original roles in society. How would you feel if you had been told that you could no longer do something because too many others needed whatever you had more than you did? One of the more famous shows of anger about changing policies after the war was the Seattle General Strike, where shipyard workers went on strike because they wanted wage increases that they had been denied during the war. Many different unions were on strike at once, and as a result, Seattle nearly shut down. However, the unions wanted to make a statement to business owners without harming citizens, so they did make sure that food was still being brought into the city and that hospitals and the like were kept running. A quote from the textbook (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8, p. 138) sums the strike up nicely: “People could not get a ride on a streetcar, or a meal in a restaurant.” What are some things you wouldn’t be able to do if there was a worker strike in Spokane?

The Age of Jazz The 1920s go by many names – the Age of Jazz, the pursuit of pleasure, the Roaring Twenties, etc. Women’s fashion drastically changed – short, bobbed hair, short skirts, rouge, nylons with seams down the back. Men slicked their hair back and “tried to look as modern as the ladies” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8, 139). There were many names for the 1920s: the Age of Jazz, the pursuit of pleasure, the Roaring Twenties, etc. Keep in mind, the reason so many people originally migrated over to the United States from England is because they wanted to be free to practice Christianity; they felt that England was too loose and corrupt. The 1920s decade was a movement for Americans to loosen up. One of the most visible changes was fashion – women started cutting their hair short, and wearing shorter skirts, rouge – another name for blush – and would wear nylons with seams down the back. Men’s fashion was more subtle – like the book says, they “tried to look as modern as the ladies” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap.8, p. 139) by slicking their hair back. The woman pictured was called a “flapper” – she represented women who wore provocative clothing and bobbed hair, listened to jazz music, wore makeup, drank hard liquor and smoked tobacco, and generally relished being able to act "indecently" as a social movement (Wikipedia, 2007h).

The Two Dears A postcard featuring a woman from the 1920s in a traditional bathing suit of the time period. (The Authentic History Center, 2007). During the Roaring 20s, “bathing-beauty contests” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8, p. 139) were a very popular form of entertainment. This postcard features a woman in traditional 1920s bathing suit garb (The Authentic History Center, 2007). During the Roaring 20s, “bathing-beauty contests” were very popular, along with sports, and soap operas on the radio and in newspapers (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8, p. 139).

The Modern Decade Some inventions of the 1920s included the following (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8, p ): Electric power Telephones Phonographs Radios Washing machines Motion pictures Automobiles (pictured: Henry Ford’s Model T) There were many inventions that became prominent, or very commonplace, during the 1920s. These include electric power, telephones, phonographs, radios, washing machines, and motion pictures. One of the most important inventions, however, was the automobile, which “changed where and how people lived, worked, shopped and played” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8, p. 140). It helped farm families to get to major cities more quickly to shop and go to concerts and movies. It also was a very affordable purchase. The car pictured here is a version of Henry Ford’s Model T (Wikipedia, 2007g), which sold for $850 in 1908, which was not affordable for most families. However, by the mid-1920s, it had dropped to under $300, which meant that many Americans could afford to own one. In addition, automobile engines were also used in “farming machinery, logging trucks, freight trucks, and school buses.” More students could be bused in from different parts of town than they used to be able to, so schools grew larger, replacing one-room schoolhouses that had been popular previously (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8, p. 140).

Racial Intolerance The 1920s was also known as the “Intolerant Decade”, because of the United States’ people’s intense distrust and fear of foreigners. Many Japanese residents barred from owning and leasing land in Washington/Oregon. Ku Klux Klan – Felt that Catholics, Jews and African-Americans were responsible for all the problems in the U.S. and terrorized those they were trying to get rid of. A large gathering of the KKK existed in the Yakima Valley in the 1920s. Yet another nickname for the 1920s was the Intolerant Decade, because the U.S. seemed to have a large distrust and fear of many different groups of foreigners. Many Japanese residents, for example, were unable to own and lease land in Washington and Oregon during this time period, and many politicians urged Congress to pass even stricter laws regarding Asian immigration. Another group that was very prominent during this time period was the Ku Klux Klan, or the KKK. They essentially felt that anybody who was a minority – mainly, Catholics, Jews and African-Americans – was responsible for all of the problems in the United States. Their methods were very violent – many times, they would terrorize the families they wanted to get rid of by burning crosses on their lawns, as pictured here (Wikipedia, 2007i), and performing public whippings, shootings and hangings. The Japanese immigrants were not exempt from their wrath, though towards the middle of the decade, the hold that the KKK had over areas such as the Yakima Valley weakened somewhat. The KKK has had a long history, though it exists mostly in pockets around the United States currently. According to one source, there were over 4 million members in the 1920s; 6 million in 1924; then it was down to 30,000 in the 1930s, 2,000 by 1970, and again up to 3,000 by 2000 (Wikipedia, 2007i).

Racist Stereotyping Racist stereotypes were common during this time, as there were no civil rights laws available to different minority groups. This image comes from an online archive of many different racial groups’ portrayals. This was apparently a song written during the 1920s called “Chong, He Come From Hong Kong” – as you can see, the title makes fun of the way many non-native Asians speak, and features a very stereotypical picture. Other images on the same website featured Asians with very exaggerated teeth, and with a yellow skin color – this one was, perhaps, one of the least offensive, as a matter of fact (Authentic History Center, 2007).

Hydropower Pacific Northwest produced about 40% of the country’s hydropower – that is, power harvested by dams. Public Utility District (PUD) – Established public power systems and replaced private companies. Voted down in 1929, approved a year later; eventually established in 29 of WA’s 39 counties. Electricity was necessary in order to make many of the new inventions of the 1920s run, so producing energy was very important. One way to do this was hydropower, or power harnessed from water by dams. At the time, the Pacific Northwest produced about 40% of the country’s hydropower. This power was controlled by the Public Utility District (PUD), which was a company that put the hydropower in the hands of the public and took it away from private companies that could charge more for its use. The PUD was not immediately accepted – legislature voted it down in 1929, and then narrowly approved it a year later. Eventually, it was established in 29 of Washington State’s 39 counties (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8).

