US History - 1936

In 1936, the United States was still recovering from the Great Depression, which began in 1929. Here are some key events and developments in US history during that year:

1. Presidential Election: The presidential election of 1936 took place on November 3rd, and Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, won a landslide victory over the Republican candidate, Kansas Governor Alf Landon. This election marked the first time a president was reelected for a second term since the 22nd Amendment was ratified in 1951.

2. New Deal Programs: President Roosevelt's New Deal policies continued to be implemented in 1936 to combat the economic downturn. Notable programs introduced that year included the Rural Electrification Administration (REA), which aimed to bring electricity to rural areas, and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), which provided employment opportunities for millions of Americans through public works projects.

3. Dust Bowl: The Dust Bowl, a severe ecological disaster caused by drought and poor farming practices in the Great Plains, continued to devastate the region in 1936. Massive dust storms, soil erosion, and agricultural failures led to widespread poverty and displacement of farmers.

4. Social Security Act: On August 14, 1935, President Roosevelt signed the Social Security Act into law, establishing the Social Security Administration. However, the practical implementation of the program began in 1936. The Social Security Act provided retirement benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid to dependent children, aiming to provide a social safety net for American citizens.

5. Berlin Olympics: The 1936 Summer Olympics, officially known as the Games of the XI Olympiad, were held in Berlin, Germany. This event is notable for the propaganda efforts made by the Nazi regime, led by Adolf Hitler, to showcase Aryan supremacy and exclude or marginalize Jewish athletes. African American athlete Jesse Owens achieved significant success, winning four gold medals and challenging the Nazi ideology of racial superiority.

6. Supreme Court Packing Plan: In an attempt to secure support for his New Deal policies, President Roosevelt proposed a controversial plan to increase the number of Supreme Court justices in 1936. The plan aimed to add justices sympathetic to his policies, but it faced significant opposition and was ultimately unsuccessful.

7. Literary and Cultural Contributions: 1936 saw the release of notable literary works, including Margaret Mitchell's novel "Gone with the Wind" and John Steinbeck's novel "In Dubious Battle." In the world of music, jazz musician and composer Benny Goodman made history by leading the first racially integrated jazz group to perform at the Palomar Ballroom in Los Angeles, contributing to the popularization of swing music.

These are just a few highlights from US history in 1936. The year was marked by ongoing recovery efforts from the Great Depression, significant political developments, and cultural achievements.