Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, marked by massive unemployment, a sharp decline in industrial production, and significant deflation. This economic crisis profoundly affected various groups, including Latino communities, and influenced the rise of social movements such as the Chicano Movement, which sought to address issues of inequality and civil rights.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Depression began with the stock market crash on October 29, 1929, often referred to as Black Tuesday.
2. Unemployment rates soared during the Great Depression, reaching approximately 25% in the United States at its peak.
3. The economic hardship faced by many Mexican Americans led to increased activism and organization within Latino communities, setting the stage for future movements like the Chicano Movement.
4. The Great Depression prompted significant government intervention in the economy through programs aimed at job creation and economic recovery.
5. Cultural expressions during the Great Depression included art, literature, and music that reflected the struggles and resilience of those affected by the economic crisis.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence the emergence of social movements within Latino communities?
  • The Great Depression had a profound impact on Latino communities, leading to increased unemployment and poverty among Mexican Americans. This economic hardship galvanized individuals to organize and advocate for their rights, ultimately contributing to the rise of social movements like the Chicano Movement. Activists sought to address systemic inequalities and improve living conditions, using their experiences during this difficult period as a rallying point for change.
• Analyze the role of government intervention during the Great Depression and its effects on marginalized communities.
  • Government intervention during the Great Depression was characterized by a series of programs under Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal, which aimed to stimulate economic recovery. While some initiatives benefited marginalized communities, including Mexican Americans, others inadvertently reinforced existing inequalities. For instance, certain New Deal programs excluded agricultural laborers and domestic workers from benefits, leaving many in these sectors without support during this critical time.
• Evaluate how the cultural responses to the Great Depression shaped public perceptions of marginalized groups and their struggles.
  • Cultural responses to the Great Depression played a significant role in shaping public perceptions of marginalized groups, particularly through art, literature, and music that highlighted their struggles. Works created during this era often depicted the harsh realities faced by impoverished communities, including Latino populations. These cultural expressions fostered empathy and awareness among broader audiences while also empowering marginalized groups to assert their identity and advocate for social justice, laying groundwork for future movements.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at promoting economic recovery and social reform during the Great Depression.

Dust Bowl: A period of severe drought in the 1930s that devastated agricultural land in the United States, exacerbating the hardships faced by farmers during the Great Depression.

Social Security Act: Legislation passed in 1935 that established a system of old-age benefits, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent children as part of the New Deal response to the Great Depression.