Grand Coulee Dam Proposed as a way to bring irrigation to land. Supporters were called “pumpers”. Opposition: Washington Water Power Company (WWP); pumpers led by James O’Sullivan. WWP proposed a gravity canal that would leave them mainly in control of water power. 1928, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers researched the Columbia River system and determined that the pumping plan was the most efficient. Farming was difficult in the 1920s due to lack of water for the land. The Grand Coulee Dam was proposed as a way to irrigate farmland. Its supporters were called “pumpers” – why do you think this is? The pumpers were led by James O’Sullivan. There were also people who opposed the dam; they were led by the Washington Water Power Company, or WWP. Mainly, they were worried that the dam would give them less control over the price of water power in the area. They proposed a gravity canal that would bring water in from the Pend Orville River. In 1928, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers researched both methods, and determined that the pumpers’ plan was best. The Grand Coulee Dam was approved, but it would not be constructed for several more years (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 8).

Stock Market Crash: Who Dunnit?
Many factors that actually led up to the Stock Market Crash of 1929 (Gusmorino, 1996): Growing gap between the rich and middle class (unstable economy) Excessive spending on credit (lack of immediate incoming funds to companies) Major economies (radio advertising and automobiles) slowed down, taking the rest of the country with them Other countries could not pay back money they had borrowed from U.S. right away Eventually, product sat in warehouses and stock prices fell drastically “Who dunnit?” is a term usually reserved for mystery movies and novels, where there are a lot of different suspects for a particular crime. In talking about the Stock Market Crash of 1929, there are actually many different factors, or “suspects”, that actually led up to it (Gusmorino, 1996). This includes the unstable economy – namely, the growing gap between the rich and middle classes. Also, excessive spending was an issue – many people used credit to pay for purchases, meaning that there was a growing lack of immediate incoming cash for companies across the nation. This eventually caused companies to slow production, including some of the major economies of the time period, radio advertising and automobiles. In addition, the U.S. was not the only country using credit – many countries that borrowed money and supplies from America could not pay them back right away, and so the economy continued to suffer internationally. Eventually, products were created, only to sit in warehouses, and then prices began to slip, until the country’s economy went into a downward spiral, eventually crashing on October 29, 1929.

Black is the New Black Black Thursday (October 24, 1929): Stocks began to rise tentatively after Richard Whitney bought 10,000 shares of U.S. Steel at $205 each. Black Monday (October 28, 1929): People began to sell shares blindly; economists began to prepare themselves for what seemed like an inevitable crash. Black Tuesday (October 29, 1929): Stock market loses 40% of its original value (Woodard, 2007). Black Tuesday, or October 29, 1929, is often confused with other days leading up to the Stock Market Crash. Black Thursday, or October 24, was the day that stocks began to rise slowly again. A man named Richard Whitney bought 10,000 shares of the U.S. Steel stock at $205 a piece. Unfortunately, they started slipping again, and by October 28th, also referred to as Black Monday, the general public was informed that they were headed for an inevitable economic crash. People began to sell their shares blindly, and economists prepared themselves for the worst. The crash occurred the very next day, when the stock market lost 40% of its original value (Woodard, 2007).

Plummeting Stocks This graph shows the decrease in stock averages from October 1928 through October The highlighted portion is the month of October, It is noticeable that during 1928, stock prices are still rising, and then they drastically fall all during the month of the stock market crash. Afterwards, we can see how stock prices continue to move in peaks and valleys, and how during the 1930s, prices are nowhere near as high as they were during the Roaring 20s.

Effects of the Great Depression
Banks closed first during the Depression – anyone who had invested money there became broke almost overnight. Factories and businesses closed because nobody had the money to buy anything; this also led to a shortage of jobs. Those who could afford to buy anything found very good deals. In Cheney, WA, a resident recalls seeing a block of twelve housing lots selling for $38 (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9, p. 147). Though the Great Depression began with the crash in New York, it was soon felt around the country. Anybody who’d invested money in the bank was broke almost overnight. Eventually, factories and businesses began to close because nobody had any money to buy anything from them. This also led to a shortage of jobs. The few who could afford anything ended up finding very good deals. A resident of Cheney, WA recalls seeing a block of 12 housing lots being sold for $38 during the 1930s. Many farms, houses and businesses sold for a very small portion of their true value (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9, p. 147).

Hoovervilles Many people became homeless during the 1930s – WA State alone had 24 homeless shelters, or “poor farms”, though many were turned away due to lack of room. President Herbert Hoover unprepared for the Depression when it hit. Many U.S. citizens blamed him for not doing enough to help him, and built their own shacks out of scrap lumber, metal and cardboard. They called them “Hoovervilles”. The lack of jobs forced many people out into the streets during the Depression. As a result, many homeless shelters cropped up; there were 24 in Washington State alone, though many families were turned away due to lack of room. President Herbert Hoover was unprepared for the Depression when it hit, and did not have a workable plan to help end it. As a result, many U.S. citizens were angry at him for not doing what they felt was enough to help ease their suffering. Many built makeshift houses out of scrap lumber, metal and cardboard, and called them “Hoovervilles” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). The Hooverville pictured here was located in Portland, OR (The Learning Page, 2002b).

The Dust Bowl Occurred in 1928 in the Great Plains (pictured on the map as the central-most part of the U.S., as well as parts of Canada and Mexico). Already dry farming regions turned the land into a “dust bowl” by strong winds. Lasted roughly 12 years. The Dust Bowl originally started in the Great Plains region of the United States, or the central-most part of the country, which also extended into Canada and Mexico, as pictured on the map (Wikipedia, 2007j). The cause was the already dry farming region being hit by even drier winds. The result was, of course, a “dust bowl”. The period lasted roughly 12 years, and eventually extended into other portions of the country (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9).

