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Shaken To Its Core: Riots

Riots

Throughout history, America has gone through cycles in which rioting has been common place. Besides the 1960’s, the Great Depression was perhaps the prolific periods of riots. Where the protests and riots of the 1960’s were based on ideology, those of the Great Depression showed a near primal need of the people to be heard. Cross the country, people took to the streets for want of food, pay, and recognition.

One such example of people taking to the street was in January of 1931 in England, Arkansas. Early in the month, a neighbor of H.C Coney visited concerned about their inability to feed their family.

Coney, unable to help personally, decided that something could be done with the help of the Red Cross. With a loaded truck, Coney drove to the county seat of England. 

Shaken To Its Core: Father Charles Coughlin

Father Charles Coughlin 

Oh, capitalism shall never again flourish as once it did. Capitalism has been almost taxed out of existence in an effort to meet the coupons and the bonds, in an effort to meet the dole system that is absolutely unnecessary in a country of our wealth. Father Charles Coughlin 1937

 The radicalization of America during the Great Depression is best be encapsulated by the conversion of Father Charles E. Coughlin from zealous Roosevelt supporter to ardent opposers of the New Deal, Roosevelt, capitalism, and democracy. Once deemed by a top government official as “the most dangerous man in America behind John Dillinger,” Coughlin daftly used the medium of radio to spread a gospel that at times more closely resembled the dogmatic speeches of Adolph Hitler, than those of Jesus Christ crowds in the hundreds of thousands. From his early days of railing against the Klu Klux Klan, Coughlin used his charismatic speaking style to attract a loyal following that teetered on cult status.

Shaken To Its Core: Politics

Politics 

Americans have long sought alternatives to the two party system of government. With the economic system in shambles, and growingly distraught public, the political landscape of the Great Depression became ripe with such alternatives. Franklin Roosevelt faced no fewer than six third-party candidates in his first election in 1932. In that election alone, Norman Thomas of the American Socialist party garnered 2.23% of the popular vote. 1936 saw the Presidential pool increase to eight including the ill-fated “Share Our Wealth” party. It is a well documented fact that during times of economic hardships, people flock to groups specifically naming scapegoats or dynamically different systems to those that have failed. While only making small gains in national elections, third political parties grow in membership at the state levels throughout the Great Depression. Perhaps the most popular among third-parties were the German American Bund (or the American Nazi Party), and the Communist League of America which later became the Workers Party of the United States.

Series Launch: Shaken To Its Core

It goes without saying that Great Depression brought about a dramatic change in the American landscape. President Franklin Roosevelt pressed through Congress a series of strikingly liberal legislation know as the New Deal ushering into the American political culture the notion that the public’s welfare was in fact the government’s responsibility. Roosevelt intentionally used his soothing firesides chats, careful manipulation of the media and overtly personable wife as a proxy to create, at least on the surface, a culture of calm. Americans were encouraged to pray, stick together, and most importantly have faith in institutions of government. Yet, the Great Depression was a time wrought with political, spiritual, economic and cultural upheaval. The cocksuredness of the 1920’s was replaced by a radicalism never before seen and an overarching tension that could, and did, erupt into utter chaos. Radical political parties, firebrand personalities, and riots left only a thin veneer of a nation recovering through self reliance and determination. Over the next three posts, The History Podcast will highlight some of the lesser known elements of the Great Depression as we look at the rise of radical political parties, Father Charles Coughlin who Franklin Roosevelt is reportedly to have said to be “the most dangerous man in American” and the food riots that increasingly became common in American cities.

The History Podcast #14 - Netflix

The History Podcast #14

Download Podcast - Netflix

This history podcast explores the history of Netflix. Over the last 15 years many experts and consumers have written off Netflix, but here we are today with Netflix trading for over $350 a share. Netflix abandon their business model, cannibalized their loyal consumer base, and began creating their own content. They fought against a superior Blockbuster, changed pricing and plans, and pretty much did what THEY wanted. We were all so certain they would fail with each mistake, but we were wrong; the public usually is. Why has Netflix become so successful?

The History Podcast #12 - The 90s Sports Card Bubble

The History Podcast #12

Download Podcast - The 90s Sports Card Bubble

This history podcast examines how the 1990s was a great time to be a kid, but a horrible time to be a kid with ambition. Through sports cards, we lost it all. It pales in comparison to the financial losses of individuals during other historic bubbles. However, the housing and dot com bubbles directly affected few. Where as the sports card bubble of the late 80s and 90s affected millions on children, and they haven't forgotten.

This history podcast explains the circumstances of the 90s sports cards bubble. The good news is that America can become less oil dependent by burning our sports cards.

The History Podcast #10 - Bubbles

The History Podcast #10

Download Podcast - Bubbles

On Today's History Podcast, Mr. Jackson explains economic bubbles. We discuss the reason for economic bubbles and examine past economic bubbles.

Some economists do not believe economic bubbles exist, but others, notably Noble Prize winner Robert Shiller, believe they do and can explain exactly how they occur.

Shiller accurately predicted the Dot Com Bubble and Housing Bubble. This New York Times article succinctly summarizes his philosophy on predicting bubbles. Are we in a bubble right now? Don't ask us, we didn't win a Noble Prize.

Side Note: The economist he is splitting the Noble Prize with claims that economics bubbles don't exist. Go figure.

The History Podcast #6 - AIG and the Crash

The History Podcast #6

Download Podcast - AIG and the Crash


This history podcast lets you know who to blame for the 2008 economic crisis. Although there are many parties to blame, AIG figures to be a prime target. Their ridiculous insurance policies and their investment strategies nearly collapsed our entire economy. The country escaped, but the households did not.

The History Podcast #4 - The Panic of 1837

The History Podcast #4

Download Podcast - Panic of 1837

This history podcast is about bubbles, panic, and stupid economic decisions. The Cotton bubble busts. The western frontier housing bubble busts. Interest rates rise. Andrew Jackson kills the National Bank, the one thing that could have stopped the madness. Instead, a very long depression occurs. The Era of Good Feelings quickly turns.

The History Podcast #2 - Camden, NJ

The History Podcast #2

Download Podcast - Camden, NJ

The History Podcast talks about Camden, New Jersey; it's either the greatest place ever or the worst place on Earth. It really all depends on your sense of humor or compassion for other human beings.

Matt Taibi's Rolling Stone article is our source material. Taibi's article is great, and the subject matter is amazing. What happens when a crime ridden town loses half of its police force? Yes! That happens, and a lot more. Things that you only think would happen in movies are happening right now in Camden, New Jersey.