The 1930s-1940s

Essay by carrieivHigh School, 11th gradeA, August 2002

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The 1930s-40s was a time of extreme contrast. There was the glamour of Hollywood, yet families piecing their lives back together following the depression. An unforgettable period, the 30s and 40s has helped to shape America into what it is today.

The 30s/40's was an era of sophistication. It was an exhibition of celebrities and the extravagant lives they led. Actors and actresses such as Fred Astaire, Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Greta Garbo, Rita Hayworth, and Audrey Hepburn were idolized and worshipped as lofty being far finer and nobler that shmucks like you and me.

The 30s and 40s also brought about changes in other forms of entertainment as well as on the silver screen. Blues and jazz music exploded onto the scene and musicians such as Lena Horne, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald dazzled all of America with their incredible talents. Big Band music arose as well, coupled with the new dance craze, Swing dancing.

It took the nation by storm, completely altering the direction of music and dance forever.

Evidently, there were things then that influenced the world in a negative way. Hard times were rooted in everyday life with the depression weighing heavily in the 30s. Then the 40s boomed in and World War II swept across the globe. Reminiscent of the French Revolution with King Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette ruling France, the differing of social and economic classes was unbelievable. Even though those times were unstable, they have contributed to the stability of the nation today.

If it were possible, I would love the chance to live in this era. The influence of this period etched an everlasting impression on American culture and on the hearts and souls of the entire population. The 1930s-40s was truly a golden age, representing a keen mixture of...