Effects of the Dust Bowl
Drought reached the Pacific Northwest, increasing fires in the area. In 1936, the Forest Service reported 450,000 acres of national forest in the Northwest had burned up. Agriculture destroyed – crops rotted because harvesting did not turn a profit; sheep slaughtered and fed to buzzards or coyotes because harvesting meat/wool did not pay enough. WA farmers even burned fruit trees for the fuel. Migrant workers came to the Northwest because the grim conditions here were still better than in the Great Plains – by 1940, 400,000 had migrated to the N.W. In 1939, the federal government provided housing and medical clinics for migrant workers (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). The effects of the Dust Bowl were felt across the nation, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. When the drought reached the area, fires increased significantly. In 1936, the Forest Service reported that over 450,000 acres of national forest had burned up. Agriculture was also destroyed, not just by the flames, but also because it was no longer profitable to harvest crops or even raise wildlife. Many crops rotted; sheep were slaughtered and fed to coyotes and buzzards – the meat and wool profits were simply not enough. WA’s farmers even burned fruit trees for fuel. Many migrant workers came to the Northwest because, even though conditions in the area were pretty terrible, they were still better than those in the Great Plains. By 1940, an estimated 400,000 migrant workers had come to the Northwest. In 1939, the federal government provided housing and medical clinics for migrant workers (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9).

Roosevelt’s New Deal President Roosevelt (FDR) took office as President in 1933, after promising to create a “New Deal” for America to help end the Depression during his campaign. New Deal, also called “alphabet soup” (Gupta & Lee, 1996), was a collaboration between FDR and Congress whose main goal was to put people back to work, and also “stimulate economic recovery” in U.S. (Gupta & Lee, 1996). By 1939, the worst of the Great Depression was over (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). When President Theodore Delano Roosevelt, or FDR, became President in 1933, he promised to create a “New Deal” for America to help end the Depression. Even though people in the Northwest were not very familiar with him, they were eager for change, and he was elected. The New Deal, also called “alphabet soup” (Gupta & Lee, 1996), was a collaboration between the President and Congress, a series of programs meant to give people jobs and to “stimulate economic recovery” in the country (Gupta & Lee, 1996). Though not all of the efforts of the New Deal were 100% positive, by 1939, the worst of the Great Depression was over, thanks largely in part to FDR’s efforts (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9).

New Deal Programs Emergency Banking Act/Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), Helped re-establish America's faith that they could put money in the bank and not lose it. Civil Works Administration (CWA) - Gave unemployed persons jobs building/repairing roads, parks, etc. Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) - Put people to work maintaining and restoring forests, beaches and parks. Pay was little, but free room/board and training was offered, first to men, and then eventually to women as well. Indian Reorganization Act, Ended sale of tribal lands and restored ownership to rightful Native American groups. Public Works Association (PWA) - Launched projects such as the Grand Coulee Dam on the Columbia River. Many programs were created during the New Deal – these are just a few of them.

New Deal Programs (cont.)
Works Progress Administration (WPA), Provided work for 8 million Americans by constructing/restoring schools, hospitals, etc. Farm Security Administration (FSA) - Loaned more than $1 billion to farmers and set up camp for migrant workers. Fair Labor Standard Act, Banned child labor and set a minimum wage. Social Security Act - Provided aid for the elderly, for family members of those who were killed in industrial accidents, for mothers and children, and for the blind/physically disabled. Did not cover farm and domestic workers, but the SSA did help many Americans feel more protected. Though not always 100% positive, the New Deal did a great deal in helping end the Great Depression (Gupta & Lee, 1996). A recent news article discusses President Bush’s comparison of himself to FDR, particularly in terms of his wishes to privatize Social Security. Many of the President’s supporters have made vague claims that Roosevelt meant to privatize Social Security himself, and that Bush is just following in his footsteps (Nichols, 2005). Based on what you know now about FDR, Hoover, and the New Deal, how do you feel about this comparison?

Unions At War Federal laws passed giving workers the right to organize their own unions. American Federation of Labor (AFL) and Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) fought both management and themselves in “a series of bitter strikes” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9, p. 152). “Goon squads”: Groups of paid thugs who acted as violent mediators between the AFL and CIO unions. At the time, Washington became one of the most unionized states in the country. Many workers still did not feel the government was doing enough to help them. Eventually, federal laws were passed that gave workers the right to form unions, which eventually caused its own problems. Namely, there were many disagreements between two of the more notorious unions, the American Federation of Labor (AFL), and the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), which fought one another in “a series of bitter strikes” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9, p. 152). Many lumber mills, breweries and warehouses became pits of conflict. In the middle of all the fighting were hired thugs called “goon squads”, who acted as violent mediators between the AFL and CIO unions. They were not loyal to any particular side, and often used weapons such as baseball bats and cargo hooks (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). Washington State at the time was one of the most unionized states in the country.

Adolf Hitler and Nazi-ism
Though the U.S. economy was improving, by the late 1930s, trouble loomed in other parts of the world. Adolf Hitler – dictator of Germany; believed Germans were a superior race. Set out to “cleanse” Europe of anyone he considered inferior, namely Jewish people, as well as Gypsies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and homosexuals (Wikipedia, 2007k). Six million Jews killed in concentration camps, either from gas chambers or starvation. Referred to as the Holocaust (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). Towards the end of the 1930s, economic issues and the quality of life in the United States was greatly improved, and the Great Depression was essentially over. However, all was not well in other parts of the world. In Germany, a dictator named Adolf Hitler believed that Germans were the world’s most superior race. Once he was in power, he set out to “cleanse” Europe of anyone he considered inferior. His main target were those of the Jewish faith, but he also sought to eliminate Gypsies, Jehovah’s Witnesses, and homosexuals (Wikipedia, 2007k). Hitler’s mass-murdering of the Jews is referred to as the Holocaust – during that time, over six million Jews were killed in concentration camps, either by means of gas chambers or from starvation. The swastika symbol pictured here is one of the staples of Nazi rule. The swastika itself is actually derived from an Indian word meaning to “be well”, and prior to its indoctration into Nazi-ism during the 1930s and beyond, it was considered a symbol of good fortune. Eventually, it became irrevocably tied to Nazi Germany and the racist philosophies it assumed (Answers.com, 2007).

