American History Subscription Databases for BHS Students For home access, use log-in info from BHS Library Online Subscriptions bookmark (see a librarian for a copy.) Gale Virtual Reference Library
Sponsored by the BHS Library, Gale Virtual Reference Library offers the following ebooks with the same high quality full-text historical information as that provided in print reference sets of the same name in use in our library, including The Dictionary of American History, American Decades, American Decades Primary Sources, Encyclopedia of African-American Culture and History, Gale Encyclopedia of Multicultural America, St. James Encyclopedia of Popular Culture, U.S. Immigration and Migration Reference Library, and The Encyclopedia of World Biography.
SIRS Researcher
SIRS Reseacher provides full-text magazine, newspaper, and reference book articles, many on historical topics, as well as graphics and links to Internet resources which have been selected for quality.
King County Library Subscription Databases (Use KCLS library card number and pin to log in.)
American History Resource Collection
An excellent resource sponsored by King County Library, this site provides articles from a range of respected reference resources, journal and magazine articles, primary documents, and maps and multimedia. Search by subject or personal name or try the timeline search for a list of articles and topics pertaining to each year.
Britannica Online
Sponsored by King County Library, Britannica Online provides in-depth articles from Britannica Encyclopoedias, relevant journal articles, and links to selected websites.
Depression Era Historical Resources on the Free Web  Spartacus Educational Website: The Thirties
Written and produced by British historian and teacher John Simpkin, the respected Sparticus Educational Website provides overview information and related primary sources on the following Depression Era topics:
•Events & Issues: 1900-1940: Focus topics include Bonus Marchers, Costigan-Wagner Bill, Dust Bowl, Fair Labor Standards Act (1938), Great Depression, Trade Unions, Scotsboro Trial, Supreme Court, and Wall Street Crash.
•Roosevelt and the New Deal
•New Deal Legislation and Programs: Public Works Administration (PWA), Federal Securities Act, Works Progress Administration (WPA), National Youth Administration (NYA), Tennessee Valley Administration (TVA), Federal Emergency Relief, Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), Federal Arts, Writers, and Theater Projects, National Labor Relations Act, Social Security Act, Fair Employment Act.
American History 102 (Lectures on The Thirties)
Written and published by Stanley K. Schultz, a professor of history at University of Wisconsin-Madison, the following pages are part of an award-winning site which provides lecture notes, photos, and links to additional resources on specific topics in American history.
•The Crash and the Great Depression
•Liberalism at High Noon: The New Deal
•Dr. New Deal becomes Dr. Win-the-War? (focuses on FDR's reform measures of the Second New Deal, the Recession of 1937, and public response to hostilities in Europe and Asia.)
 Breadline, 1929-1939
This page is part of the companion web site for the PBS People's Century Series which "offers new insight into the turbulent events of [the Twentieth Century] through the revealing personal testimony of the people who lived them." Breadline offers background and interviews (transcripts and audio clips) of those who experienced the Great Depression in the United States and abroad.(PBS)
 Economics in U.S. History
Published by the Oswego City School District, this site briefly covers the different economic models used in U.S. history. Select New Deal for analysis of the causes of the Great Depression and the various govermental responses to it.
The American Experience (Programs on 1930s history)
Published by Public Broadcasting Service, these companion sites provide excellent materials that support the PBS documentaries of the same names. Each includes a timeline, maps, information on relevant people and events, photos and special features, such as multimedia clips.
• Surviving the Dust Bowl
•Riding the Rails - The story of teen hoboes during the Depression.
•Scottsboro: An American Tragedy
WWW-VL -- History: United States,1930-1940
This extensive list of links to educational resources on the Internet is maintained by the Kansas Heritage Group as part of the World-Wide Web Virtual Library.
Hoovervilles in Seattle & Tne New Deal: Unemployment and the WPA in Seattle
Published by the Seattle Municipal Archives, this site provides overview information on the above topics along with a collection of primary sources, including photos, fliers distributed by the homeless, petitions, reports, excerpts from books and articles, and FDR's inaugural addresses.
California History Online: The Great Depression
The story of the Great Depression in California is told in short articles organized under the headings of "Hard Times," "The Politics of Depression," "Panaceas," and "Building California" and illustrated with photos/images from the California Historical Society collection. Select "Hard Times" for articles on issues ranging from the dispossessed (e.g., "Pipe City" and "Okie Culture"), to discrimination (e.g., " Deportees"), to labor (e.g., "Total Engagement" and "The San Francisco General Strike").
Stock Market Crash [1929]
Part of the companion site for the PBS program, The First Measured Century, this page provides an overview of the U.S. stock market crash of 1929 and its effect on the economy and provides the commentary of two history professors.
