
What Happened in 1930
Historical Highlights of 1930
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The economic downturn continued, with widespread unemployment and hardship affecting millions worldwide.
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The United States embarks on an ambitious programme of Public Works to regenerate the economy, including the building of the Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam).
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The U.S. passed this act, raising tariffs on imports, worsening the global economic downturn.
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Mahatma Gandhi led the 240-mile Salt March in India to protest British salt taxes, a significant moment in India’s independence movement.
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Pop Culture & Fun Facts from 1930
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The iconic cartoon character, Betty Boop made her first appearance in the animated short Dizzy Dishes.
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Mickey Mouse Gains Popularity – The Chain Gang was the first cartoon to feature Pluto, Mickey Mouse’s loyal pet dog.
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The Motion Picture Production Code (Hays Code) Introduced – Hollywood began enforcing moral guidelines on films.
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Popular Movies – All Quiet on the Western Front (Best Picture Oscar winner), Anna Christie (Greta Garbo’s first talking role), and The Blue Angel starring Marlene Dietrich.
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The Chrysler Building in New York is completed.

Science & Inventions of 1930
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Clyde Tombaugh discovers Pluto, the ninth planet in our solar system.
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Clarence Birdseye launched Birds Eye Frosted Foods, introducing 27 flash-frozen products to consumers, marking the beginning of the frozen food industry.
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The first red and green traffic lights were installed in Manhattan, NYC, as an effort to improve safety and reduce gridlock.
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Englishman Frank Whittle patented the first jet engine.
Sports Highlights of 1930
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Uruguay Wins the first-ever FIFA World Cup , defeating Argentina 4-2.
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Babe Ruth’s 500th Home Run (August 11) – The legendary baseball player became the first to hit 500 home runs in Major League Baseball.

Top Songs of 1930
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"Puttin’ on the Ritz" – Harry Richman (later made famous by Fred Astaire)
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"Body and Soul" – Paul Whiteman & His Orchestra
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"Happy Days Are Here Again" – Ben Selvin & His Orchestra
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"Ten Cents a Dance" – Ruth Etting
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"Three Little Words" – Duke Ellington & His Orchestra
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"Embraceable You" – Red Nichols & His Five Pennies
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"Beyond the Blue Horizon" – Jeanette MacDonald
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"Love Me or Leave Me" – Ruth Etting
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"Little White Lies" – Fred Waring’s Pennsylvanians
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"On the Sunny Side of the Street" – Ted Lewis & His Band
Top Movies of 1930
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All Quiet on the Western Front
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The Blue Angel
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Hell’s Angels
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Anna Christie
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Whoopee!
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Monte Carlo
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Animal Crackers
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Under the Roofs of Paris
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The Divorcee