World War II (WWII) WWII raged in Europe for years before America became involved. America sent ships and supplies to Allies (England, France, Russia); Germany conquered Poland, and was eventually joined by Italy & Japan. President Roosevelt adamant about staying out of the war. World War II (WWII) broke out in Europe; similar to WWI, President Roosevelt urged the U.S. to stay out of the conflict. Though America sent the Allies ships and supplies, it did not send troops. In this case, the Allies included England and France, and then Russia once it was attacked by Germany. Germany, Italy and Japan made up the opposing, or Axis powers (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9), as represented by the map (Wikipedia, 2007k).

Attack on Pearl Harbor December 7, 1941: Japanese fighter planes dropped bombs on U.S. ships in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The next day, President Roosevelt declared war on Japan. Right: A ship called the USS Shaw is blown up by Japanese bombs (Naval Historical Center, 2001). On December 7th, 1941, Japanese fighter planes dropped several bombs on U.S. ships in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The sneak attack seemed to force President Roosevelt to declare war on Japan. Thus, the United States joined the Allied powers in the fight against Germany in World War II (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). In this picture, Japanese bombs are destroying the ship, the U.S.S. Shaw (Naval Historical Center, 2001).

Another Economic Boom With WWII came war-related jobs and economic prosperity. Hydroelectric power: Bonneville and Grand Coulee Dams on Columbia River created cheap power. Aluminum: Five new manufacturing plants created, including ones in Spokane, Longview & Tacoma. Shipbuilding: 100,000 employed at Kaiser’s shipbuilding yards in Portland-Vancouver region. Other local shipbuilding in Seattle, Tacoma, Bremerton & Bellingham. Fish, farming, lumber production in WA turned into aluminum, airplanes and ship-building industries. World War II effectively ended the Great Depression; similar to World War I, the fighting created many war-related jobs, and along with it came economic prosperity. These are just a few of the effects of that prosperity. Hydroelectric power, for example, became popular. The Grand Coulee Dam and Bonneville Dams were built, which created cheap power. Aluminum manufacturing became important, and five new plants were created, including those in Spokane, Longview & Tacoma. Shipbuilding was also huge; Henry Kaiser employed 100,000 people in his Portland-Vancouver area shipbuilding yards during the war. Over 50 “baby flattop” aircraft carriers were built, along with several hundred merchant ships from 1941 to the end of the war. Other local shipbuilding occurred in Seattle, Tacoma, Bremerton and Bellingham, WA. Essentially, industries that had previously been major in Washington State, like fish, farming and lumber production, quickly became focused on aluminum, airplanes and ship-building (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9).

The Hanford Area FDR received word from Jewish scientist Albert Einstein that Germany may be building an atomic bomb. Roosevelt started the secret Manhattan Project, designed to produce an atomic bomb for America. Hanford – one of the Project’s research facilities. Hanford Area produced plutonium used for bombs, with plant reactors (powered by dams) supplying water used for cooling. Richland, WA was a “mystery city” of some 51,000 people. Voluntary censorship/secrecy was crucial to the Project’s success. After the war, when U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Japan, Hanford became a public realization. In September 1939, President Roosevelt received a letter from Jewish scientist Albert Einstein. In it, he stated that Germany might be working on an atomic bomb. FDR soon began the Manhattan Project, designed to produce an atomic bomb for America. The Hanford Area in Richland, WA, became one of the Project’s main research facilities. Hanford produced plutonium, which was used for bombs; plant reactors were also used to supply water for cooling – the water, of course, was supplied by the local dams. As Richland was a “mystery city”, voluntary censorship and secrecy was necessary. Some 51,000 people resided there during WWII; it was not until after the U.S. dropped two atomic bombs on Japan that the public eye became aware of all that Hanford had accomplished (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9).

Social Change War brought migrants to places like the Pacific Northwest in record numbers. African-Americans in Seattle increased from 3,700 in 1940 to 30,000 by Racial discrimination still rampant – many families had trouble finding housing, and renovated chicken coups, garages, empty service stations and tents/cars to live in. Bracero program: Response to need for growers in WA. Mexican men allowed to work temporarily in U.S. as farm laborers. Many brought their families (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). The war brought many migrants to the country in record numbers. African-Americans, for example, increased from 3,700 in Seattle in 1940 to 30,000 by Unfortunately, the numbers did not make racial discrimination go away; many were still resentful of the influx of newcomers, and made life very difficult for those that were not White. Along with social prejudices, many African-Americans had difficulty finding housing. As a result, many ended up renovating chicken coups, garages, empty service stations, and even tents and cars to live in. Another migrant group was the Hispanics. As growers became a commodity after men went overseas to fight, Mexican men were allowed to work temporarily in the United States as farm laborers. This was termed the Bracero program, and gave thousands of Mexican men employment in the Northwest. Many brought their families as well (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9).

Japanese Internment Camps
Much hysteria caused over the notion that Japan would drop atomic bombs on U.S. On March 2nd, 1942, relocation orders were given to all persons of Japanese descent living in U.S. Roughly 10,000 Japanese-Americans from WA/OR areas sent to Minidoka Relocation Center in Idaho desert, and lived surrounded by armed guards and barbed wire. Many camp prisoners were 2nd/3rd generation Japanese-Americans. After the war, U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the relocation order. Later, Congress compensated those who had been relocated with $20,000 and formally apologized. Considered one of the worst civil rights violations in American history (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). Similar to other points in American history, the idea that the U.S. might be attacked by Japanese-Americans led to racial distrust, and eventually relocation of Japanese-Americans to several camps for the duration of the war. The Minidoka Relocation Center in the Idaho desert was the destination for roughly 10,000 people living in Washington and Oregon. Japanese-Americans lived surrounded by armed guards and barbed wire; many of the prisoners were 2nd/3rd generation Americans, even. After the war, the U.S. Court of Appeals reversed the relocation order. Many years later, Congress compensated those who had been relocated with $20,000 and made a formal apology for what is still considered one of the worst civil rights violations in American history (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). Pictured here is a notice instructing all those of Japanese ancestry that they were to be relocated (Wikipedia, 2007l); these orders were delivered officially on March 2nd, 1942 (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9).

