Impact of the Great Depression on American Society

Discrimination Increases Times created hostilities against minorities. Times created hostilities against minorities.  Whites were willing to take the jobs of Asian- Americans, Hispanics and African-Americans.  Mass deportation of Mexican-Americans – even though they were born in the USA!

Minority Groups and the Depression (over Mexican-Americans As white families moved west, it became harder for Mexican Americans to find work. In California, local leaders and unions convinced government to deport many Mexican-born workers and their children, many of whom were U.S. citizens. A shortage of jobs in the Southwest led to the illegal deportation of 500,000 Mexican-Americans so that whites could get more jobs or government relief. (Mexican Repatriation) African Americans Faced discrimination –Many lost jobs to unemployed white workers. Many able to find work through relief programs. African American leaders acted as advisors to Roosevelt. –Mary McLeod Bethune was an educator appointed to Roosevelt’s cabinet. –African Americans appointed to Roosevelt’s cabinet were known as the Black Cabinet.

 Mary McLeod Bethune: helped establish “the black cabinet,” headed up the National Youth Association, and advised Roosevelt on racial issues  Marion Anderson: performed at Lincoln Memorial which was arranged by Eleanor Roosevelt

Impact on African Americans  Many African American teenage boys ages didn’t want to be a burden so they left their families to ride the rails and look for work.  African Americans suffered more than whites, since their jobs were often taken away from them and given to whites. In 1930, 50 percent of blacks were unemployed.  Children took on more responsibilities, sometimes finding work  By 1932, 40 to 50 percent of black workers in Chicago were unemployed.

Impact on Mexicans  High unemployment rates led to hostility towards Mexican immigrants  Deportation – but situation in Mexico is worse

Mexican Repatriation  The Mexican Repatriation refers to a mass migration that took place between 1929 and 1939, when as many as 500,000 people of Mexican descent were forced or pressured to leave the US.  50% were American Citizens (children of illegal immigrants)  The Immigration and Naturalization Service targeted Mexicans because of "the proximity of the Mexican border and easily identifiable characteristics."  The Repatriation is not widely discussed in American history textbooks  These actions were authorized by President Herbert Hoover  Mexican repatriation targeted areas with large Hispanic populations, mostly in California, Texas, Colorado, Illinois and Michigan.

Deportation of Mexican Americans at Union Station

Depression-era culture helped lift people’s spirits. Works Progress Administration– put artists to work and helped to create a record of life during the Depression Writers like John Steinbeck explored the theme of Depression life in his writings.   Some musicians, like folk singer Woody Guthrie, expressed themes of loss and struggle, reflecting the American Depression experience.   Swing music helped people forget their troubles and lifted spirits. WPA Literature Music Radio Movies offered Americans another way to escape from reality. Radios provided inexpensive entertainment with music and popular radio shows. Film