The Great Depression 1929-1941
Introduction
When the Civil War ended on April 9, 1865 to the end of October 1929, many black people as well as other minority groups had jobs that white people felt were beneath them and not wanted. These positions were janitors, street cleaners, garbage collectors, barbers, elevator operators, waiters, hotel employees, maids, cooks, laborers, and shoe shine men. Remember, not all black people held these positions mentioned. Some were cowboys, entertainers, and farm owners.
Then something known as The Great Depression occurred in October of 1929 and life would become more difficult for almost all people living in the United States, regardless of color. The tables were turned and those jobs once held by black people were now wanted by white people because they had lost their business or job and would take anything they could get.
When the Civil War ended on April 9, 1865 to the end of October 1929, many black people as well as other minority groups had jobs that white people felt were beneath them and not wanted. These positions were janitors, street cleaners, garbage collectors, barbers, elevator operators, waiters, hotel employees, maids, cooks, laborers, and shoe shine men. Remember, not all black people held these positions mentioned. Some were cowboys, entertainers, and farm owners.
Then something known as The Great Depression occurred in October of 1929 and life would become more difficult for almost all people living in the United States, regardless of color. The tables were turned and those jobs once held by black people were now wanted by white people because they had lost their business or job and would take anything they could get.
October 24, 1929 the start of The Great Depression
Also known as Black Thursday.
The stock market crashes! BOOM! The stock market is where people invest their money by purchasing what is known as stock and then selling the stock at (hopefully) a higher price than what they originally paid.
Example: You bought a comic book for $1 but over time it was now worth $5. If you sell your comic book, you will have earned $4. The comic book in the example is stock.
The result of the stock market crashing is that people who invested in the stock market were selling their stock at prices lower than what they paid and no one was buying stock.
From the example above, that comic book that you bought for $1, you sold for $0.10, a loss of $0.90.
Also known as Black Thursday.
The stock market crashes! BOOM! The stock market is where people invest their money by purchasing what is known as stock and then selling the stock at (hopefully) a higher price than what they originally paid.
Example: You bought a comic book for $1 but over time it was now worth $5. If you sell your comic book, you will have earned $4. The comic book in the example is stock.
The result of the stock market crashing is that people who invested in the stock market were selling their stock at prices lower than what they paid and no one was buying stock.
From the example above, that comic book that you bought for $1, you sold for $0.10, a loss of $0.90.
The above picture is the inside of Wall Street stock market. Once it is 4:00pm the stock market closes for the day and operates Monday through Friday.
Mississippi 1929
Cotton prices dropped from $0.18 to $0.06 a pound. Around 2/3 of some two million black farmers did not make any money or went into debt and owed money. Many left their farms and homes to find a job in the city.
Cotton prices dropped from $0.18 to $0.06 a pound. Around 2/3 of some two million black farmers did not make any money or went into debt and owed money. Many left their farms and homes to find a job in the city.
Stop and Reflect
Can you make a connection to any of
Mildred Taylor's books?
Can you make a connection to any of
Mildred Taylor's books?
November 1929
The United States of America 31st President Herbert Hoover stated this famous quote "Any lack of confidence in the economic future or the basic strength of business in the United States is foolish."
The United States of America 31st President Herbert Hoover stated this famous quote "Any lack of confidence in the economic future or the basic strength of business in the United States is foolish."
1930
The start of the Dust Bowl which was a severe drought started in the Great Plains area ruining millions of farmers. Many tried to escape to California. The condition lasted until 1940.
The start of the Dust Bowl which was a severe drought started in the Great Plains area ruining millions of farmers. Many tried to escape to California. The condition lasted until 1940.
What happened to this this mans field?
Why do you think these men are walking and where do you think they going?
What do you think happened to the people who lived in the states that the Dust Bowl impacted?
California at Last
Example of self-resettlement in California. Oklahoma farm family on highway. Forced by the drought of 1936 to abandon their farm, they set out with their children to drive to California. Picking cotton in Arizona for a day or two at a time gave them enough for food and gas to continue. On this day, they were within a day's travel of their destination, Bakersfield, California. Their car had broken down en route and was abandoned.
Example of self-resettlement in California. Oklahoma farm family on highway. Forced by the drought of 1936 to abandon their farm, they set out with their children to drive to California. Picking cotton in Arizona for a day or two at a time gave them enough for food and gas to continue. On this day, they were within a day's travel of their destination, Bakersfield, California. Their car had broken down en route and was abandoned.
March 1930
More than 3.2 million people do not have a job at this point during The Great Depression. Men would wait in lines to get a job just for that day and not everyone waiting would get a job.