Minidoka, etc. A map of the various Japanese internment camps in the country (Wikipedia, 2007l).

Baseball Many Japanese-Americans took to playing baseball in the camps to pass the time. This picture was taken from Tule Lake, an infamous internment camp in Utah (Noe, 2007). The children’s book, “Baseball Saved Us,” by Ken Mochizuki describes why baseball became so important to many Japanese-Americans imprisoned during WWII. Many Japanese-Americans began playing baseball in the camps as a way of passing the time, and to keep their spirits up. This picture was taken in Tule Lake, one of the most infamous internment camps in the country, located in Utah (Noe, 2007). The sentiments of many Japanese-Americans about having something recreational to do is also discussed in the children’s book, “Baseball Saved Us”, by Ken Mochizuki.

Going to School In Camp Children in the internment camps also kept up on their studies. Pictured here is a classroom in the Tule Lake camp in Utah, where junior high-aged students are engaged in a lesson (Noe, 2007). This picture shows a group of junior high-aged students in the Tule Lake internment camp in Utah, engaged in a lesson (Noe, 2007). Since WWII, a California law passed in 2004 has allowed Japanese-Americans formerly interned in camps to receive diplomas from the high schools they were attending prior to the order. As of August 2005, nearly 400 Japanese-Americans belatedly received their diplomas (Rosenberg, 2005).

The Death of FDR April 1945: Roosevelt dies suddenly from stroke. Americans react in stunned reminiscence – for three days/nights, businesses slowed, and radio stations aired only news broadcasts and religious music. Similar to coverage of the death of Princess Diana in 1997. Less than a month later, Germany surrendered, but Japan and U.S. still at odds. (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). In April 1945, the United States was stunned when President Roosevelt died suddenly of a stroke. Vice-president Harry S. Truman succeeded him, though for three days and nights, the country seemed to slow to a crawl; businesses and radio stations alike slowed, everybody tuned in to news broadcasts and mourning FDR’s death with tributes of religious music (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9). How is this similar to the media coverage of the death of Princess Diana in 1997? Less than a month later, Germany surrendered, though Japan and the U.S were still at odds. The country was torn about what their next move should be (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 9).

Fat Man & Little Boy August 6, 1945: Atomic bomb called “Little Boy”, weighing over 4.5 tons, was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan from the Enola Gay, a B-29 plane. Almost instantly, 66,000 people died and 69,000 were injured. August 9, 1945: Second atomic bomb called “Fat Man” leveled over half the city of Nagasaki. The population of 422,000 dropped almost instantly to 383,000; 25,000 were injured. Those who did survive the blasts later succumbed to radiation poisoning or leukemia (Bellis, 2007). Once the Hanford Area’s work was completed, two atomic bombs were dropped in quick succession over large cities in Japan, with the intention of devastating the country. On August 6, 1945, the first bomb called Little Boy, weighing over 4.5 tons, was dropped from the Enola Gay, a B-29 plane, over Hiroshima, Japan. Nearly in an instant, over 66,000 people were dead, and 69,000 more injured. Three days later, the second atomic bomb, called Fat Man, was dropped on Nagasaki, bringing the population from 422,000 to 383,000, and injuring 25,000 more. Those who did survive the blasts died from radiation poisoning, or later, leukemia (Bellis, 2007). Japan deliberated for nearly a month until officially surrendering to the United States on September 2, The one request the country had was that its Emperor would be allowed to remain in place, in a purely ceremonial role rather than a ruling official (Manhattan Project, 2007). At last, World War II had come to an end.

A Post-War World Like with WWI, the end of WWII meant the end of things like rationing, but it also slowed production on chemicals, aluminum, steel, tanks and airplanes, leading to decrease in jobs. 50,000 Boeing employees during the war, many of whom were no longer needed. “When Boeing sneezes, Seattle catches cold” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10, p. 164). The end of WWII was similar to the end of the first World War, in that business began to slow considerably after all the fighting was over. Production slowed on things like chemicals, aluminum, steel, tanks and airplanes, which of course led to a decrease in jobs across the country. The Boeing company, for example, hired some 50,000 employees during the war; many worried afterwards if they would soon be out of a job. There was a popular expression during the time to the effect of, “When Boeing sneezes, Seattle catches a cold” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10, p. 164). What do you think it means?

Suburbia The G.I. Bill helped many former soldiers afford a college education and eased them into civilian life. Many vets were the first in their families to attend college. War vets also bought houses, many using mortgage loans; this caused a need for timber, and thousands of logging and sawmill jobs were created. In 1950s, many lived in the suburbs, where “many homes [were] built together outside a city center” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10, p. 165). Women settled into family life, creating a baby boom – “baby boomers”, those born in the 1950s, have children/grandchildren of their own today. Northgate Shopping Center – North of Seattle; with 100 stores, a hospital and a movie theatre, it became the first mall of its kind in the entire world. Many soldiers returned home after going to war straight out of high school. The government provided the G.I. Bill, which many vets used to go to college – many of them were the first in their families to do so. Vets also bought houses, using mortgage loans, which were easy to get at the time. This caused a need for timber, which in turn created many jobs for loggers and people in sawmill factories. In the 1950s, many people lived in suburbia, where “many homes [were] built together outside a city center” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10, p. 165). Many women dropped out of the work force and settled into family lives; as a result, there was a surge in the number of babies born during the decade. “Baby boomers”, those born in the 1950s, today have children and grandchildren of their own. Over 2/3s of WA State lived in the suburbs in the 1950s – the other third lived on farms and in small rural towns. Even then, several changes in society brought people together, such as the creation of the Northgate Shopping Center, North of Seattle. With its 100 stores, including a hospital and a movie theatre, it was the first mall in the world (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10).

