Podcast
Questions and Answers
What was a primary factor that influenced farmers' decisions to migrate from the Dust Bowl region during the 1930s?
What was a primary factor that influenced farmers' decisions to migrate from the Dust Bowl region during the 1930s?
- Government incentives specifically designed to relocate farmers.
- The combination of dust storms and economic hardship. (correct)
- Guaranteed high-paying jobs awaiting them on the West Coast.
- The availability of affordable land in California.
Why was Route 66 significant to the migrants fleeing the Dust Bowl?
Why was Route 66 significant to the migrants fleeing the Dust Bowl?
- It served as a major westward route leading to California and the promise of work. (correct)
- It provided access to government-sponsored shelters and aid stations.
- It was the most direct path to the industrial centers of the East Coast.
- It represented a symbol of hope due to the numerous farms along the route.
How did the influx of migrants from the Dust Bowl affect California and other Pacific Coast states during the Great Depression?
How did the influx of migrants from the Dust Bowl affect California and other Pacific Coast states during the Great Depression?
- It had minimal impact as most migrants returned to their original states within a year.
- It resulted in an immediate economic boom due to the new labor force.
- It caused a decrease in agricultural production due to a lack of skilled labor.
- It led to increased competition for scarce jobs and resources. (correct)
What was a common characteristic of the 'hoboes' described by Thomas Wolfe?
What was a common characteristic of the 'hoboes' described by Thomas Wolfe?
What was the primary role of the family unit for Americans during the Great Depression?
What was the primary role of the family unit for Americans during the Great Depression?
Why did working women face resentment during the Depression?
Why did working women face resentment during the Depression?
How did some people try to save money during the Great Depression, as mentioned by Jeane Westin?
How did some people try to save money during the Great Depression, as mentioned by Jeane Westin?
How did the invention of board games like Monopoly® and the popularity of radio impact family life during the Great Depression?
How did the invention of board games like Monopoly® and the popularity of radio impact family life during the Great Depression?
Which statement accurately describes the effect of the Great Depression on American families?
Which statement accurately describes the effect of the Great Depression on American families?
Based on the texts, what was a significant societal impact of the Great Depression?
Based on the texts, what was a significant societal impact of the Great Depression?
Which of the following best describes the economic condition of the hoboes?
Which of the following best describes the economic condition of the hoboes?
In what way did the term 'Okie' evolve during the Dust Bowl migration?
In what way did the term 'Okie' evolve during the Dust Bowl migration?
Which factor most directly explains why many individuals could not access their savings after the stock market crash of 1929?
Which factor most directly explains why many individuals could not access their savings after the stock market crash of 1929?
In the context of women working during the Great Depression, what does the phrase 'making do' imply?
In the context of women working during the Great Depression, what does the phrase 'making do' imply?
How did the Federal Reserve System's adherence to the gold standard impact its ability to respond to the banking crisis during the Great Depression?
How did the Federal Reserve System's adherence to the gold standard impact its ability to respond to the banking crisis during the Great Depression?
Which of the following best describes the general pattern of migration during the Dust Bowl era?
Which of the following best describes the general pattern of migration during the Dust Bowl era?
How might the experience of poverty and joblessness, such as that experienced by the hoboes, affect those who witnessed it?
How might the experience of poverty and joblessness, such as that experienced by the hoboes, affect those who witnessed it?
What was the overall effect of bank failures and business bankruptcies on the gross national product (GNP) between 1929 and 1932?
What was the overall effect of bank failures and business bankruptcies on the gross national product (GNP) between 1929 and 1932?
During the Great Depression, how did the economic struggles influence social attitudes toward working women?
During the Great Depression, how did the economic struggles influence social attitudes toward working women?
What was the prevailing attitude among some Federal Reserve officials toward bank failures during the Great Depression?
What was the prevailing attitude among some Federal Reserve officials toward bank failures during the Great Depression?
How did the stock market crash of 1929 influence the onset and severity of the Great Depression?
How did the stock market crash of 1929 influence the onset and severity of the Great Depression?
What was the primary reason for James N. Rosenberg titling his cartoon about the Wall Street crash “Dies Irae”?
What was the primary reason for James N. Rosenberg titling his cartoon about the Wall Street crash “Dies Irae”?
Which of the following best describes the impact of the Great Depression on businesses in the United States?
Which of the following best describes the impact of the Great Depression on businesses in the United States?
