That was the Year is a fascinating radio show that dramatizes the major historical events between the years 1896-1934.  Surprisingly, the show was not done chronologically; one week aired a show about 1922 and the next 1910

Featuring headlines from World news throughout the early 20th century, the show was produced from the viewpoint of the show's creators in 1937 adding unique interest to modern listeners.   

Every episode ends with a performance of a popular song from the year from "Mandy Lee" in 1899 to "Roses of Picardy" in 1918 to "Lazy Bones" in 1933.  Spotlighting the Year's Ethereal chorus music at the beginning and end of the show is used as fill where local commercials would be added. 

Examples of the headlines include:

• 1898 – Spanish American War in Cuba and the Philippines marked the US Navy as an leading role on the high seas.  Theodore Roosevelt and the Roughriders make a cameo.
• 1902 – Volcano Mount Pelee destroys town of Saint Pierre in Martinique killing 30,000 people, Treaty of Vereeniging ended the Boer War in South Africa, Emile Zola dies from a plugged chimney, Edward VII crowned King of England after a bout with appendicitis
• 1912 – Republic of China established, Teddy Roosevelt shot (his speech saved him), Titanic sinks, and jurors in the LA Times bombing case bribed
• 1915 – 1st transcontinental telephone message, Lusitania sunk by German submarine, 1st Zepplin bomb raid over London, problem with gang violence in NYC
• 1933 - Adolf Hitler is appointed Chancellor of Germany, 20the Ammerndment of the U.S. Constitution moving the inauguration date of the president from March to January abolishing "Lame Duck" session of congress, attempted assignation of president-elect Franklin D. Roosevelt in Miami Florida, earthquake in Long Beach California kills 117, The Dust Bowl hits the Midwestern states,  

See also: In Review and Great Moments in Radio History. For American historical drama, An American in England, American Trail, Cavalcade of America, Destination Freedom, Frontier Fighters, Norman Corwin Collection, Mr President, Science Magazine of the Air, You Are There, and The American History Collection.