Overview on The Great Depression:
The Great Depression was a period of history in America that occurred between 1929-1939. The American economy was in turmoil, and can be characterized as the longest and most vigorous economic disaster in the history of the industrialized world. The major cause of the Great Depression in America was the huge stock market crash that took place in 1929, ultimately sending Wall Street into disarray and wiped out millions of investors. Over the next decade unemployment rates increased exponentially, companies went bankrupt, and companies that didn’t go bankrupt had to lay off many workers.
During 1933 the Great Depression was at its peak, and between 13,000,000 and 15,000,000 Americans were unemployed. Not only were millions unemployed, but half of the country’s banks were failing. Everyday life was gruesome and filled with hardships. Schools lacked funding and were unable to function so it was very rare for children to receive an education. Not only did children suffer from lack of education, but they suffered from malnutrition and dietary diseases. The death rate of children kept on rising until adequate food became sufficient.
Teenagers during the Great Depression were known for “riding the rails.” Teenagers who believed that they were a burden to their families left their homes to find a life of their own. During the peak of the Great Depression, almost a quarter of a million teenagers were roaming across the country on freight trains. What even made life harder in America was the Dust Bowl, also known as the “Dirty Thirties.” This period was known for its severe dust storms that ruined agriculture and ruined crops. Farmers suffered greatly during the Great Depression because they had it twice as worse as the others.
During 1933 the Great Depression was at its peak, and between 13,000,000 and 15,000,000 Americans were unemployed. Not only were millions unemployed, but half of the country’s banks were failing. Everyday life was gruesome and filled with hardships. Schools lacked funding and were unable to function so it was very rare for children to receive an education. Not only did children suffer from lack of education, but they suffered from malnutrition and dietary diseases. The death rate of children kept on rising until adequate food became sufficient.
Teenagers during the Great Depression were known for “riding the rails.” Teenagers who believed that they were a burden to their families left their homes to find a life of their own. During the peak of the Great Depression, almost a quarter of a million teenagers were roaming across the country on freight trains. What even made life harder in America was the Dust Bowl, also known as the “Dirty Thirties.” This period was known for its severe dust storms that ruined agriculture and ruined crops. Farmers suffered greatly during the Great Depression because they had it twice as worse as the others.
Out of the lower, middle, and upper classes the middle class were hit the hardest. The middle class made up 20% of Americans during the Great Depression. The men who worked had to deal with loss of income and unemployment, ultimately having a hard time providing for their families. People believed that an education and degree would get you a successful job easily, but once the Great Depression hit those educated citizens had just as much trouble finding
employment as someone who didn’t have a proper education. The middle class were descending into the lower classes.
employment as someone who didn’t have a proper education. The middle class were descending into the lower classes.