Considering the economic conditions described in the content, what action might the Federal Reserve have taken to mitigate the crisis, had they not been constrained by the gold standard?
Considering the economic conditions described in the content, what action might the Federal Reserve have taken to mitigate the crisis, had they not been constrained by the gold standard?
What was a common assumption about women during the Great Depression, despite evidence to the contrary?
What was a common assumption about women during the Great Depression, despite evidence to the contrary?
What does Meridel Le Seuer's quote reveal about the experiences of some women during the Great Depression?
What does Meridel Le Seuer's quote reveal about the experiences of some women during the Great Depression?
How did the Great Depression impact children's health, according to the text?
How did the Great Depression impact children's health, according to the text?
How did cities and states respond to dwindling resources during the Great Depression, impacting child welfare?
How did cities and states respond to dwindling resources during the Great Depression, impacting child welfare?
What was the effect of falling tax revenues on the education system during the Great Depression?
What was the effect of falling tax revenues on the education system during the Great Depression?
Based on the information, which factor contributed to the rise of rickets among children during the Great Depression?
Based on the information, which factor contributed to the rise of rickets among children during the Great Depression?
What does the photograph of the Ozark sharecropper family by Ben Shahn suggest about the impact of the Great Depression?
What does the photograph of the Ozark sharecropper family by Ben Shahn suggest about the impact of the Great Depression?
Considering the challenges faced by women and children, what overall impact did the Great Depression have on vulnerable populations?
Considering the challenges faced by women and children, what overall impact did the Great Depression have on vulnerable populations?
What was a significant impact of the Great Depression on education in the United States by 1933?
What was a significant impact of the Great Depression on education in the United States by 1933?
What motivated teenagers like Eugene Williams to leave their homes during the Great Depression?
What motivated teenagers like Eugene Williams to leave their homes during the Great Depression?
What were 'Hoover tourists' primarily seeking during the Great Depression?
What were 'Hoover tourists' primarily seeking during the Great Depression?
What dangers did 'wild boys' face while riding the rails during the Great Depression?
What dangers did 'wild boys' face while riding the rails during the Great Depression?
What was the estimated number of deaths and injuries of trespassers on railroads between 1929 and 1939?
What was the estimated number of deaths and injuries of trespassers on railroads between 1929 and 1939?
How did the hardships of the Great Depression affect the mental health of some individuals?
How did the hardships of the Great Depression affect the mental health of some individuals?
What compromises and sacrifices did many Americans have to accept due to the economic problems of the Great Depression?
What compromises and sacrifices did many Americans have to accept due to the economic problems of the Great Depression?
Aside from the economic struggles, what other significant outcome resulted from the widespread school closures during the Great Depression?
Aside from the economic struggles, what other significant outcome resulted from the widespread school closures during the Great Depression?
Which of the following best describes the role of speculation in triggering the Great Depression?
Which of the following best describes the role of speculation in triggering the Great Depression?
How did buying on margin contribute to the severity of the Great Depression?
How did buying on margin contribute to the severity of the Great Depression?
What was the main reason why the Dust Bowl had such a devastating impact on farmers during the Great Depression?
What was the main reason why the Dust Bowl had such a devastating impact on farmers during the Great Depression?
Why did minority groups often experience heightened discrimination during the Great Depression?
Why did minority groups often experience heightened discrimination during the Great Depression?
In what way did the Great Depression affect the structure and stability of the American family?
In what way did the Great Depression affect the structure and stability of the American family?
How did Hoover's response to the Bonus Army affect public opinion of his presidency?
How did Hoover's response to the Bonus Army affect public opinion of his presidency?
How did the construction of the Boulder Dam (later renamed Hoover Dam) impact the region it was built in and areas further away?
How did the construction of the Boulder Dam (later renamed Hoover Dam) impact the region it was built in and areas further away?
What was the overarching philosophy behind Herbert Hoover's initial approach to addressing the Great Depression?
What was the overarching philosophy behind Herbert Hoover's initial approach to addressing the Great Depression?
How did the Banking Act of 1935 aim to stabilize the American economy?
How did the Banking Act of 1935 aim to stabilize the American economy?
What was the intended effect of the National Recovery Administration (NRA) on business practices?
What was the intended effect of the National Recovery Administration (NRA) on business practices?
In what way did the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) attempt to address the economic challenges faced by farmers?
In what way did the Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA) attempt to address the economic challenges faced by farmers?
How did the creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seek to restore confidence in financial markets?