Measurements and Myths of the Great Depression
Part of the companion site for the PBS program, The First Measured Century, this page corrects common misconceptions surrounding the Dust Bowl and Great Depression by juxtaposing the comments of leading contemporary professors with the quotes of Depression Era leaders. Also includes clips of music from the era.
EH.Net Encyclopedia of Economic and Business History
Sponsored by the Economic History Association, this web site"is designed to provide students and laymen with high quality reference articles....written by experts" on economic and business history. It includes thorough overview articles on the Great Depression, Reconstruction Finance Corporation, National Recovery Administration (NRA), Labor Unions and other topics related to the Depression.
Shaping Youth, Sustaining Life: The Civilian Conservation Corps in the Northwest
Sponsored by Whitworth College in Spokane, this site provides an audio presentation detailing the story of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camps in the Pacific Northwest and elsewhere during the Great Depression, "provid[ing] over 3 million young men the opportunity to combat poverty, hunger and economic adversity" through "conservation work in forests, parks, agricultural fields and wilderness areas."
The Farm Security Administration (FSA)
Published by Oklahoma State's Department of Libraries, this multimedia presentation briefly covers the history of the Farm Security Administration (FSA), which was created in 1937 to help poor farmers during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression, illustrated with a collection of primary source photos.
FDR's Address on the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)
Published online by American Experience: the Presidents (PBS), this is the transcript of the May 14, 1935, address of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt in defense of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), the New Deal initiative to assist farmers.
Freedom: A History of US--Depression and War
Part of the companion web site for the PBS television series (and print series by Joy Hakim), the Depression and War "webisode" offers an intro and three segments on the 30s, "Crash," "Down and Out," and "A New Deal," which are accessed by clicking the photo icons at the top. Segments include multimedia files and primary source photos and documents. Also provides an archive of images, a timeline, a glossary, and links to additional resources.
The Great Depression
Published by the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum, his site explores the history, causes and effects of the Great Depression.
The Real Deal: The Battle to Define FDR's Social Programs
Sponsored by the University of Virginia , this web site focuses on the National Industrial Recovery Act, the centerpiece of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal efforts to bring the U.S. out of the Great Depression. Includes primary sources (cartoons and editorials) and a timeline.
Industrial Recovery: Reviving the Heart of America
Sponsored by the University of Virginia , this web site focuses on the National Industrial Recovery Act, the centerpiece of Franklin Roosevelt's New Deal efforts to bring the U.S. out of the Great Depression. Includes primary sources (cartoons and editorials) and a timeline.
New Deal Network: A Guide to the Great Depression of the 1930s
"A research and teaching resource on the World Wide Web devoted to the public works and arts projects of the New Deal," the New Deal Network provides access to a huge selection of primary sources from collections around the country, including photos, political cartoons, speeches, letters, interviews, press conference transcripts, and other historic documents as well as to a variety of features on New Deal topics, including the following:(NDN)
TVA (Tennessee Valley Administration): Electricity for all
Work-Study-Live: the Residential Youth Centers of the NYA
CCC Memories
African Americans in the CCC
Always Lend a Helping Hand: A small rural community remembers the Great Depression
Work Relief Administration Press Conferences (WPA, FERA, CWA)
Social Welfare and Visual Politics: the Story of Survey Graphic
In the thirties, Survey Graphic was a highly influential journal, focused on a wide range of social issues -- race, anti-semitism, housing, labor, and education reform. Includes a collection of articles written by some of the best progressive minds of the era.
The Townsend Plan Movement
Social Security Administration (SSA), "Dr. Townsend published his plan in a Long Beach, California newspaper, as a kind of extended 'Letter to the Editor,' in early 1933. He was surprised by the swift and massive response the letter generated. Townsend had tapped a major social problem in America (poverty among the elderly) and the nation was crying out for a solution." (SSA) Before social security, Dr. Francis E. Townsend fought for a national pension plan for the elderly. Following the passage of the Social Security Act in 1935, Townsend continued his crusade for better retirement benefits for older Americans.
Depression Era Personalities Spartacus Educational Website: Roosevelt and the New Deal
Written and produced by British historian and teacher John Simpkin, the respected Sparticus Educational Website provides overview information and related primary sources on the following:
• New Deal Personalities: Includes Harry Hopkins, Huey Long, Francis Perkins, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt and others.
• New Deal Photographers
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museums: Biographies
FDR's official Presidential library provides short biographies and photos of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt and their dog Fala. Also see Special Topics for archival documents, royalty-free images of the Depression and other primary sources: audio clips (e.g., FDR's fireside chats) and video clips.
