Chronological Setting The Great Depression and To Kill a Mockingbird

What is the Great Depression? Capitalism – an economy based on consuming products without governmental interference. Economic crash. The economy essentially stopped moving forward. Businesses faced reduced customers (VERY few people had enough money let alone extra money) As businesses closed their doors, people lost their jobs which further limited their ability to spend.

Causes of the Great Depression The Roaring Twenties Black Tuesday Drought

The Roaring Twenties During the 1920s, income seemed secure. People felt confident enough to buy everything on credit In a time of luxury, everyone was encouraged to join the party (regardless of whether they could afford it)

The Market Crash Also known as Black Tuesday (October 29 th, 1929) After being shaky, the stock market crashed (meaning that all stocks quickly lost value) People tried to sell their stocks before losing too much, which drove prices even lower Some investors lost thousands, even millions of dollars, in a matter of a few hours.

The Dustbowl In addition to the terrible economic conditions in America, people in the Southern plains faced terrible drought

The Dust Bowl From 1931 until the fall of 1939, drought ravaged the American prairies While the south was hardest hit, farming was not ideal anywhere Fierce winds swept up all of the dry top soil – these storms were called “black blizzards”

What does this mean? Think about the information we have been given about the townspeople of Maycomb. Examples: