1917: As the United States enters World War I, many men leave to serve in the war effort. Women temporarily take their places in the workforce.

1935: Soaring unemployment creates extreme hardship during the Great Depression. The unemployment rate reaches a height of 25 percent in 1933, and is somewhat improved to 20 percent by 1935.

Today: The economy is strong, and unemployment levels in 2001 hover around 4.5 percent.

1917: To aid the war effort, many movie stars urge Americans to buy war bonds. Among the most popular actors and actresses of the day are Charlie Chaplin, Lillian Gish, Douglas Fairbanks, and Gloria Swanson.

1935: Child star Shirley Temple is the country's most popular movie star. Although Americans have little money, Temple's films are so successful that in 1935 she receives an honorary Academy Award for "outstanding contribution to screen entertainment during the year 1934." Her success is attributed to the charming, light-hearted films that...