The period of history between 1933 and 1976 in the United States was a time of dramatic changes. It was during this era that the nation saw the end of the Great Depression, witnessed sweeping economic reform, endured two world wars, underwent significant civil rights progress, and experienced numerous other social reforms.

Beginning with 1933, it marked an important turning point in U.S. History as President Franklin Roosevelt came into office with his “New Deal” agenda. This included sweeping programs to help alleviate the suffering of those who had been hit hardest by the Great Depression including Social Security Act which provided financial aid to retirees and disabled individuals; The Wagner Act which guaranteed workers certain rights such as collective bargaining; The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) which helped settle disputes between employers and employees; The Tennessee Valley Authority which provided electricity to rural areas; The Rural Electrification Administration which brought electricity to farms across America; The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) which guaranteed people’s savings deposits up to $5,000 per account at FDIC-insured banks; And a host of other initiatives aimed at promoting economic recovery from the depression.