More than 3.2 million people do not have a job at this point during The Great Depression. Men would wait in lines to get a job just for that day and not everyone waiting would get a job.
Think to yourself...
Why is this man wearing a sign?
Why is this man wearing a sign?
Stop and Reflect
Turn to your partner and discuss briefly how do these images make you feel about The Great Depression so far?
Turn to your partner and discuss briefly how do these images make you feel about The Great Depression so far?
February 1931
As many people were unemployed they were also hungry. Not everyone who waited in line would get bread, coffee, or soup. As a result, several "food riot" broke out across the nation but the largest was in Minneapolis where 100 police officers had to stop the fight and seven people were arrested.
Also, in Los Angeles, California, Mexican Americans are accused of stealing jobs from "real" Americans. During the month, 6,024 Mexican Americans are deported.
As many people were unemployed they were also hungry. Not everyone who waited in line would get bread, coffee, or soup. As a result, several "food riot" broke out across the nation but the largest was in Minneapolis where 100 police officers had to stop the fight and seven people were arrested.
Also, in Los Angeles, California, Mexican Americans are accused of stealing jobs from "real" Americans. During the month, 6,024 Mexican Americans are deported.
Stop and Reflect
What is the author of this political cartoon expressing? Discuss with your partner.
What is the author of this political cartoon expressing? Discuss with your partner.
December 1931
The Bank of the United States in New York collapsed. It had more than $200 million in deposits disappeared and is the largest single bank failure in the nation's history.
The Bank of the United States in New York collapsed. It had more than $200 million in deposits disappeared and is the largest single bank failure in the nation's history.
Political cartoons are a way of expressing what is going on in the world and makes the reader think about the message.
1932
During this time a lot of families had lost their homes because they could not afford the rent or mortgage due to job loss. As a result, some children were kicked out of their home because parents could no longer afford them. People were homeless and lived in the streets or along the railroad tracks. People would use whatever they could find to make shelter, including tents.
Little makeshift towns were created and called "Hoovervilles" after the president because they felt like he failed them.
During this time a lot of families had lost their homes because they could not afford the rent or mortgage due to job loss. As a result, some children were kicked out of their home because parents could no longer afford them. People were homeless and lived in the streets or along the railroad tracks. People would use whatever they could find to make shelter, including tents.
Little makeshift towns were created and called "Hoovervilles" after the president because they felt like he failed them.
March 1933
Franklin D. Roosevelt won the presidency against Hoover and is sworn as the 32nd president. Roosevelt received 22.8 million votes. Hoover received 15.75 million votes.
Franklin D. Roosevelt helped the American people regain faith in themselves. His most famous quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
By March 9, Congress passes the Emergency Banking Act of 1933. By month's end, three-quarters of the nation's closed banks will be back in business.
Franklin D. Roosevelt won the presidency against Hoover and is sworn as the 32nd president. Roosevelt received 22.8 million votes. Hoover received 15.75 million votes.
Franklin D. Roosevelt helped the American people regain faith in themselves. His most famous quote "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself."
By March 9, Congress passes the Emergency Banking Act of 1933. By month's end, three-quarters of the nation's closed banks will be back in business.
April 1933
The New Deal Programs of 1933
The New Deal programs helped boost the economy and give people jobs for a short period of time to support their families. These were not meant to be programs that would last forever. These programs are a product of what we enjoy everyday such as roads, parks, and schools.
1.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a part of the New Deal and a public work relief program that was for unemployed, unmarried men ages 18-23 but expanded to ages 17-28 due to high demand. In nine years, 3 million men were employed with the CCC and planted 3 billion trees to rebuild forests, constructed 800 parks, and built public roadways in areas not very populated.
The CCC increased outdoor and natural resource awareness. The program only lasted until 1942 to help rebuild the economy.
The New Deal Programs of 1933
The New Deal programs helped boost the economy and give people jobs for a short period of time to support their families. These were not meant to be programs that would last forever. These programs are a product of what we enjoy everyday such as roads, parks, and schools.
1.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a part of the New Deal and a public work relief program that was for unemployed, unmarried men ages 18-23 but expanded to ages 17-28 due to high demand. In nine years, 3 million men were employed with the CCC and planted 3 billion trees to rebuild forests, constructed 800 parks, and built public roadways in areas not very populated.
The CCC increased outdoor and natural resource awareness. The program only lasted until 1942 to help rebuild the economy.
May 1933
2.
The National Recovery Administration (NRA) was established and provided grants totaling $5 million.
3.
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration is created by Congress.
4.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is created. A federally run hydroelectric power program, the TVA Act is considered a huge experiment in social planning. The TVA also builds dams, produces and sells fertilizer, reforests the Tennessee Valley area, and develops recreational lands.
2.
The National Recovery Administration (NRA) was established and provided grants totaling $5 million.
3.
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration is created by Congress.
4.
The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is created. A federally run hydroelectric power program, the TVA Act is considered a huge experiment in social planning. The TVA also builds dams, produces and sells fertilizer, reforests the Tennessee Valley area, and develops recreational lands.
June 1933
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was created as a way to insure American's bank deposits. This meant that up to a certain amount of your money in the bank was protected if the banks were to fail or if a bank got robbed. People could trust the banks again.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was created as a way to insure American's bank deposits. This meant that up to a certain amount of your money in the bank was protected if the banks were to fail or if a bank got robbed. People could trust the banks again.
October 1933
5.
The Civil Works Administration (CWA) was created and put almost 4 million people to work doing public works projects such as building of bridges, schools, hospitals, airports, parks and playgrounds.
C.W.A. funds go toward the repair and construction of highways and roads.
5.
The Civil Works Administration (CWA) was created and put almost 4 million people to work doing public works projects such as building of bridges, schools, hospitals, airports, parks and playgrounds.
C.W.A. funds go toward the repair and construction of highways and roads.
April 1935
The Work Progress Administration (WPA) was established and employed up to 8.5 million people on public works and arts projects to improve or create highways, roads, bridges, and airports. Workers will earn $41.57 per month.
In addition, the WPA will put thousands of artists -- writers, painters, theater directors, and sculptors -- to work on various projects. The WPA will remain in existence until 1943.
The Work Progress Administration (WPA) was established and employed up to 8.5 million people on public works and arts projects to improve or create highways, roads, bridges, and airports. Workers will earn $41.57 per month.
In addition, the WPA will put thousands of artists -- writers, painters, theater directors, and sculptors -- to work on various projects. The WPA will remain in existence until 1943.
WPA Theater Group, 1935
June 1935
The National Youth Administration (NYA) is set up to address the needs of young men and women (who are not allowed in the CCC). The NYA works on two levels: a student-work program and an out-of-school program.
About 3 million children between the ages of 7 and 17 did not attend schools because they were either shut down or could not go because they had to earn money to support their family.
The student-work program provides students with odd jobs that pay them enough to stay in school. The out-of-school program sets young people up with various jobs ranging from house painting to cleaning local parks, and eventually comes to include vocational training.
The National Youth Administration (NYA) is set up to address the needs of young men and women (who are not allowed in the CCC). The NYA works on two levels: a student-work program and an out-of-school program.
About 3 million children between the ages of 7 and 17 did not attend schools because they were either shut down or could not go because they had to earn money to support their family.
The student-work program provides students with odd jobs that pay them enough to stay in school. The out-of-school program sets young people up with various jobs ranging from house painting to cleaning local parks, and eventually comes to include vocational training.
August 1935
The Social Security Act became law.
Historian Kenneth S. Davis calls the signing of the act "one of the major turning points of American history. No longer could `rugged individualism' convincingly insist that government, though obliged to provide a climate favorable for the growth of business profits, had no responsibility whatever for the welfare of the human beings who did the work from which the profit was reaped."
The Social Security Act became law.
Historian Kenneth S. Davis calls the signing of the act "one of the major turning points of American history. No longer could `rugged individualism' convincingly insist that government, though obliged to provide a climate favorable for the growth of business profits, had no responsibility whatever for the welfare of the human beings who did the work from which the profit was reaped."
Works Progress Administration (WPA) Slave Narratives 1936-1938
The WPA had a united called Federal Writers’ Project (FWP). It was their job to conduct interviews with ex-slaves and record first hand accounts of what they went through and witnessed around them.
Nearly all of the interviewers were white southerners and most of them were women.
"The WPA Slave Narratives consist of 3,500 relatively brief oral histories (most of them two- to four-pages long), representing about 2 percent of all ex-slaves surviving in the late 1930s. The sample for Mississippi was somewhat smaller: out of perhaps 20,000 living former slaves, 450 were interviewed by the WPA. All states and territories that had slaves in 1865 are represented, except Louisiana which did not participate." http://mshistorynow.mdah.state.ms.us/articles/64/wpa-slave-narratives
The WPA had a united called Federal Writers’ Project (FWP). It was their job to conduct interviews with ex-slaves and record first hand accounts of what they went through and witnessed around them.
Nearly all of the interviewers were white southerners and most of them were women.
