The Great Depression.
In the 1930s, people made do with what little they had and that's pretty amazing. Even though nobody had any money, teenagers and adults still found ways to get around and have fun. There was no fighting because there was no time for that. Even though it was dangerous to go about alone, it was safe to move around in a city. Citizens still kept there basic precautions handy. Nobody trusted anybody because anybody could turn on you.