The Cold War Though they were allies in war, Russia and the U.S. feared attacks from one another; both countries kept giant military/defensive systems. Called a Cold War because there was no actual fighting. However, it was similar to the Red Scare during WW – paranoia over communism still ran rampant. Russian supporters called “Reds”; anyone suspected of being communists were fired, particularly if they worked as teachers and/or for the government. Sympathizers were called “Pink” – this is where the phrase “pinko commie” comes from. Russia and the United States were on the same side during World War II, but after peace had been made, the two nations were at odds with one another again. Both feared the other’s ability to attack, and built up giant military and defense systems to protect themselves. This was called the Cold War, because there was no actual fighting. However, it was very similar to the Red Scare of WWI – people were still fearful of communism overthrowing U.S. democracy, and suspicion bred paranoia. Anyone suspected of being a communist was fired, particularly anyone working as a teacher and/or for the government. Russian supporters were called “Reds”, and anyone who sympathized with them were termed “Pink” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10). This was also where the term “pinko commie” originated from.

The Great Space Race In 1957, the Soviet Union (another name for Russia) launched the world’s first satellite, named Sputnik, into space. American schools, to catch up, began putting more pressure on school kids to excel in science/math. Soon, U.S. technology caught up to Russia’s, and even surpassed them – the first man on the moon was an American. From 1945 to 1991, Russia’s politically correct title was the Soviet Union, or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). Today, the land mass is divided into Russia and several other republics, but during the 1950s, it was the Soviet Union (Wikipedia, 2007m). In 1957, the USSR launched the world’s first satellite into space, called Sputnik. In response, America decided that U.S. students would be their “secret weapon” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10, p. 165); American schools began requiring more science and math courses. Eventually, the United States’ technology caught up to the USSR’s and even surpassed it – the first man on the moon, for example, was an American (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10).

Atomic Weapons Even though there was no actual fighting during the Cold War, there were still a lot of jobs created due to the need for weaponry. Hanford Area: The same place that developed the atomic bombs during WWII produced nuclear fuel during the Cold War. Richland, WA still calls itself the “Atomic city”; Richland High School uses a mushroom cloud as its emblem, even. Many who lived in the Hanford Area in the 1950s developed cancer from radioactive material released into the air/water. These people were called “downwinders” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10). 1949: Soviets exploded first atomic bomb. Washington State practiced civil defense drills and evacuation techniques. Spokane was the first city in the nation to practice making everybody evacuate all at once. Though there was no actual fighting during the Cold War, the need for weapons still created a lot of jobs. In the Hanford Area, which was previously used to develop the atomic bombs used to force Japan to surrender during WWII, nuclear fuel was being developed for the U.S. to protect itself from any anticipated attacks from the Soviet Union. Today, Richland, WA still calls itself the “Atomic city” – Richland High School even uses a mushroom cloud as its emblem. One of the downsides of living in or near Hanford during this time was that there were lots of radioactive materials released into the air from nuclear testing, which later contributed to people developing cancer. These people were called “downwinders” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10), because they lived downwind of the Hanford Area, naturally. In 1949, the Soviet Union exploded their first atomic bomb in a testing area. Immediately, the U.S. began practicing civil defense drills, as well as evacuation techniques. Spokane even became the first city in the nation to practice a city-wide evacuation all at once. After 9/11, many Americans feared that the Space Needle, which was built in 1962 as a symbol for the country’s progress in their space program, would be a patriotic symbol for terrorists. How is this similar to the scare over the Soviet Union’s atomic weapons during the 1950s?

Highway to … WA! Freeways were developed by the U.S. government to help ease the growing amount of traffic on what were very narrow city roads. President Eisenhower suggested them after seeing highways used in Germany. He felt they could also make evacuation easier. Highways linked WA to the rest of the nation: Interstate 84: Columbia River, WA’s southern border Interstate 90: Puget Sound region, eastern WA Interstate 5: Runs from Canada to Mexico President Eisenhower suggested that the U.S. government build a system of freeways to help with the immense amounts of traffic on most city roads. The idea came from Eisenhower’s time spent in Germany. In addition, he felt that they could make a potential evacuation procedure much easier. Eventually, Interstate highways linked Washington to the rest of the country, and the rest of the country to Washington. Three main highways, or interstates, exist in this state. They include I-84, running along Washington’s southern border and the Columbia River; I-90, encompassing the Puget Sound region and eastern Washington; and I-5, which runs from Canada to Mexico. Today, all of these interstates are pretty congested, but they still help (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10).

Dam Business Many dams built before WWII continued to bring jobs into the eastern part of WA for over 20 years. Columbia Basin project – 75 reservoirs produced electricity and irrigation for farming. This caused towns like the Tri-Cities, Othello and Moses Lake to grow rapidly. Downsides: Dams caused flooding – Lake Roosevelt flooded 11 separate towns. Native Americans could no longer use Kettle Falls, an ancient fishing spot. The Grand Coulee Dam impaired salmon spawning Many dam projects commissioned before WWII became a great source of income and employment in places like Washington State for about twenty years. This included the Columbia Basin project, where 75 separate reservoirs produced electricity and irrigation that could be used for farming. This in turn caused towns like the Tri-Cities, Othello and Moses Lake to grow rapidly. Some of the downsides of the dams were that they occasionally caused flooding – Lake Roosevelt, for example, flooded 11 towns. In addition, the dams impaired fishing spots, like the one Native Americans used in Kettle Falls. Similarly, the Grand Coulee Dam was too high for fish ladders, which were necessary in order for salmon to migrate each spawning season. Still, the dams provided a great source of employment in this part of the country for many years.

Agribusiness Corporate farms, larger than family owned farms – on 550,000 acres of land, for example, about 6,000 farms were created – were developed based on irrigation availability. Many seasonal workers were brought in to prepare crops. Chemical fertilizers developed – they were cheaper and helped crops grow faster, with fewer diseases. University of Pullman leading agricultural research – helped make machine harvesting a reality. The creation of corporate farms – much larger than family-owned farms; for example, on 550,000 acres of land, about 6,000 gigantic farms were created – began to be developed in the Pacific Northwest based on irrigation patterns in the area. This resulted in many seasonal workers being employed to help prepare crops, and the agribusiness began. In addition, University of Pullman led the way in agricultural research, including the reality of harvesting using machines. Also, chemical fertilizers were developed, which were cheap and helped crops grow faster and with fewer diseases.