How did the creation of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) seek to restore confidence in financial markets?
What was the key goal of the Fair Labor Standards Act regarding employment conditions?
What was the key goal of the Fair Labor Standards Act regarding employment conditions?
What critical protection was introduced by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to safeguard consumers?
What critical protection was introduced by the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA) to safeguard consumers?
How did the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) strive to prevent home foreclosures during the Great Depression?
How did the Home Owners Loan Corporation (HOLC) strive to prevent home foreclosures during the Great Depression?
What role did the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) play in regional development during the New Deal era?
What role did the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) play in regional development during the New Deal era?
How did the establishment of the FDIC aim to restore confidence in the banking system?
How did the establishment of the FDIC aim to restore confidence in the banking system?
Why was the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) created in 1934?
Why was the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) created in 1934?
What was the primary reason behind Roosevelt's push to legalize the manufacture and sale of alcohol during the Great Depression?
What was the primary reason behind Roosevelt's push to legalize the manufacture and sale of alcohol during the Great Depression?
How did the Federal Securities Act of 1933 seek to protect investors?
How did the Federal Securities Act of 1933 seek to protect investors?
What can be inferred from Roosevelt's first 'fireside chat' regarding the role of banks in the American economy?
What can be inferred from Roosevelt's first 'fireside chat' regarding the role of banks in the American economy?
Considering the context of the Great Depression, how did the Twenty-First Amendment contribute to economic recovery?
Considering the context of the Great Depression, how did the Twenty-First Amendment contribute to economic recovery?
What was the intended effect of the FDIC's insurance on individual bank accounts?
What was the intended effect of the FDIC's insurance on individual bank accounts?
Based on Roosevelt's description of the banking system, what risk did depositors face if banks were poorly managed?
Based on Roosevelt's description of the banking system, what risk did depositors face if banks were poorly managed?
How did President Roosevelt manage to shift the Supreme Court's stance on the New Deal without directly reorganizing the judiciary?
How did President Roosevelt manage to shift the Supreme Court's stance on the New Deal without directly reorganizing the judiciary?
What was the primary objective of the American Liberty League, formed in 1934?
What was the primary objective of the American Liberty League, formed in 1934?
What was the central idea behind Dr. Francis Townsend's critique of Roosevelt’s approach to aiding the impoverished and elderly?
What was the central idea behind Dr. Francis Townsend's critique of Roosevelt’s approach to aiding the impoverished and elderly?
Which statement best characterizes Father Charles Coughlin's stance on the New Deal?
Which statement best characterizes Father Charles Coughlin's stance on the New Deal?
What factor significantly diminished Father Charles Coughlin's public support during the New Deal era?
What factor significantly diminished Father Charles Coughlin's public support during the New Deal era?
How did Dr. Francis Townsend's proposed pension plan pose a challenge to Roosevelt's New Deal policies?
How did Dr. Francis Townsend's proposed pension plan pose a challenge to Roosevelt's New Deal policies?
How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal struggle with polio likely influence his approach to governance?
How did Franklin D. Roosevelt's personal struggle with polio likely influence his approach to governance?
Considering the criticisms from figures like Coughlin, Townsend, and Long, what common thread linked their opposition to the New Deal?
Considering the criticisms from figures like Coughlin, Townsend, and Long, what common thread linked their opposition to the New Deal?
Which of the following best describes the significance of the 'Hundred Days'?
Which of the following best describes the significance of the 'Hundred Days'?
What was Eleanor Roosevelt’s primary focus as First Lady?
What was Eleanor Roosevelt’s primary focus as First Lady?
What was a key difference in the backgrounds of the three major critics of the New Deal (Charles Coughlin, Francis Townsend, and Huey Long)?
What was a key difference in the backgrounds of the three major critics of the New Deal (Charles Coughlin, Francis Townsend, and Huey Long)?
In what way did the New Deal legislation passed during the 'Hundred Days' alter the balance of power in the United States?
In what way did the New Deal legislation passed during the 'Hundred Days' alter the balance of power in the United States?
How did Eleanor Roosevelt's personal background and upbringing contribute to her role as First Lady?
How did Eleanor Roosevelt's personal background and upbringing contribute to her role as First Lady?
Eleanor Roosevelt's quote about where human rights begin emphasizes the importance of which sphere in protecting those rights?
Eleanor Roosevelt's quote about where human rights begin emphasizes the importance of which sphere in protecting those rights?
