The Southwestern Historical Quarterly, Volume 54, July 1950 - April, 1951 Page: 227

Notes and Documents

but realistically, they accepted the draft, realizing it was neces-
sary to protect their rights to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of
happiness." Estimates of the number of Falls County men, who
served in World War I, vary from 1,500 to 2,200.
After the war (and while it was in progress, 1914-1918), the
people were prosperous. A mild depression hit in the early g92o's
but passed away, only to be followed by an intense one in the
1930's. By 1930, agriculture and business were suffering and un-
employment was widespread. Then, unemployment increased,
banks failed or were in dire distress, and the economy of Falls
County, as of the nation, was at a new low. People became im-
patient, politically and otherwise.
In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated President and
broke many precedents in efforts to alleviate the distress; his
efforts received both commendation and criticism.
ANOTHER WAR--WORLD WAR II
Meanwhile, another World War was brewing. It broke into
fury in 1939, and the United States became involved, after Japan
bombed Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, December 7, 1941, killing thou-
sands of American sailors, soldiers, and airmen, sinking American
ships, destroying American airplanes and other property of the
United States.
Not only were Falls County young men drafted for the Armed
Forces in this war, but young women entered service, too, and
the entire population was called upon for phases of the tremen-
dous effort.

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