Korean War In 1950, North Korea – a communist country using Soviet tanks/planes - invaded South Korea; in response, the U.S. and 15 other countries sent troops to help South Korea defend itself. Fighting was sporadic – three years later, the war was a stalemate (nobody officially “won”), though 33,000 Americans died, 528 from Washington State. In 1950, North Korea attacked South Korea. The U.S. and 15 other countries promptly sent troops to help South Korea defend itself – as North Korea was being aided by the Soviet Union’s tanks and planes and was a communist country, many other parts of the world felt that any threat of communism was a dangerous one. Fighting during the Korean war was sporadic – three years later, the war was over, though nobody really won – this is what is referred to as a stalemate, like in the game of chess. Still, about 33,000 Americans died, and 528 of them were from Washington State.

Vietnam War 1954, U.S. became involved in Vietnam, another communist country plagued by war. By the 1960s, thousands of WA soldiers joined the fight. Many Americans protested U.S.’s involvement – in Seattle, for example, a demonstration of over 25,000 people commenced. Many people felt it was “wrong to send troops to a nation where we had no reason to be involved” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10, p. 172). War lasted for ten years – 58,000 Americans were killed, and 2-3 million Vietnamese died. Shortly after the Korean War fizzled out, the U.S. became involved in the Vietnam War in By the 1960s, several thousand soldiers from Washington joined the fight. The war was hotly protested – many people felt it was “wrong to send troops to a nation where we had no reason to be involved” (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10, p. 172). In downtown Seattle, for example, a protest was held that over 25,000 people attended. How does this compare with people’s opinions about the current Iraq war, do you think? The Vietnam war lasted for about ten years – in the end, over Americans were killed, and 2-3 million Vietnamese died.

Unemployment & Immigration
After the war ended in 1973, unemployment soared. War materials were no longer needed. Many Asian immigrants fled to WA to escape their own war-torn regions: Vietnamese: 30,000 Cambodians: 15,000 Laotians: 10,000 After the Vietnam War finally ended in 1973, war materials were no longer needed. As a result, unemployment soared. To make matters worse, many Asian immigrants were coming to the United States, including Washington State, in droves to escape their own war-torn lands and to start new lives for themselves. In WA during this period, about 30,000 people came from Vietnam; about 15,000 from Cambodia; and about 10,000 from Laos. They had to learn a new language and had to assimilate to American culture (Green & Carlson, 2005, chap. 10).

Civil Rights People were beginning to challenge segregation laws and racial discrimination. 1964: Civil Rights Act: Discrimination prohibited in public places. African-Americans at the time could not sit with Whites in movie theatres, restaurants, or hotels; they could not use public swimming pools, etc. 1965: The literacy test was eliminated for voters. 1969: An updated version of the Civil Rights Act prohibited discrimination in the sale/rental of property. By the 1960s, people in America were beginning to challenge segregation laws and racial discrimination. By 1964, a landmark law called the Civil Rights Act was passed, which stated that discrimination was illegal in public places. This helped minorities such as African-Americans, who at the time were not allowed to sit in the same movie theatres, restaurants or hotels as Whites, nor could they use the same public swimming pools, etc. By 1965, the literacy test was eliminated for voters, and by 1969, the Civil Rights Act was updated to include laws against discrimination during the sale or rental of property.

Civil Rights Murders President John Kennedy: Shot in Dallas, TX
Senator Robert Kennedy: Assassinated Malcolm X: Murdered Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.: Murdered in Memphis, TN Edwin Pratt: Part of the Seattle Urban League; was shot walking out his front door. Radical change can be both violent and peaceful. Unfortunately, though many civil rights activists tried to be non-violent, they were often met with lots of angry, and deadly opposition. Several people who strived to make the country a fairer place for all of its inhabitants were killed. President John Kennedy was shot in Dallas, TX, for example; his brother, Senator Robert Kennedy was also assassinated. Malcolm X, and important African-American leader who used violent demonstrations to make people pay attention to racial inequality, was also murdered. One of the most famous persons in the Civil Rights movement, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., was murdered in Memphis, TN. Also, Edwin Pratt, the director of a civil rights group called the Seattle Urban League, was shot walking out his front door.

Multiculturalism in WA State
African-Americans: Many moved to Puget Sound area to work in defense manufacturing plants or in Army/Navy bases. Carl Maxey: First black attorney in Spokane. Filed lawsuits for black customers during the 1950s/1960s who were denied access to restaurants and stores. Asian-Americans: Pre-WWII, they lived and worked in farms/rural areas mainly. After they left relocation camps, many found their homes had been vandalized/overtaken, and had to start new lives. Some entered the world of politics. Wing Luke, for example, was a Seattle City Council man, the first Chinese-American elected to any office in WA. He died in a plane crash a few years later. Also, Gary Locke, the first Chinese-American governor in U.S. history was elected to office in 1996. Today, Washington is a very multicultural state, with people of all ethnicities making important contributions to society. Many African-Americans moved to the Puget Sound area to work in defense manufacturing plants or in Army/Navy bases during the civil rights years. After the war ended, African-Americans were the largest racial minority in WA for years. This included Carl Maxey, Spokane’s first black attorney. During the 1950s and 1960s, Maxey filed lawsuits for black clients who were denied access to restaurants and stores, and challenged discrimination in court. Before World War II, many Asian-Americans lived and worked on farms and in rural areas mainly. After they were interned in camps, many found that their homes and businesses had been vandalized and overtaken. They were forced to start new lives. Some Asian-Americans made a name for themselves in politics. This included Wing Luke, the first Chinese-American elected to any office in WA. He died in a plane crash a few years later. Also, in 1996, Gary Locke, the U.S.’s first Chinese-American governor, was elected to office in WA.

