Unit 6: The Great Depression and World War II (1929 – 1949). African-Americans continue to develop their culture and establish their place in American society during the Great Depression and World War 2. Quick Review of Ch. 18.
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Due to black migrants, the city of St. Louis, Missouri became a cultural center during the 30s and 40s.
- Bebop (a musical style that emphasized improvisation) was the dominant black music of the 1940s. However, after 1945 when WW2 veterans returned home, they wanted slower music with simple love songs. Bebop’s popularity faded out.
The Amos and Andy Show, a popular 1930s radio program and later TV show, was a comedy that often depicted black women as bossy and black men as childish clowns.
The Philadelphia Independent, a black newspaper, ran a comic during the 1930s entitled ‘The Jones Family’. It emphasized black people’s desire for achievement and respectability in the face of the hardships of the Great Depression.
The culture of the Chicago Renaissance helped influence the development of jazz, gospel and dance.
Defense Worker, a paintingby Dox Thrash, shows an isolated black worker, alluding to the dream of a more racially integrated labor force with equal opportunity.
Ralph Ellison’s novel Invisible Man, followed the life of a young man from the South as he migrated to New York City. The work explored class tensions within American society and within the black community, while also discussing the interaction between whites and blacks.
The 1936 Olympics were held in Nazi Germany during Hitler’s rule. When Jesse Owens won gold medals, Hitler left the stadium to avoid congratulating him, since Nazi’s believed blacks to be inferior. African-Americans celebrated Owen’s victory over racism.
Robinson was a man of determination. Though taunted and threatened by some spectators and players, he responded by playing spectacular baseball and winning Rookie of the Year in 1947.
The church also helped blacks through the Depression by enabling them to pool their resources together and offering them spiritual inspiration and comfort.
The Peace Mission Movement was led by George Baker, aka Father Divine. He preached hard work, honesty, and equality while also providing free/cheap meals and shelter for those in need.
The Nation of Islam’s leader, Wallace D. Fard, taught that black people were the true Muslims . This attracted poor blacks living in Depression-Era northern cities.