1. The Great Depression
1929–1939

2. Overview
Period from the end of 1929 until the onset of World War II, during which economic activity slowed tremendously and unemployment was very high.

3. Overview
The Great Depression started with the 1929 Wall Street stock market crash. It had devastating effects on all sectors of the economy for over a decade.
Wages for workers who were lucky enough to have jobs fell drastically.

4. Effects
Businesses Failed

5. Financial Institutions Closed
Effects
Financial Institutions Closed

6. Effects
Factories Shut Down

7. Farm Prices Fell Drastically
Effects
Farm Prices Fell Drastically

8. Many People Became Homeless
Effects
Many People Became Homeless

9. Effects
People Went Hungry

10. Test Your Knowledge

11. Question 1 By 1932, how many people were unemployed?
In 1930, 5 million people were unemployed.
By 1932, how many people were unemployed? 7
Million 10
Million 13
Million

12. NO
Try again

13. YES

14. Question 2
How much higher was African-American unemployment compared to white unemployment?
10–20% Higher
30–50%
Higher
60–70%
Higher

15. NO
Try again

16. YES

17. Question 3
Besides African-Americans, which group suffered the most during the depression?
Women
Farmers
Whites

18. NO
Try again

19. YES

20. Question 4
Presently, accountants earn about $750 per week. How much did they earn during the depression?
$45 per week
$65
per week
$95 per week

21. NO
Try again

22. YES

23. Question 5
Presently, the average cost of a woman’s winter coat is about $150. How much did it cost during the depression? $5
$17
$28

24. NO
Try again

25. YES

26. End