Historical Context

Throughout the 1930s and 1940s, the development of Brooklyn College as we know it today was hugely affected by the major events during those decades, namely the Second World War and the Great Depression.

http://library.brooklyn.cuny.edu/archives/findaid/BCFirstPresident/

Brooklyn College's first president, Dr. William H Boylan

The campus life on the grounds of Brooklyn began inOctober 1937 under President William A. Boylan who really brought about the growth of the campus, and two years later, President Harry D. Gideonse took over Boylan’s position, organizing the roles of faculty members and ameliorating existing academic programs and creating new ones. However, Gideonse’s original objectives were interrupted when the United States went into World War II. Now, there was a focus shift from academia to military support. The Brooklyn College Committee on Defense was appointed on July 2nd, 1940, which organized first aid courses, provided training for air raids, drills, and trained pilots for the civilian sector. The determination of these young college students to help their country was demonstrated by the great decrease of male enrollment by the fall of 1944, with only 1, 468 male students still studying on campus. On the other hand, female enrollment increased.

Brooklyn College students went beyond military involvement for World War II. The Farm Labor Project were made up of children of immigrants who took action when there was a farm labor shortage by spending the summers of 1942, 1943 and 1944 as volunteer farmworkers. Serving for their country turned into an enriching experience for these students who were in Upstate New York picking peas and beans. They learned how it was like to be a part of a small homogenous farming community, and to live away from home, their families and the urban life. In fact, a handful of students continued to farm rather than returning to their studies!

http://pictures.commons.gc.cuny.edu/tag/farm-labor-project/

Brooklyn College students participating in the Farm Labor Project

Amidst the preoccupations and dedications of World War II, the Great Depression in the 1930s did not prove itself to have as bad of an effect as it did on finance compared to the growth of New York City itself.  Some of the world’s tallest skyscrapers were built during this time, as well as other landmarks such as bridges, parks and parkways. Students were fortunate to have these new establishments available to them.

When the war ended, a myriad of veterans came back to the campus they have left more than half a decade ago. Academic pursuits came back into the place of the college. Veterans kept to their own and Brooklyn College’s high standards and put the college in good academic standing. 

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