The Great Depression and New Deal Overview

The Great Depression

• The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from the late 1920s to the late 1930s.
• Causes included credit/installment plans, stock market speculation, and unequal distribution of wealth.
• Black Tuesday refers to the stock market crash of October 29, 1929.
• Bank runs occurred as people panicked and withdrew their money from banks, leading to bank failures.
• Herbert Hoover's policies during the Depression, known as Hoover's approach, focused on rugged individualism and limited government intervention.
• The Dust Bowl was a severe drought and dust storms affecting the American prairies during the 1930s. Causes included drought, over-farming, and severe wind conditions.
• Hoovervilles were shantytowns built by homeless people during the Great Depression.
• The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who protested for early payment of their promised bonuses.

The New Deal

• Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal aimed to address the economic and social problems caused by the Depression.
• Fireside Chats were radio addresses given by President Roosevelt to the American people to gain their confidence and approval.
• Eleanor Roosevelt played a significant role in advocating for social reform during the New Deal.
• The New Deal included various programs, such as the establishment of regulating bodies.
• The Social Security Act (SSA) established a system of social security benefits and aid.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) aimed to regulate the stock market.
• The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) ensured bank deposits.
• The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 aimed to preserve Native American cultures and tribal governments.
• The New Deal's legacies included a larger role for the federal government in the economy and society. The New Deal created a foundation for the modern welfare state.

World War II

• American involvement in World War II was driven by conflicts between isolationists and interventionists.
• The Neutrality Acts of 1935 and 1937 aimed to keep the United States out of the war. The Neutrality Act of 1939, referred to as Cash and Carry, allowed certain countries to purchase military goods.
• The Lend-Lease Act provided aid to Allied nations fighting Nazi Germany.
• Pearl Harbor was the surprise attack by Japan that led to the United States' entry into World War II.
• Executive Order 9066 led to the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. Executive Order 8802 prohibited discrimination in employment based on race.
• The Tuskegee Airmen were a highly skilled African American squadron of fighter pilots. The Double V Campaign highlighted the need for both victory in World War II and victory on the home front for racial equality.
• D-Day marked the Allied invasion of Normandy, France. This operation marked the beginning of the end of German control.
• The Island Hopping campaign emphasized strategy in the Pacific Theater.
• The Manhattan Project developed the atomic bomb.
• Post-war legacies included the United States' emergence as a global superpower.
• Executive Order 9981 desegregated the US Armed Forces.
• The GI Bill provided benefits for returning veterans, offering education and financial assistance.

Economic Policies during the Great Depression and New Deal

• Rugged Individualism: Herbert Hoover's belief that people should be self-reliant.
• Liberal vs. Conservative Economic Policy: Differences in views regarding the role of government in the economy during the Great Depression. Liberals advocated for a more active government role, while conservatives favored limited intervention.
• Deficit Spending: Increased government spending above tax revenue during the New Deal.

Explore the key events and consequences of the Great Depression, including the causes such as the stock market crash and Hoover's policies. Learn about the New Deal implemented by Franklin D. Roosevelt and its impact on American society during the 1930s. Test your knowledge on significant terms and events from this crucial period in history.