An introduction to the 1930s
The 1930s was a truly historical decade for not just our company and Arizona … but for our nation and the world. Throughout the 1930s, Europe saw the rapid rise of Adolf Hitler, a power that—combined with Japan—would eventually pull the U.S. into World War II. Our country was struggling through the wrath of the Great Depression and the infamous Dust Bowl.
But even through these hardships, the American Spirit lived on, especially in the 1936 Berlin Olympic Games when track star Jesse Owens captured the hearts and minds of the world by winning four Olympic gold medals. Hollywood exploded with movie stars like Clark Gable, Bette Davis, Judy Garland, and John Wayne. And of course, BCBSAZ opened its doors in 1939. Skim the sections below to read some fun facts on Arizona, BCBSAZ, pop culture and the cost of living in the 1930s!