History Happy Hour: 1932 - A Very Eventful Year

Author and former Los Angeles Times staff writer Scott Martelle discusses his new book, 1932: FDR, Hoover, and the Dawn of a New America (Citadel/Kensington Books), in which he explores the national backdrop to that year’s pivotal presidential campaign between the incumbent Republican Herbert Hoover and New York Governor Franklin Delano Roosevelt, a Democrat. The Great Depression was the most pressing issue facing the nation, but here Martelle explores an array of other issues that defined the times, including the fight to Prohibition, the occupation of Washington by more than 20,000 Great War veterans seeking early payment of promised bonuses, farmers’ strikes across the Midwest, and the first stirrings of the Dust Bowl. Using diary entries from average Americans and newsreel-style inserts compiling top headlines throughout the year, Martelle offers a wide-angle view of a nation brought to its economic knees, and the election that helped it regain its footing. Don’t miss out and come join History Happy Hour on Thursday, February 15 at 6:00 p.m. ET!

Starting February 1^st, we are partnering with Diageo North America, who will bring new and innovative cocktails to life during our mixology sessions.

History Happy Hour is a biweekly virtual program hosted by the White House Historical Association. Join us as experts weigh in on a variety of historical topics, share their insights, answer audience questions, and enjoy presidential-inspired libations.

Did you know members of the Association have access to all previous History Happy Hour episodes? Become a member here.