"The WPA Slave Narratives consist of 3,500 relatively brief oral histories (most of them two- to four-pages long), representing about 2 percent of all ex-slaves surviving in the late 1930s. The sample for Mississippi was somewhat smaller: out of perhaps 20,000 living former slaves, 450 were interviewed by the WPA. All states and territories that had slaves in 1865 are represented, except Louisiana which did not participate." http://mshistorynow.mdah.state.ms.us/articles/64/wpa-slave-narratives
Charlie Bell, age 81, ex-slave in Lauderdale County. James Butters photograph, July 8, 1937, courtesy Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Rose Holman, age about 84, ex-slave in Webster County. 1930s WPA photograph courtesy Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Ex-slave with her great great granddaughter. Photograph courtesy Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
Frank Childress, left, age 84, and Nathan Best, age 92, ex-slaves in Harrison County, sit on the steps of their housing at Beauvoir, Confederate Soldiers’ Home. Photograph courtesy Mississippi Department of Archives and History.
March 1936
Famous photographer Dorothea Lange visits a pea-pickers' camp in California's San Joaquin Valley. The images illustrate the workers. The San Francisco News runs the photo essay under the headline, "Ragged, Hungry, Broke, Harvest Workers Live in Squallor (sic)."
Below are other famous photographs she took during The Great Depression.
Famous photographer Dorothea Lange visits a pea-pickers' camp in California's San Joaquin Valley. The images illustrate the workers. The San Francisco News runs the photo essay under the headline, "Ragged, Hungry, Broke, Harvest Workers Live in Squallor (sic)."
Below are other famous photographs she took during The Great Depression.
Dorothea Lange
Migrant Mother
Migrant agricultural worker’s family. Seven hungry children. Mother aged thirty-two. Father is native Californian. Nipomo, California 1936
Migrant agricultural worker’s family. Seven hungry children. Mother aged thirty-two. Father is native Californian. Nipomo, California 1936
Migrant Mother Series
Migrant agricultural worker’s family. Seven hungry children. Mother aged thirty-two. Father is native Californian. Nipomo, California 1936
Migrant agricultural worker’s family. Seven hungry children. Mother aged thirty-two. Father is native Californian. Nipomo, California 1936
Family walking on highway, five children. Started from Idabel, Oklahoma. Bound for Krebs, Oklahoma. Pittsburg County, Oklahoma. In 1936 the father farmed on thirds and fourths at Eagleton, McCurtain County, Oklahoma. Was taken sick with pneumonia and lost farm. Unable to get work on Work Projects Administration and refused county relief in county of fifteen years residence because of temporary residence in another county after his illness.
Country store on dirt road. Sunday afternoon. Note the kerosene pump on the right and the gasoline pump on the left. Rough, unfinished timber posts have been used as supports for porch roof. Negro men are sitting on the porch. Brother of store owner stands in doorway. Gordonton, North Carolina 1939
Turpentine worker’s family near Cordele, Alabama. Father’s wages one dollar a day. This is the standard of living the turpentine trees support 1936
Migratory boy, aged eleven, and his grandmother work side by side picking hops. Started work at five a.m. Photograph made at noon. Temperature 105 degrees. Oregon, Polk County, near Independence. 1939
November 1936
Defeating Kansas Governor Alfred M. Landon, Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected to his second term as president, winning every state in the Union except Maine and Vermont.
Defeating Kansas Governor Alfred M. Landon, Franklin D. Roosevelt is elected to his second term as president, winning every state in the Union except Maine and Vermont.
November 1940
Franklin Roosevelt is elected to an unprecedented third term as president, defeating Wendell Willkie.
Some were opposed to him winning a third term and created buttons.
Franklin Roosevelt is elected to an unprecedented third term as president, defeating Wendell Willkie.
Some were opposed to him winning a third term and created buttons.
1938-1941 End of The Great Depression
Preparations for World War II stimulated the American economy and the war effort will effectively end The Great Depression.
December 1941 Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. will enter the war in the Pacific and in Europe.
Preparations for World War II stimulated the American economy and the war effort will effectively end The Great Depression.
December 1941 Japan's bombing of Pearl Harbor, the U.S. will enter the war in the Pacific and in Europe.
Credits:
http://great-depression-facts.com/great-depression-timeline/112/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/timeline/rails-timeline/
http://newdeal.feri.org/index.htm
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_events_depression.html
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/lange/index.html
http://thegreatdepressionphotos.com/photographers-2/dorothea-lange/
http://great-depression-facts.com/great-depression-timeline/112/
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/timeline/rails-timeline/
http://newdeal.feri.org/index.htm
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/jimcrow/stories_events_depression.html
http://www.historyplace.com/unitedstates/lange/index.html
http://thegreatdepressionphotos.com/photographers-2/dorothea-lange/