Hardship and Suffering during Great Depression

Depression in the Cities Thousands lost their jobs Some slept on benches, sewer pipes or other available place People did anything to eat. Begin to see formation of shantytowns

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Hoovervilles consisted of average Americans Popped up all over the country People used anything as shelter Built shelters out of anything Called Hooverville because people blamed hoover for the depression Hoovers name put on anything due to ridicule.

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Charities Private Charities became a refuge. Soup Kitchens and breadlines served many Unemployed men and women would stand hours on line.

Al Capone

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African Americans Faced Hardship Suffered from high unemployment rates severe wage cuts Increase in racial violence African American women suffered as well resorted to work in the “slave markets” agricultural laborers suffered as well.

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Mexicans and Mexican Americans Seen as a threat. Gov’t began a repatriation program. Mexicans were relocated back to Mexico.

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Depression in Rural Areas Suffered worse than those in cities One reason: falling prices and rise in debt. Second: Severe droughts. known as the dust bowl caused the migration westward thousands of families migrated. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-iSYCweh5U

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What is the traditional role of men? Men in the Street What is the traditional role of men?

Men in the Street 1920s men were able to support their families w/o much stress. Many men became unemployed hard for men to get a job began to feel disgraced and ashamed Some abandon their family many turned into hobos No Direct Relief

International Apple Growers Association

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Women Struggle to Survive Did anything to make ends meet. Needed to find jobs easier for them to be hired faced discrimination and social criticism two reasons taking jobs from men abandoning family.

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Elderly Suffered poorest among population couldn’t work wouldn’t be hired no governmental support had to live with children.

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Children Suffered Hardships suffered from health problems dramatic rise in malnutrition cut child-welfare budget Schools closed Children found jobs

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Traveling by Train Quarter million teenage boys/girls roamed the U.S Felt they were a burden to families Believed they would find work elsewhere “Bulls” were hired to keep hobos off trains. Thousands were killed and injured

Social and Psychological Effects Suicide rates increased Some went to mental hospitals Adults made sacrifices to save money During and after G.D people never got rid of things People would help others