Multiculturalism in WA (cont.)
Native Americans: Lived both on and off reservations. Many led dual lives – Indian life involved preserving native traditions and mixing them with modern culture. Hispanic Americans: Largest minority group in WA WWII, thousands came to harvest crops and many settled permanently. In Othello, Mexican-Americans made up over half the population by the 1970s. By the 1990s, Hispanics not only worked on farms, but many also took jobs as lawyers, physicians, teachers, etc. Also challenged civil rights – groups like the Mexican American Federation challenged voting restrictions regarding literacy in court and won, for example. Native Americans in WA lived both on and off reservations. Many live dual lives – Indian life involves preserving both native traditions, as well as learning to assimilate with modern American culture. By far, the largest minority group in WA are Hispanic Americans. In WWII, thousands came to harvest crops in WA, and many ended up settling permanently. During the 1970s, over half the population of Othello, WA was made up of Mexican-Americans. By the 1990s, Hispanics not only worked on farms, but also studied to become lawyers, physicians and teachers. Many also began to challenge civil rights – groups like the Mexican American Federation, for example, challenged voting restrictions regarding literacy in court and won.

Women’s Rights 1970s: Women strived to be paid as much as men, and to earn the same prestige – men were considered doctors, and women were nurses, for example. Feminism: Liberation of women. Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) – Neither men nor women could be denied rights on the basis of gender. Women also began campaigning heavily for equal rights, because even though they were not a minority, per se, they were still treated differently than men. In the 1970s, women began to strive to be paid as much as men, and to earn the same prestige. It was assumed, for example, that men were the doctors, and that women could only be nurses. The idea of feminism developed during this time period – that is, the movement for the liberation of women. This came on the heels of the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA), a law stating that neither men nor women can be denied rights on the basis of gender.

Health Care Seattle created the first Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) after WWII. Group Health Cooperative – 400 families paid a monthly fee in order to see doctors who were covered under/involved with the organization. University of Washington – Medical school for physicians as well as medical treatment research. Also, Washington State University in Pullman has a veterinary school. Washington State was also a pioneer in the field of health care. Seattle created the first Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) after World War II, for instance. Union members hired their own doctors into a plan called Group Health Cooperative. Over 400 families participated, paying a monthly fee so that they could be seen by any of the doctors covered by the organization. In addition, the University of Washington is a top-notch medical school for training physicians, as well as for medical research. Similarly, WSU Pullman has a renowned veterinary program.

Conclusion History creates many patterns, both positive and negative.
American history is full of recurring issues regarding racism, the economy, and war. Understanding these issues can help make the country a better, more equal and safer place for all of its citizens. History tends to work in cycles; it creates patterns as the decades and centuries progress. This Powerpoint presentation has encompassed American history from pre-World War I all the way through the Civil Rights movement and its effects today. In that time, we’ve explored some of the economic booms and busts in the country. We’ve discussed the various racial issues and tensions that have occurred, and how those have even been the basis for war. These issues are important to understand, because history can be called upon to create laws that protect the safety and equality of the country, and its relationship with other parts of the world. Beyond that, it is important to see how cyclical history is, because it will help you adapt and prepare for whatever the future holds.

References Answers.com (2007). Swastika. Article retrieved April 6, 2007, from Web site: Authentic History Center, The (2007). The 1920s. Retrieved March 25, 2007, from Web site: Bellis, M. (2007). The history of the atomic bomb. Article retrieved April 6, 2007, from About.com Web site: Enchanted Learning (2007). The flag of Russia. Article retrieved March 25, 2007, from Web site: Green, M.K. & Carlson, L.W. (2005). Washington in the Pacific Northwest. Layton, UT. Gibbs Smith Publishing. Gupta, P. & Lee, J. (1996). The Great Depression & The New Deal. Retrieved April 6, 2007, from Web site:

References (cont.) Gusmorino, P.A. (1996). Main causes of the great depression. Retrieved March 26, 2007, from Web site: Industrial Workers of the World (2007). Retrieved March 24, 2007, at Web site: Library of Congress, The (1998). By popular demand: "votes for women" suffrage pictures: Retrieved March 23, 2007, from Web site: Manhattan Project, The (2007). Japan surrenders, August 10-15, Article retrieved April 6, 2007, from Web site: Naval Historical Center (2001). Pearl Harbor Raid, 7 December Accessed April 6, 2007, from Web site: Noe, M. (2007). Japanese relocation photographs exhibit, University of Utah (Webb, R., archivist). Accessed April 6, 2007, from Web site:

References (cont.) Nichols, J. (2005, March 5). Roosevelt vs. Bush. Article retrieved April 6, 2007, from The Nation Web site: Rosenberg, J. (2005, August 24). High school diplomas finally awarded to WWII internees. Article retrieved April 6, 2007, from About.com Web site: The Learning Page (2002a). Progressive Era to New Era, Retrieved March 21, 2007, from Web site: The Learning Page (2002b). Great Depression & World War II, Retrieved April 6, 2007, from Web site: Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (2007). What hours are teens under 18 allowed to work in non-agricultural jobs? Accessed March 23, 2007, from Web site:

References (cont.) Wikipedia (2007a). James E. West (politician). Article retrieved March 23, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007b). World War I. Article retrieved March 24, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007c). Uncle Sam. Article retrieved March 24, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007d). Sedition Act of Article retrieved March 24, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007e). Freedom fries. Article retrieved March 25, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007f). Hammer and sickle. Article retrieved March 25, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007g). Ford model T. Article retrieved March 25, 2007, from Web site:

References (cont.) Wikipedia (2007h). Flapper. Article retrieved March 27, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007i). Ku Klux Klan. Article retrieved March 27, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007j). Great Plains. Article retrieved April 6, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007k). World War II. Article retrieved April 6, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007l). Japanese-American internment. Article retrieved April 6, 2007, from Web site: Wikipedia (2007m). Soviet Union. Article retrieved April 6, 2007, from Web site: Woodard, D. (2007). Black Tuesday Article retrieved March 25, 2007, from About.com Web site:

The End “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it.”
- George Santayana, American philosopher ( )

The Great Depression: Before & Beyond

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