The Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, marked by massive unemployment, deflation, and significant drops in consumer spending and investment. This era profoundly impacted American society and economics, leading to changes in government policies and social dynamics, including the entry of women into the workforce in unprecedented numbers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stock market crash of October 1929 is widely considered the catalyst for the Great Depression, leading to widespread bank failures and loss of savings.
2. Unemployment rates soared during the Great Depression, peaking at around 25% in 1933, which dramatically altered family structures and gender roles.
3. Many women entered the workforce during this time to support their families, challenging traditional gender roles and paving the way for future movements advocating for women's rights.
4. The Great Depression spurred major shifts in government policy, particularly with Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal programs aimed at economic recovery and social safety nets.
5. Cultural responses to the Great Depression included a flourishing of art, literature, and music, as individuals sought to express their struggles and hopes through creative means.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression change women's roles in the workforce during this period?
  • During the Great Depression, many women entered the workforce out of necessity as their families struggled financially. This shift was significant because it challenged traditional gender norms that confined women to domestic roles. Women took on jobs in factories, offices, and other sectors that were previously dominated by men, demonstrating their capabilities and resilience. This newfound participation laid the groundwork for later movements advocating for women's equality in both work and society.
• In what ways did government policies change in response to the challenges posed by the Great Depression?
  • In response to the challenges of the Great Depression, government policies underwent significant changes with the introduction of the New Deal. This series of programs aimed at economic recovery included initiatives to create jobs, provide financial assistance, and regulate banks and markets. The government's increased involvement marked a shift towards a more active role in managing economic issues and addressing social welfare needs, fundamentally changing the relationship between citizens and their government.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of the Great Depression on American society and its economic systems.
  • The long-term effects of the Great Depression on American society included profound changes in economic structures, social safety nets, and attitudes towards government intervention. It led to an expansion of federal programs designed to support unemployed citizens and stabilize markets, such as Social Security and labor regulations. These changes fostered a sense of shared responsibility between government and citizens regarding economic welfare. Furthermore, societal attitudes shifted as people began to advocate for more equitable labor practices and protections for workers, influencing future policies and social movements.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform to combat the effects of the Great Depression.

Dust Bowl: A period of severe dust storms during the 1930s that greatly damaged agriculture in the U.S., exacerbating the economic struggles of the Great Depression.

Unemployment: The state of being jobless and actively seeking work, which reached unprecedented levels during the Great Depression, affecting millions of Americans.