SETTING THE SCENE |
Speeding automobiles! Jazz hands! The Wall Street Crash! The Great Depression! Mickey Mouse! The Wizard of Oz!
Welcome to the glitz, glamour and magic of the 1930s! And what better place to explore magic than in the enchanting city of Paris? Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls; it's time to fasten your seat belts as we venture into the deep and mystical past of Hugo Cabret's, Paris. |
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FILM & entertainment
Regarded as the birthplace of cinema, Paris was once every artist and film maker's haven. This began as early as the late 1800s, when Claude-Antoine Lumière and Jeanne Joséphine Costille Lumière (otherwise known as The Lumière Brothers), debuted the first ever motion picture in history, titled, Sortie des Usines Lumière à Lyon (Workers Leaving the Lumière Factory). Running for a total of fifty seconds, the film established these brothers as the world's first ever film makers. History was made!
Sensing this important movement in the entertainment industry, creative artists from around the world began relocating to Paris for creative inspiration, which gave birth to several notable careers in film. Something to think about... Hugo Cabret is set during this very exciting and electrifying period in cinematic history. Why do you think Brian Selznick chose this period in which to set his novel? |
TECHNOLOGY
Aside from advancements in film technology, the 1930s also saw significant progress in other forms of science and technology. This included the first high-definition television, as well as the first around-the-world telephone conversation. Suddenly people around the world could have instant and direct communication with one another, when prior to this, they would wait weeks (often months) to have letters returned.
Also, by the 1930s, the radio was becoming a popular item in family homes. This meant people didn't have to wait to read the newspaper to hear about news and current affairs, but could simply access national and world news right from their living room! Cars in the 1930s become more luxurious than ever before, by including radios and heaters. Using advanced technology, scientists also discover a ninth planet known as Pluto. This later inspires Disney to introduce a new character of the same name. |
ECONOMY
The 1930s is most famous for The Great Depression. This saw a worldwide economic decline, leaving millions of families around the world starving, homeless and desperate for jobs. The Great Depression began with the 1929 Wall Street Crash during which the US witnessed the sudden collapse of stock market prices. This, however, had a negative impact on neighbouring countries, particularly those that did business with the United States. Countries such as France, Australia and Germany suffered very harshly, and by 1932, over four million people around the world were unemployed. The economic situation of the 1930s and The Great Depression is still regarded one of histories darkest periods.
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POLITICS
The 1930s also fell between two other important events in history, World War 1 and World War 2. The aftermath of the First World War saw several families affected, both directly and indirectly by the disasters of post-war poverty, trauma, death and a rapidly declining economy. Memories of war continued to haunt surviving families and victims of war, while also reinforcing their fears for the future. Tensions between allies and neighboring countries continued to grow, further adding to the fears of the people. This was a very dark period for the modern world.
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