Which statement best assesses the long-term implications of the 'Hundred Days' of the Roosevelt administration?
Which statement best assesses the long-term implications of the 'Hundred Days' of the Roosevelt administration?
How did the roles of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt challenge traditional expectations of political figures and their spouses during the Great Depression era?
How did the roles of Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt challenge traditional expectations of political figures and their spouses during the Great Depression era?
What was a direct consequence of the decreased need for farm labor during the Great Depression?
What was a direct consequence of the decreased need for farm labor during the Great Depression?
How did the lack of a permanent address affect Mexican American migrant workers during the Depression?
How did the lack of a permanent address affect Mexican American migrant workers during the Depression?
What was the overarching goal of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?
What was the overarching goal of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?
What was the main distinction of John Collier's policy regarding Native Americans, compared to previous governmental approaches?
What was the main distinction of John Collier's policy regarding Native Americans, compared to previous governmental approaches?
What was one economic provision of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?
What was one economic provision of the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934?
In what way did the US government's actions toward Mexican Americans contradict the principles of the New Deal?
In what way did the US government's actions toward Mexican Americans contradict the principles of the New Deal?
How did Marian Anderson's performance at the Lincoln Memorial impact the broader struggle for civil rights during the New Deal era?
How did Marian Anderson's performance at the Lincoln Memorial impact the broader struggle for civil rights during the New Deal era?
Assuming the Indian Reorganization Act aimed to reverse assimilation policies, what is a likely reason the government had previously enforced assimilation?
Assuming the Indian Reorganization Act aimed to reverse assimilation policies, what is a likely reason the government had previously enforced assimilation?
Considering the economic hardships faced by Mexican American farm laborers, how could the lack of legal protection for their occupation have exacerbated these difficulties?
Considering the economic hardships faced by Mexican American farm laborers, how could the lack of legal protection for their occupation have exacerbated these difficulties?
How did the perspective of Walter White on Marian Anderson's performance uniquely capture the essence of the struggles and aspirations of minorities during the New Deal Era?
How did the perspective of Walter White on Marian Anderson's performance uniquely capture the essence of the struggles and aspirations of minorities during the New Deal Era?
In what way did the New Deal era present a dual reality for women and minorities?
In what way did the New Deal era present a dual reality for women and minorities?
How does the description of the girl's hands in Walter White's account enhance the understanding of the struggles faced by minorities during the New Deal?
How does the description of the girl's hands in Walter White's account enhance the understanding of the struggles faced by minorities during the New Deal?
What is the most accurate interpretation of the phrase “new deal,” instead of a “raw deal,” in the context of Marian Anderson's performance and its impact on minorities?
What is the most accurate interpretation of the phrase “new deal,” instead of a “raw deal,” in the context of Marian Anderson's performance and its impact on minorities?
What does Marian Anderson's experience during the New Deal era reveal about the intersection of race, art, and politics?
What does Marian Anderson's experience during the New Deal era reveal about the intersection of race, art, and politics?
How would the cultural impact of Marian Anderson's concert at the Lincoln Memorial be different if it happened 20 years earlier(i.e prior to the new deal)?
How would the cultural impact of Marian Anderson's concert at the Lincoln Memorial be different if it happened 20 years earlier(i.e prior to the new deal)?
Considering the context of the 1930s, how might the widespread availability of radio broadcasts have amplified the impact of Marian Anderson's performance at the Lincoln Memorial?
Considering the context of the 1930s, how might the widespread availability of radio broadcasts have amplified the impact of Marian Anderson's performance at the Lincoln Memorial?
Flashcards
The Great Depression
The Great Depression
A period from 1929-1930s with a plummeting economy and high unemployment.
Black Tuesday
Black Tuesday
The stock market crash of October 29, 1929, signaling the start of the Great Depression.
Bank Runs
Bank Runs
When individuals take their money out of the bank, often leading to bank failures.
Bank Failures
Bank Failures
Banks that closed due to lacking funds, often caused by stock market investments and/or mass withdrawals.
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Gross National Product (GNP)
Gross National Product (GNP)
The total value of goods and services produced by a nation in a year.
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Business Bankruptcy
Business Bankruptcy
When a company is unable to pay its debts and closes, resulting in job losses and economic disruption.
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Federal Reserve System
Federal Reserve System
Allowed banks to operate more freely and issue loans, but this was hindered by the gold standard.
