The great depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, significantly impacting economies, societies, and cultures around the globe. It began with the stock market crash in October 1929 and led to widespread unemployment, poverty, and a decline in industrial production. This period forced many artists and performers to adapt their work in response to the social and economic challenges, influencing various forms of dance and choreography as well as the emergence of ballet companies that sought to inspire hope and resilience during tough times.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Depression was marked by an unemployment rate that reached as high as 25% in the United States, leaving millions without jobs or financial security.
2. The stock market crash of 1929 is often cited as the beginning of the Great Depression, leading to widespread panic and financial losses.
3. The effects of the Great Depression extended beyond economics, influencing art, music, and dance as artists sought to express the struggles and resilience of society.
4. During this time, Doris Humphrey developed her choreographic style by incorporating themes of struggle, loss, and triumph into her works, reflecting the societal challenges faced during the era.
5. The Great Depression also led to a rise in American ballet companies as they sought to provide hope and inspiration through performance art during difficult times.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence the themes present in Doris Humphrey's choreography?
  • The Great Depression had a profound impact on Doris Humphrey's work as she began to explore themes of struggle, despair, and resilience in her choreography. In response to the economic hardships experienced by many during this time, her dances often reflected collective human experiences of loss and recovery. This shift allowed her to connect deeply with audiences, capturing the emotional weight of an entire generation facing uncertainty.
• Discuss the role of American ballet companies during the Great Depression and how they adapted to societal challenges.
  • During the Great Depression, American ballet companies played a crucial role in providing entertainment and hope to audiences facing economic despair. Many companies adapted their programming by emphasizing works that resonated with themes of endurance and perseverance. This shift allowed them not only to survive financially but also to connect more meaningfully with communities seeking solace through artistic expression amidst hardship.
• Evaluate how the Great Depression reshaped American dance culture, including its impact on choreography styles and performance opportunities.
  • The Great Depression fundamentally reshaped American dance culture by pushing choreographers and dancers to innovate in response to societal struggles. Artists like Doris Humphrey began incorporating elements that highlighted resilience while also exploring darker themes in their work. This period saw increased support for dance through programs like the Federal Theatre Project, which provided crucial performance opportunities for artists, ultimately leading to a more diverse and politically aware dance landscape that continued evolving post-Depression.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to promote economic recovery and social welfare during the Great Depression.

Dust Bowl: A severe drought during the 1930s that devastated agricultural production in the United States, exacerbating the economic challenges of the Great Depression.

Federal Theatre Project: A New Deal program that provided jobs for unemployed theater workers and aimed to produce affordable theater performances across America during the Great Depression.