The 1930s were a time of economic decline and great natural disaster. As the United States faced extensive cost cutting, literature was an important way for people to escape the depression and recession brought on by the 1930s. On September 3, 1929, the stock market was at its peak (Boom or Bust). On October 29, 1929, the stock market crashed, known as “Black Tuesday” (Boom). As the stock market collapsed, the steel industry was in decline, several banks failed, and housing construction was curtailed (the struggles of the 1930s). During this time, international trade fell by more than 50% and unemployment reached 25% (Boom). In the early 1930s, the Dustbowl hit the Midwestern and Southern Plains (Boom). The top five states affected by the Dustbowl were Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Nevada. After several years of poor agricultural practices and severe droughts in the Great Plains, the region began to collapse. In 1932, the number of dust storms increased significantly. A fifth of the migrant families were from Oklahoma, known as “Okies.” But about three-quarters of the farmers did not leave their terrible lands, they stayed in their homes and waited for the land to repair itself (struggles). John Steinbeck was born on February 29, 1902. He was born in the farming town of Salinas, California. Steinbeck's first successful novel was Tortilla Flat (Biography of John Steinbeck). He wrote sixteen novels and a varied collection of short stories. He was an intelligent man, passionate about strange inventions. Steinbeck received his first interest in writing from his mother. She was a schoolteacher and encouraged his love of reading. In 1939, “The Grapes of Wrath” was considered a masterpiece that won the Pulitzer Prize. Middle of paper......in the 1930s, one of the most popular American films was produced. “A caring Disney film” Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs is one of the American classics. Snow White's jealous stepmother only wanted her to be unhappy by casting a magic spell on Snow White. Snow White is much loved by her best friends the seven dwarfs. Only a loving kiss can save Snow White from the magical spell of her evil stepmother. One of the most famous films of the era was Gone With the Wind. A manipulative southern belle has an affair with a blockade runner during the American Civil War (AMC). Although the Dustbowl and the Great Depression brought economic hardship, America found a way to ignore the harsh events of the 1930s. Some writers of the era described difficult stories and circumstances. While producers and radio stations offered America a gateway to distraction.