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Gold Standard
Gold Standard
Rules that required currency to be backed by gold reserves.
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Hoboes
Hoboes
People who wandered from town to town during the Depression, often riding freight trains and looking for work.
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Despair
Despair
The feelings of being crushed or without hope.
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Making Do
Making Do
Doing whatever it takes to get by when times are tough.
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Penny-Pinching
Penny-Pinching
Saving as much money as possible, even small amounts.
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Unemployment
Unemployment
The state of being out of work and actively searching for a job.
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Resentment
Resentment
Negative feelings or anger directed towards someone or something.
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Working Women Backlash
Working Women Backlash
The idea that married women shouldn't work when men are unemployed.
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Married Women Employment (1930s)
Married Women Employment (1930s)
Many cities had policies against hiring married women as schoolteachers.
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Hidden Hardship of Women
Hidden Hardship of Women
Many women faced starvation in attics and rooming houses.
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Shame and Hardship
Shame and Hardship
Women were often too ashamed to reveal their hardship.
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Health Crisis (1930s)
Health Crisis (1930s)
Poor diets and lack of healthcare caused health problems.
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Milk Consumption Decline
Milk Consumption Decline
Consumption of milk declined across the country.
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Rise in Malnutrition
Rise in Malnutrition
Malnutrition and diet-related diseases rose dramatically.
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Child Welfare Cuts
Child Welfare Cuts
Cities and states cut child welfare budgets.
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School Closures
School Closures
Falling tax revenues shortened the school day and closed schools.
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Dust Bowl Migration
Dust Bowl Migration
The mass migration of people from the Dust Bowl region to the West, particularly California, seeking work and a better life.
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Dust Bowl
Dust Bowl
The region in the central United States, including parts of Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Colorado, that suffered severe dust storms and economic hardship during the 1930s.
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Dust Bowl Migrants
Dust Bowl Migrants
Farmers and sharecroppers who left the Dust Bowl region due to dust storms, evictions, and economic hardship.
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Okies
Okies
A term initially referring to people from Oklahoma but used to describe migrants from the Dust Bowl region, often with negative connotations.
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Route 66
Route 66
A major route that Dust Bowl migrants followed to California in search of work and a better life.
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Farmhand Work
Farmhand Work
Farm work, often temporary and low-paying, that some Dust Bowl migrants found in California.
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Family Strength
Family Strength
The idea that family provided support and unity for many Americans despite the hardships of the Great Depression.
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Monopoly
Monopoly
A board game invented in 1933, symbolizing a form of family entertainment during the Great Depression.
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School Closures (1933)
School Closures (1933)
Schools closed during the Great Depression, displacing over 300,000 students by 1933.
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"Wild Boys"
"Wild Boys"
Teenagers who illegally rode freight trains across America in search of work and escape during the Great Depression.
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"Hoover Tourists"
"Hoover Tourists"
Another term for the "wild boys" or those who were riding the rails looking for tour of America for free.
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Bulls
Bulls
Armed freight yard patrolmen who beat or jailed riders on freight trains.
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Dangers of Riding the Rails
Dangers of Riding the Rails
Many riders were beaten or jailed by "bulls"—armed freight yard patrolmen. Often riders had to sleep standing up in a constant deafening rumble. Some were accidentally locked in ice cars for days on end. Others fell prey to murderous criminals.
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Railroad Death Toll (1929-1939)
Railroad Death Toll (1929-1939)
During the years 1929-1939, there were approximately 24,647 trespassers killed and 27,171 injured on railroad property.
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Psychological Impact of Depression
Psychological Impact of Depression
The Great Depression severely impacted mental well-being and increased suicide rates.
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Suicide Rate Increase
Suicide Rate Increase
Increased dramatically during the Great Depression, reflecting widespread despair.
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Credit
Credit
Purchasing goods or services with the expectation of paying later, usually with interest.
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Dow Jones Industrial Average
Dow Jones Industrial Average
A stock index that tracks 30 large, publicly-owned companies trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
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Speculation
Speculation
Buying assets with the hope of a quick profit, but with the risk of loss.
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Buying on Margin
Buying on Margin
Purchasing stocks with a small down payment and borrowing the rest.
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Great Depression
Great Depression
A severe economic downturn in the 1930s marked by poverty and unemployment.
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Direct Relief
Direct Relief
Money or resources provided directly to the needy by the government.
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Franklin D. Roosevelt
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Became governor of New York in 1928 and President in 1933, despite physical challenges.