The Ordeal of Herbert Hoover
Published by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), this site presents the fascinating story of President Herbert Hoover.
The American Experience
Published by Public Broadcasting Service, these companion sites provide excellent materials that support the PBS documentaries of the same names. Each includes a timeline, maps, information on important people and events, photos and special features, such as multimedia clips.
•Eleanor Roosevelt
•F.D.R. (Franklin Delano Roosevelt)
Depression Era Arts and Culture American Cultural History 1930-39
Maintained by Houston's Kingwood College Library, the American Cultural History site is a rich source of information on all facets of American culture, including historical events, quick facts about the decade, Art & Architecture, Books & Literature, Fashion and Fads, Music & Radio, and Theater & Movies. Includes suggested print resources and links to relevant web sites.
America in the 1930s
Produced by University of Virginia's American Studies program, this site provides a "view [of] the 1930s through the lenses of its films, [news reels], radio programs, literature, journalism, museums, exhibitions, architecture, art, and other forms of cultural expression."
A New Deal for the Arts
This online exhibit presents a brief history of the U.S. government's financial support of artists during President Roosevelt's New Deal, from the Great Depression of the 1930s through the early years of World War II, and the controversy that ensued. Contains images of the paintings, prints, books, playbills, posters, and music transcriptions, as well as information about the artists. From the National Archives and Records Administration.
Walker Evans Revolutionizes Documentary Photography
This is a "study of the great American photographer, Walker Evans, with comparison with other Farm Security Administration photographers, Dorothea Lange, Russell Lee, and Arnold Rothstein."
Federal Theatre: Melodrama, Social Protest, and Genius
Library of Congress (LOC), Music Division Summary: In 1935, eight million Americans were out of work and three million youths between the ages of sixteen and twenty-four were on relief. On May 6 of that year the government created the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The Federal Theater Project (FTP) was one of four (later five) arts projects within the WPA. The FTP was the largest and most ambitious effort made by the Federal government to organize and produce theater events. Read a detailed article about the history of the FTP.
The Federal Theatre Poster, Costume, and Set Design Slides Collection
Published by George Mason University Libraries, Summary: "The Federal Theatre Project (FTP) was a division of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which was established to provide work for unemployed citizens during the Great Depression (1929-39). These images are of the original set and costume designs and posters to advertise FTP plays in many different American cities from 1935 to 1939.The on-line collection contains electronic versions of nearly 1000 different 35-mm slides taken from original posters, set designs, and costume designs. Each of these images indexed by title, author, subject, theater, place, date, and related names." (SC&A, GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES)
Representing America: The Ken Trevey Collection of American Realist Prints
Published online by the University Art Museum at the University of California, Santa Barbara, this exhibit provides excellent background information on the Federal Art Project , a discussion of the frequent themes of Depression Era art, a collection of over 30 prints with explications, and a cultural timeline of the 1930s.
New Deal Network: A Guide to the Great Depression of the 1930s
"A research and teaching resource on the World Wide Web devoted to the public works and arts projects of the New Deal," the New Deal Network provides access to a huge selection of primary sources from collections around the country, including photos, political cartoons, speeches, letters, interviews, press conference transcripts, and other historic documents as well as to a variety of features on New Deal arts initiatives, including the following:(NDN)
 The Great Depression and the Arts
 Power: a Living Newspaper (Federal Theater Project)
CCC Memories
The New Deal Stage: Selections from the Federal Theatre Project, 1935-39
Part of the American Memory Collection of the Library of Congress, this "online presentation includes over 13,000 images of items selected from the Federal Theatre Project Collection," including stage and costume designs, photos, posters, and scripts. The Works Progress Administration (WPA) established the Federal Theatre Project (FTP)as one of five arts-related projects under its aupices.
Primary Sources: Eye-witness accounts, Interviews, Photos, Audio and Video Clips Note: Be sure to check the Gale Virtual Reference Library above for American Decades Primary Sources ebook .
The History Place: Dorothea Lange: Migrant Farm Families (Photos with original captions)
Picturing the Century: Portfolio: Dorothea Lange
Several photographs by Dorothea Lange, documenting conditions in California during the Great Depression and World War II. Includes a short biography of Lange. From the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration (NARA).
Dear Mrs. Roosevelt
From Columbia University's Teachers College, this site presents a collection of Depression Era letters written by children to Eleanor Roosevelt, asking "for clothing, money, and other forms of assistance." Also included are the First Lady's replies.
LearnCalifornia.org: California during the Great Depression
Published by the California Secretary of State, this site provides a rich collection of primary sources from the California State Archives focusing on Depression Era migrants and their impact on the state.
