Americans Face Hard Times Chapter 21 Section 2 The Great Depression Begins Mr. Riddlebarger

As old impoverished 1929 leaves the scene, cockily, confident 1930 signals the hope of renewed prosperity in the new year. LA Times, December 31, 1929

The Development of the Great Depression Stock Market Crash of 1929 brings the boom times of the 1920’s to an end. Serious flaws in US economy revealed Turns Market crisis into Great Depression Most severe economic crisis in U.S. history

Bank Failures Market collapse strains U.S. banks Many banks fail which causes some Americans to lose confidence in them. Banks become vulnerable to “runs” after Crash. By 1933, bank failures wipe out billions in personal savings.

Farm Failures Hard times of 1920’s for farmers will worsen with Depression. Poverty and unemployment reduce Americans ability to buy food. Production is up prices drop Bankruptcy and foreclosure affect many farmer in 1930’s.

Unemployment In the year after October 1929, there is a sharp drop in economic activity and steep rise in unemployment. These trends were lengthy Unemployment hits 25% Higher for some groups and places Who is hit harder?

Human Impact of the Great Depression Great Depression is an economic catastrophe With millions out of work, competition of jobs is fierce Those without jobs slide into poverty.

Survival Many must beg to survive while others rely on soup kitchens and breadlines. Some go without No Federal programs in early 1930’s to help provide food or money Some local charities and programs offer help but are unable to meet the need. IN 1932, 1 IN 4 FAMILIES NEEDING AID GOT IT.

Hoovervilles Many lost their homes. In many communities, sprawling neighborhoods of shacks sprang up on the outskirts of town or in public parks. “Hoovervilles” became the homes for the homeless. Many blame President Hoover for situation. 1st pic from central ohio: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/learn/features/timeline/depwwii/depress/depress.html 2nd pic: http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1642.html

Hoboes Some sold Apples on the streets in early years of Depression. Others take to the road (Hoboes), hopping trains to travel from town to town looking for work Finding food a constant challenge. http://www.livinghistoryfarm.org/farminginthe30s/water_07.html

Hobo Life He knows the fright of hunger and thirst, And of cold and rain as well; Of raggedy clothes and out-worn shoes, An awful tale he can tell. Hobo poem "A man had to be on the road. Had to leave his wife, had to leave his mother, leave his family just to try to get money to live on... I walked out because I didn't have a job." (cited in Terkel 1970, 42 )

Emotional Toll Though millions face the same situation, most feel some sort of personal failure. Rise in suicide in 1930’s Many feel anger- the nation has failed its people.

Dust Bowl On the fourteenth day of April of nineteen thirty five, There struck the worst of dust storms that ever filled the sky: You could see that dust storm coming, the cloud looked deathlike black, And through our mighty nation, it left a dreadful track... This storm took place at sundown and lasted through the night, When we looked out this morning we saw a terrible sight: We saw outside our windows where wheat fields they had grown Was now a rippling ocean of dust the wind had blown. It covered up our fences, it covered up our barns, It covered up our tractors in this wild and windy storm. We loaded our jalopies and piled our families in, We rattled down the highway to never come back again. ﾑ Woody Guthrie (1912-1967) From "Dust Storm Disaster"

Devastation in the Dust Bowl In the midst of the economic disaster, nature delivers another blow. Around 1931, much of Great Plains enters long, severe drought. This will last several years. By the time it ends, millions flee area. Careless agricultural practices are to blame- overgrazing, lack of crop rotation leave land without topsoil and barren.

Fleeing the Plains Dust and storms rob farmers of livelihood Many pack up and head West. Migrants called “Okies”. They will face discrimination and resistance from people in Western states where they settle.