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Eleanor Roosevelt
Eleanor Roosevelt
FDR's wife; influential First Lady advocating for social issues.
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The Hundred Days
The Hundred Days
A period of intense legislative activity at the start of FDR's presidency.
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New Deal Legislation
New Deal Legislation
Laws enacted during the Hundred Days and later to combat the Great Depression.
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Expanded Government Role
Expanded Government Role
Expanded the federal government's role in the economy and citizens' lives.
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Federal-State relations
Federal-State relations
The relationship changing between federal and state governments.
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Eleanor's Role
Eleanor's Role
Urged the president to take stands on controversial issues and was influential in his policymaking.
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Eleanor's Interests
Eleanor's Interests
Her main interests were child welfare, housing reform, and equal rights for women and minorities.
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FDIC
FDIC
Federal insurance for individual bank accounts, initially up to $5,000.
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Federal Securities Act
Federal Securities Act
Requires corporations to provide complete and honest information on stock offerings.
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Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Government agency created in 1934 to regulate the stock market and prevent insider trading.
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Stock Market 'Rigging'
Stock Market 'Rigging'
Practice of those with privileged information using it to unfairly profit in the stock market.
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Alcohol Legalization (New Deal)
Alcohol Legalization (New Deal)
Allowed the manufacture and sale of some alcoholic beverages, primarily to raise government revenue through taxation.
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Twenty-First Amendment
Twenty-First Amendment
Ended nationwide prohibition of alcohol in the United States.
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Fireside Chats
Fireside Chats
Series of radio addresses given by President Roosevelt to communicate directly with the public.
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How Banks Use Deposits
How Banks Use Deposits
Banks reinvest deposited money to support industry and agriculture.
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Hugo S. Black Appointment
Hugo S. Black Appointment
President Roosevelt appointed Hugo S. Black, a liberal justice, shifting the Court's balance in favor of the New Deal.
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American Liberty League
American Liberty League
An organization formed in 1934 that opposed New Deal measures, believing they violated individual and property rights.
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Charles Coughlin
Charles Coughlin
A Roman Catholic priest who used radio sermons to share his economic, political, and religious ideas, initially supporting but later opposing Roosevelt.
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Nationalization
Nationalization
The conversion of private enterprises/property into government ownership or control.
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Guaranteed Annual Income
Guaranteed Annual Income
A plan by Father Charles Coughlin, a critic of the New Deal, to give a set amount of money to every citizen each year.
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Dr. Francis Townsend
Dr. Francis Townsend
A physician who proposed a pension plan for the elderly, which gained strong support and challenged Roosevelt's popularity.
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Townsend Plan
Townsend Plan
Townsend's plan for monthly payments to elderly citizens.
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Huey Long
Huey Long
A Louisiana senator and critic of the New Deal that posed a challenge to the New Deal
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Emergency Banking Relief Act (EBRA)
Emergency Banking Relief Act (EBRA)
Inspected banks for stability, allowing the healthy ones to reopen.
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National Recovery Administration (NRA)
National Recovery Administration (NRA)
Established ‘fair competition’ rules for businesses.
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SEC
SEC
Monitors & regulates the stock market to prevent fraud.
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Banking Act of 1935
Banking Act of 1935
Regulated the nation's money supply and interest rates.
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AAA
AAA
Aided farmers and regulated crop production to stabilize prices.
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REA
REA
Provided affordable electricity to rural areas.
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Fair Labor Standards Act
Fair Labor Standards Act
Set minimum wage and maximum hours for workers nationwide.
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1920s Mexican immigration
1920s Mexican immigration
Many Mexican Americans came to the U.S. and settled mainly in the Southwest.
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Unprotected farm labor
Unprotected farm labor
Farm work was not protected by labor laws.
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Depression farm wages
Depression farm wages
Farm wages fell drastically during the Depression.
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Farm unionization resistance
Farm unionization resistance
Farm workers faced violence for trying to form unions.
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Mexican American unemployment
Mexican American unemployment
Unemployment increased for Mexican Americans.
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CCC/WPA Discrimination
CCC/WPA Discrimination
Migrant workers were disqualified by not having a permanent address.
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Mexican Repatriation
Mexican Repatriation
Many Mexican-descent people, including U.S. citizens, were deported to Mexico.
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Indian Reorganization Act of 1934
Indian Reorganization Act of 1934
Marked a change in government policy, granting Native Americans autonomy and restoring tribal lands.
