1930-1940 1931 Thomas Alva Edison, dies. Lights across nation dimmed in his honor. 1931 The National Anthem finally adopted by Congress March 3. 1931 Empire State Building opens May 1. 1932 Amelia Earhart flies solo from Newfoundland to Ireland. 1932 Welland Canal bypasses Niagara Falls for shipping. 1933 Franklin D. Roosevelt, on March 4, becomes 32nd President. 1933 First woman in Presidential Cabinet, Secretary of Labor Frances Perkins. 1933 Emergency Banking Act, March 9. 1933 Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), March 31. 1933 Federal Emergency Relief Act, Agriculture Adjustment Act, May 12. 1933 TVA Act, May 18, establishes the TVA to harness the Tennessee River. 1933 Farm Credit Act, June 16. 1933 20th Amendment changes effective dates for president and congress. 1933 21st Amendment repeals 18th Amendment; prohibition amendment. 1934 First diesel-electric passenger train, Burlington Zephyr, begins service. 1934 Securities and Exchange Commission created June 6 1935 Works Progress Administration (WPA) approved by Congress, April 8. 1935 Wagner-Connery Act establishes National Labor Relations Board, July 5. 1935 Social Security Act, August 14, signed into law. 1937 Franklin D. Roosevelt takes oath on March 4; begins second term. 1937 Amelia Earhart Putnam disappears during attempt to fly around the world. 1937 Neutrality Act of 1937; U. S. will stay out of troubles in Europe. 1937 President Roosevelt delivers Quarantine Speech; Oct 5, Chicago. 1937 Adolph Hitler tells his generals of his plan to take over Europe, Nov 5. 1939 First electronic computer built by John V. Atanasoff. 1939 Geological Survey final report on cost of LA purchase: $23.2 million. 1939 Hitler starts WW II, Sep 1, by attacking Poland. 1939 Bill of Rights finally ratified by Massachusetts, Georgia & Connecticut.