Despite the Great Depression, the 1930's saw many advances in living, including the first frozen foods, Scotch tape, and the long-playing phonograph record.

The first frozen food package is introduced by Thomas Birdseye, made possible by the advent of electrical refridgeration.

Empire State Building opens on May 3, 1932. At 1,250 feet it is the highest building in the world.

Franklin D. Roosevelt becomes president and launches the "New Deal" program designed to restore the US economy. Prohibition is repealed.

Talking pictures, just a few years earlier declared ridiculous by studio executives, change Hollywood forever.

Nuclear fission is discovered by Otto Hahn, Lise Meitner and Fritz Strassmann.

Stalin launches the Great Terror in the USSR, purging religious belief as well as personal independence.

Air Mail service is introduced, bringing fast mail delivery to points all over North America and even across the seas.

First feature film is broadcast on television.

Germany invades Poland, prompting an Anglo-French declaration of war and beginning World War II in Europe.