1. The Great Depression Hard Times

2. The Dust Bowl

3. Many farmers go bankrupt because they had taken out loans to buy faming machinery and land, and cannot pay bank loans. Banks take over the farms. The Dust Bowl during the twenties was partly due to plowing & grazing: Farmers would rip off the top layer of grass that protects the soil and not replant the grass; this overuse of soil makes it infertile.

4. There is a drought = little or not rain, which causes wells & water holes to dry up. The winds pick up the dry soil and create giant dust clouds = dust storms A dust storm could last for days, forcing people to stay inside and stuff rags into any openings to keep out dirt.

5. Dust could become so thick, it would block out the sun. So many farmers migrated (moved) to California to find work.

8. In 1932, 12 million Americans are unemployed. By winter of 1932, 1 out of 4 people are out of work. Even schools closed because of the loss of income from people and businesses that were unable to pay their taxes. Many children were forced to quit school so they could go to work to help support their families.

10. African Americans are hurt them most because: They are victims of prejudice They lived in tenements They face bigotry – the attitude and behavior of narrow minded people Some were denied government assistance. Hundreds of people would go to Employment Agencies every day, but there was not work.

12. An apple a day… A boom in apple crops gave the homeless people a chance to make some money by selling the apples for 5 cents or less. Non-union workers were left with no financial protection. Employment agencies would only allow one family member to work at a time. Millions of people had to accept part time work for very little money.

15. Families were starved, so they would stand in line to get free bread and soup.

17. Shanty towns of homeless unemployed men were called Hoovervilles, named after President Herbert Hoover.

20. Men hit hardest (ones with family) had to choose between: Selling apples on street corners Taking to the road as hobos Seeking relief at public shelters and breadlines