Warm up Describe what you think the cartoon is “saying.” Based on what you already know, who’s fault is at fault for the Great Depression?

Effects On Families Some men abandoned the family, committed suicide Birthrates declined due to familial tension and economics Children quit school to work, ran away Some pressed on, but others fell into depression and shame

Misery and Despair Strike the Cities Children were hurt negatively Milk was replaced by water Meat was extremely rare for meals Poor nutrition hurt kids’ health

Misery and Despair Strike the Cities Charity became increasingly important Soup kitchens and bread lines offered free meals Americans were reduced to selling furniture, jewelry Forced to move into sub par housing

Misery and Despair Strike the Cities Across America, “tent cities” known as Hoovervilles went up These are makeshift “houses” built on public property Usually made of discarded materials Many were forced into the streets

Poverty Devastates Farmers Farmers experienced even more debt as crop prices decreased Farmers were unable to pay debts and often had to move due to foreclosure Crop Prices from 1919-1932 Wheat: $2.16 - .38 cents per bushel Cotton: 35 cents – 6 cents per pound

The Dust Bowl A long period during the 1930’s consisting of major dust storms Cattle/crops were killed Caused many farmers to relocate

The Dust Bowl Causes of the Dust Bowl Drought (lack of irrigation) Over-farming of lands resulted in a loss of grasses and topsoil High force winds

The Dust Bowl 800,000 fled, mostly to California/West Coast Families forced to relocate were called “Okies” (Most came from Oklahoma) Families forced to relocate were called “Okies” (Most came from Oklahoma)

Effects On Minorities AA’s were often the “last to hired and the first to be fired” 1932-unemployment reached 50% for AA’s Some Mexican-Americans returned home

Warm up What would you do if your lost your entire life’s savings and couldn’t find a job? What should the role of government be in helping people who are experiencing tough times?

Hoover Turns to Volunteerism At first, Hoover wanted the Depression to carry itself out Hands off the economy Hoover stepped up propaganda campaign aimed at boosting consumer confidence, believing that if Americans would just start buying stuff again then the economy would bounce back Privately, he knew that the economy was extremely unstable Held multiple meetings with major business leaders trying to get them to keep all of their factories open, but to no avail

Hoover Turns to Volunteerism Next, Hoover simply asked businesses not to cut jobs, wages, prices At the same time, he asked govt to cut taxes, interest rates, and create jobs Also asked that the wealthy give more $ to charity

Hoover Turns to Volunteerism Hoover’s approach is known as rugged individualism People should depend on themselves to improve their situation Govt involvement should be minimal

Volunteerism Fails Rugged Individualism asks businesses and the wealthy to cooperate, which they will not do They will often follow their own self-interests

Hoover Gets More Active Seeing his failures, Hoover used more government intervention Hoover believed in the Trickle-down theory If the wealthy or big businesses have $, that will create jobs

Government gives money to banks (Reconstruction Finance Corporation) Trickle Down Theory Government gives money to banks (Reconstruction Finance Corporation) Banks will give loans to businesses. These loans will be used to hire more employees, prevent prices from rising As businesses are able to hire employees and keep prices low, the masses have buying power. This enriches business and revives the economy

Emergency Relief and Construction Act Hoover approved spending on public works projects and an additional spending to provide “direct relief” Still, efforts were too small to stimulate economic growth It created the Reconstruction Finance Corporation which released funds for public works projects across the country. The Brooklyn Navy Yardreceived an allotment of $880,000, marked for specific projects such as $215,000 for repairs and the maintenance of roofs, waterfront quays and docks, and Yard's railroad system. The biggest chunk, $855,000, was designated for a major overhaul of the power plant, to put in a new turbo generator, piping, boilers, and other engines.

Americans Protest Hoover’s Policies Socialism/Communism were on the rise Some saw Communist economics as being more stable Despite their growth, none came close to replacing capitalism

Americans Protest Hoover’s Policies Bonus Army: Group of WWI veterans seeking a bonus that Congress promised to them Vets wanted the bonus early Hoover would not allow it, Bonus Army camped out in DC In 1924, Congress had promised to pay every American WWI Vet a $1000 service bonus in 1945 In May 1932, over 150,000 WWI vets arrived in DC to lobby Congress to give the bonus earlier Many of the Bonus army stayed in DC living in Hoovervilles Hoover sent the actual Army to clear the Bonus Army out and then burned their camp

Americans Protest Hoover’s Policies Hoover ordered the protestors to be dispersed Gen MacArthur and the army forced the veterans out of DC using tear gas This made Hoover look awful Final nail in Hoover’s coffin. In 1924, Congress had promised to pay every American WWI Vet a $1000 service bonus in 1945 In May 1932, over 150,000 WWI vets arrived in DC to lobby Congress to give the bonus earlier Many of the Bonus army stayed in DC living in Hoovervilles Hoover sent the actual Army to clear the Bonus Army out and then burned their camp