The affluent decade of the Twenties that brought prosperity for the wealthy, as well as the average American Joe, came to a grim halt. The year was 1929. The popular Charleston dance that represented the frolicking and happy-go-lucky times had suddenly lost its flair. No one felt like dancing.
The coming miserable decade of the 1930s was called the Great Depression. It would introduce ten years of suffering for most Americans, not only for the wealthy perpetrators of the cause, but also for innocent Americans who fell victim to its aftermath. The doors were closed to panicked Americans who rushed to the banks to withdraw their savings.
The wheels of commerce were slowing down throughout the country. Companies were laying off workers. Bankruptcies became commonplace. The slowdown went on for several years, but things got worse. Big and small businesses began closing their doors. The jobless walked the streets looking for work, but there was no work.
The normal secure life of the average American had vanished. Some poor souls couldn't adjust to the tragic dilemma. They ended their agony by putting a gun to their heads or by some other means.
World War II would unknowingly be the catalyst for getting the wheels of commerce turning. A surprise attack by the country of Japan put Americans back to work. They suddenly found themselves in the unexpected role of making bombs and war machines to push back the enemy. There was no time to reason why. They rolled up their sleeves and went to work.