Work 'n' Progress: Southern Labor History, The Uprising of '34: The General Textile Strike of 1934
Part of the Southern Labor Archives at Georgia State University Library, this web site offers primary sources which provide a detailed history of the labor movement in the southern United States, with documents and images covering the textile industry, unions and the Great Depression.
American Life Histories: Manuscripts from the Federal Writers' Project 1936-1940
Part of the Library of Congress's American Memory site, this section presents the oral histories of average Americans during the Great Depression as collected by participants in the Federal Writers Project.
Library of Congress: American Memory Timeline: The Great Depression and World War II
"The American Memory Timeline was developed to help teachers and students use the vast online collections of the Library of Congress." The links (on right) lead to selected primary sources dealing with important topics of this era.
Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museums
The web site of FDR's official Presidential library provides a huge collection of royalty-free photos (of the Depression) and other primary sources: documents, audio clips (e.g., FDR's fireside chats and speeches) and video clips.
America from the Great Depression to World War II: Photographs from the FSA-OWI, 1935-1945
More than 160,000 black and white and 1600 color photographs from the Farm Security Administration - Office of War Information collection have been digitized. Includes scenes of rural and small-town life, migrant labor, the effects of the Great Depression, and mobilization for World War II. Keyword searchable and browsable by subject, creator (photographers such as Walker Evans, Dorothea Lange, Ben Shahn, and Gordon Parks) and place. From the American Memory Project of the Library of Congress.
Studs Terkel: Conversations with America
Sponsored by the Chicago Historical Society, this site provides a series of interviews with acclaimed author Studs Terkel and includes oral histories of life during the Great Depression.
Migrant Labor Camp Photographs
Published by University of California's Bancroft Library, this site presents a collection of 63 photographs of Depression Era California migrant labor camps--both federally sanctioned and unsanctioned squatters camps.
20th Century History: The Great Depression
Published by the History Channel, this site provides brief Funk & Wagnalls New Encyclopedia articles on historical topics, along with related primary sources, such as video and audio clips. Information is organized by era, region, and topic. Start with a topic search with phrases in quotes (e.g., "dust bowl").
Picturing the Century: Portfolio: Dorothea Lange
Published by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA), this is "An exhibition of 20th century photographs from the holdings of the National Archives and Records Administration." Dorothea Lange was well known for her photos of the poor and downtrodden during the Depression and World War II. Included in this collection are photographs of the inhabitants of work camps.
Hard Times: Arkansas Depression Era Photos
"Take a pictorial journey back in time to experience the Great Depression as it occurred for many Arkansas people." (Old State House Museum, Little Rock, AR) Includes works of Farm Security Administration photographers, Dorothea Lange, Walker Evans, and Russell Lee.
Hansel Mieth: Vagabond Photographer
Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Summary: "This documentary profiles Hansel Mieth, whose Depression-era pictures stunned 1930s audiences with their beauty, intimacy and unflinching visions of the poor, the unlucky and the oppressed. Put history in focus at the companion site. Meet the filmmaker, learn more about Mieth's life and work, view a photo gallery of Depression-era images and more." (PBS)
Bound for Glory
The Library of Congress (LOC) Summary: "'Bound for Glory: America in Color' is the first major exhibition of the little known color images taken by photographers of the Farm Security Administration/Office of War Information. These vivid scenes and portraits capture the effects of the Depression on America's rural and small town populations, the nation's subsequent economic recovery and industrial growth, and the country's great mobilization for World War II." (LOC)
America from the Great Depression to World War II
Library of Congress (LOC) Summary: Images in the Farm Security Administration-Office of War Information Collection were created by a group of U.S. government photographers, and the images show Americans in every part of the nation. Early on the project emphasized rural life and the Great Depression; in later years, the photographers focused on the mobilization effort for World War II.
Seattle and Washington StateHooverville: Shantytown of Seattle's Great Depression
University of Washington Libraries Digital Collections
UW Libraries provides online access to overview essays and primary sources for the following topics:
•Federal Emergency Relief Administration (in what is now King County)
•Civil Works Administration (in Washington State)
•Grand Coolee Dam Construction and the WPA
King County Snapshots
"King County Snapshots presents King County, Washington, through 12,000 historical images carefully chosen from twelve organizations' collections."
Photo Credits:
Homeless Family, Tenant Farmers in 1936 [7182]. Photos of the Great Depression and New Deal. 15 Dec. 1998. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library and Museum. 16 Mar. 2007 < http://www.fdrlibrary.marist.edu/images/photodb/27-0690a.gif> Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Digital Archives. Updated 10 February 2012.
|
Return to BHS Library Web Guide Home