Surviving the Depression Anyone who lived through the Depression never forgot the uncertainty and tough times. In spite of the hardships there was NO significant increase in crime, rioting, or violence. Some people thought Democracy had failed and thought about other political philosophies such as: communism and socialism

Helping Others During the Depression As much as possible, most people tried to help others if they were able to. Farmers tried to keep auction bids low at foreclosures and return items to the farmer. Churches and community groups set up soups kitchens, food and clothing give-aways Schools started lunch programs Tenant groups tried to negotiate rents – to avoid eviction

Entertainment during the depression Even though times were tough, people tried to have fun and remain cheerful Movies were cheap, cents and often the theaters gave away food/tickets. Board games were popular – Monopoly started in the 1930s Radio programs – soap operas started Comic books Libraries lent books

Hoover and the Depression Since Hoover was the president until 1933, people looked to him for help and blamed him when things were bad. Hoover urged the American people to “cheer up” and said the depression would not last long. He did NOT believe the government should give money DIRECTLY to the people – he felt it would make people lazy and not want to work.

What did Hoover do to help? Hoover did try to help the economy in several ways: 1. He urged business owners NOT to cut jobs or wages. This worked til He used Fed $$$ for public works projects 3. He set up the RFC which lent $$ to banks (who were supposed to lend to businesses to create more jobs) 4. He signed a bill to give 300 million to states to give to people for relief (late 1932)

Did his programs help? They helped a little but almost all his programs were too small. In order to get a lot of people working, the govt. had to spend more $$ than Hoover thought it should The money given to states for relief wasn’t enough to help for very long

Hoover and hungry, angry people By 1932, things were pretty bad and “hunger marches” were being held to get the govt. to listen Farmers who were desperate dumped milk or burned crops to make a point about low prices By 1932, people were urging the govt to DO SOMETHING!

Hoover and the Bonus Army In the summer of 1932, about 1000 WW I veterans and their families went to Washington DC to ask Congress to pass the “Bonus bill” WWI vets were promised a bonus – payable in 1945 – but they wanted it early – Congress was set to vote on the issue. The H of R voted yes but the Senate voted NO.

What next? Most of the disappointed veterans went home. Some stayed and camped out or built shacks near the swampy river area. Hoover sent the army to “clear out” the veterans. They used tear gas, burned the camps, and one child died. Hoover looks like a heartless bully

1930’s Update Babe Ruth retires, Al Capone goes to prison (for tax evasion) Prohibition ends 1933 – alcohol is legal again – sales of pretzels go up! The Empire state building in New York City is built The Wizard of OZ and Gone with the Wind are filmed The “Grapes of Wrath “ by John Steinbeck is published – about migrant workers in the Depression.