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Frances Perkins
Frances Perkins
An American social reformer appointed as the U.S. Secretary of Labor by President Franklin D. Roosevelt.
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Mary McLeod Bethune
Mary McLeod Bethune
An educator who dedicated herself to improving opportunities for African Americans.
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John Collier
John Collier
FDR's Commissioner of Indian Affairs. He helped create the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934.
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New Deal Coalition
New Deal Coalition
An alliance of diverse groups dedicated to supporting the Democratic Party.
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Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)
Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO)
A labor organization that sought to organize industrial workers, regardless of skill level
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Marian Anderson
Marian Anderson
African-American singer who performed on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.
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New Deal Opportunities
New Deal Opportunities
The idea that the New Deal offered limited but important opportunities for women and minorities.
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Marian Anderson's Symbolism
Marian Anderson's Symbolism
This era made her a symbol of progress for minorities in the United States.
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The Great Depression: Module Overview
- The module explores economic weaknesses that contributed to the Great Depression and its widespread consequences.
- Essential question prompting the module is whether the Great Depression could have been avoided.
- Module covers President Hoover's policies and how they drew criticism.
The Nation's Sick Economy
- The prosperity of the 1920s hid severe economic problems that eventually gripped the nation.
- Lasting implications of the Great Depression influenced how Americans view themselves and their government.
- Key terms include deflation, price supports, credit, speculation, buying on margin, Black Tuesday, and the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act.
- Key people include Alfred E. Smith and the Dow Jones Industrial Average.
Economic Troubles on the Horizon
- Serious problems threatened economic prosperity as the 1920s progressed.
- The federal government's laissez-faire policies, high tariffs, and reduced taxes on wealthy individuals contributed to the economic downturn.
- Key industries like railroads, textiles, and steel struggled, leading to layoffs and reduced hours.
- Mining and lumbering experienced decreased demand due to competition from new energy sources.
- Overproduction in the automotive, construction, and consumer goods industries further weakened the economy.
- Declining housing construction indicated economic decline, impacting related industries,
- Agriculture suffered from falling crop prices due to decreased demand after World War I.
- Deflation occurred with crop prices declined by 40% or more after World War 1.
- Farmers increased production to compensate for lower prices, which further drove prices down.
- Many farmers defaulted on loans and lost their farms as rural banks also began to fail.
- The McNary-Haugen bill, proposing federal price supports for key products, was vetoed by President Coolidge.
- Consumers reduced spending because of rising prices, stagnant wages, unequal income distribution, and overbuying credit.
- Production expanded faster than wages, widening the gap between the rich and the poor.
- Businesses encouraged piling up large consumer debt by making credit easily available.
- Uneven distribution of income worsened during the 1920s as the rich got richer and the poor got poorer.
- Over 70% of families earned less than $2,500 per year, which was considered inadequate for a decent standard of living.
- Unequal income distribution prevented most Americans from participating fully in the economic advances of the 1920s.
- The election of 1928 pitted Republican Herbert Hoover against Democrat Alfred E. Smith.
- Hoover promoted "rugged individualism" and contrasted it with European systems.
- Hoover believed individual achievement made the US great while he was campaigning.
- Hoover's message of prosperity helped him win the election, signifying that most Americans were happy with Republican leadership.
- By 1929, the stock market had become a visible symbol of a prosperous economy.
- The Dow Jones Industrial Average became a barometer of the stock market's health.
- Stock prices rose steadily, with the Dow reaching a high of 381 points.
- Speculation and buying on margin contributed to the artificial rise in stock prices.
- People engaged in speculation and buying on margin ignoring existing risks and were fueled by easy money for investors.
- The government did little to regulate the inflated market and stock prices did not reflected the value of company.
Stock Market Crash and Financial Collapse
- Trouble was brewing as the Fed decided to make it harder for brokers to offer margin loans to investors,
- Run-up of the stock market continued despite the Fed's monetary policy shift.
- In early September 1929, stock prices peaked and then started to decline, leading to panic.
- On October 29, known as Black Tuesday, the stock market crashed and investors frantically sold their shares, losing billions of dollars.
- Black Tuesday wiped out paper profits as well as savings, and altered the lifestyle of many
- Stock market crash signaled the start of the Great Depression.
- Crash was not the source of the Great Depression, but worsened its effects.
- After the crash, many people withdrew their money from banks, causing bank and business failures.
- Gross national product declined by nearly half between 1929 and 1932.
- Confidence in business and investment declined, leading to reduced workforces.
- Unemployment rose from 3% in 1929 to 25% in 1933.
- Some made money on crash, but most were left with massive debts.
- The loss created worldwide shock waves, causing investors to withdraw money from European markets.
- Limiting America's ability to import European goods compounded these problems across countries.
- The Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act, designed to protect American industries, backfired by reducing international trade.
- Causes of the Great Depression included tariffs, war debt policies, a crisis in the farm sector, easy credit, and unequal income distribution.
- Overproduction and low interest rates contributed to the crisis.
Hardship and Suffering During the Great Depression
- Americans did what they had to do to survive the Great Depression.
- Great Plains drought and dust storms, called the Dust Bowl created the greatest hardship.
- The Great Depression has heightened caution in investing, saving and borrowing even today.
- Impact of the Great Depression included hardship, homelessness, and widespread hunger.
- People lost jobs and homes and lived in shantytowns, or "Hoovervilles" - named sarcastically for the President.
- Soup kitchens and bread lines became common.
- African Americans and Latinos faced especially difficult circumstances.
- The Great Depression had one advantage of City life by farmers being able to grow their own food.
- From 1929-1932, the era experienced 400,000 farm foreclosures.
- Dust Bowl developed in the Great Plains due to drought, intensive agriculture, and overproduction.
- Dust storms and evictions forced farmers to leave, migrating west.
- In great times of suffering, the American family remained the greatest source of strength.
- Board games rose in popularity with all the difficulties.
- Failed industries meant unemployment for countless men, and many lost their families.
- As many as 300,000 transients, or “hoboes” wandered the country.
- During the early years of the Great Depression, there was no federal system of direct relief.
- Women worked hard to help their families survive financial destruction.
- As the Depression worsened, working women became heavily resented
- There was a rise in malnutrition and lack of health programs reported
Hoover's Failed Policies
- As the economy worsened, President Hoover faced increasing criticism for his conservative response to the Great Depression.
- Hoover's response shocked and frustrated suffering Americans.
- Hoover reassured Americans that the economy was on a sound footing, but Americans believed depressions were part of the normal business cycle.
- One of government's functions was cooperation between competing groups to help them find a solution that served their mutual interests
- Americans valued rugged individualism and should take care of themselves and their families, rather than depend on the government.
- Limited government involvement was the best option.
- Boulder Dam stood as the largest in the world at 726 feet high and 1,244 feet long.
- The Boulder Dam provided electricity, flood control, and a water supply.
- It was to financed the dam’s construction by using profits from sales of the electric power that the dam would generate. agreement on water rights.
- By the time the massive project won congressional approval in 1928, as part of a $700 million public works program.
- As economic difficulties increased, Democrats won more seats in Congress in 1930 becoming a political tide.
- People expressed dissatisfaction with Hoover.
- Hoovervilles" was how shantytowns were referred to, empty pockets as "Hoover flags".
- Americans saw Hoover now with great disappointment and a cold heart .
- Despite the criticism, Hoover continued to hold firm to his principals.
- Farmers stung by low corn and wheat prices in addition to dumping milk on the streets rather than losing money.
- The RFC loaned more than &805 million to large corporations, but business failures continued.
- RFC was with unprecedented federal involvement still in the economic down turn .
- The RFC loaned more than &805 million to large corporations for business failure.
- One incident damaged Hoovers image and morale
The Bonus Army Incident
- In 1932, between 10,000 and 20,000 World War 1 veterans arrived with families in Washington DC.
- The Patman Bill Denied authorization by government to pay a bonus to world ward 1 veterans but was denied.
- Led by Walter Waters the Bonus marchers came to national capital.
- President Hoover decided that armed forces Should disband The bonus army.
- 1,000 soliders came under Douglas MacArthur and Dwight D. Eisenhower.
- The army Gassed more than 1,000 people, including one 11 month year old baby Who died, And Incur the death of a eight year old boy Who partially blinded..
- In the course of the operation, the infantry gassed more than 1,000 people, including an 11-month-old baby, who died, and an 8-year-old boy, who was partially blinded.
- Two people were shot, and soldiers set fire to the building in the midst of this operation.
- Two people were shot, and many were injured.
- Once again, President Hoover's image suffered in the now-nearing elections.
- Popular New York government Franklin Delano Roosevelt became formidable component.
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