Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s, marked by a dramatic decline in industrial output, widespread unemployment, and significant poverty. It profoundly affected various aspects of American life, including agriculture, leading to the rise of sharecropping and tenant farming as many families struggled to make ends meet. In Texas, the combination of economic hardship and environmental disasters like the Dust Bowl exacerbated the struggles faced by farmers and rural communities.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stock market crash of October 1929 marked the beginning of the Great Depression, leading to financial panic and the collapse of banks.
2. During the Great Depression, unemployment in the United States reached approximately 25%, leaving millions without jobs and income.
3. In Texas, many farmers resorted to sharecropping and tenant farming as traditional agricultural methods failed due to economic hardship and environmental challenges.
4. The Dust Bowl significantly worsened conditions for farmers in Texas during the Great Depression, as severe drought made it nearly impossible to cultivate crops.
5. Federal programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) were introduced to provide jobs and support for struggling Americans during this challenging time.

Review Questions

• How did the economic conditions of the Great Depression lead to an increase in sharecropping and tenant farming in Texas?
  • The economic conditions of the Great Depression forced many landowners to reduce their operations or abandon their farms altogether. As a result, those who remained often turned to sharecropping and tenant farming as a means to survive. This system allowed landowners to maintain their property while providing work for those who had lost jobs or farms. However, sharecroppers faced their own hardships, often becoming trapped in cycles of debt due to high costs and low crop prices.
• What were some key federal responses during the Great Depression that aimed to alleviate its effects on Texas farmers?
  • During the Great Depression, several key federal programs were implemented to help alleviate its effects on Texas farmers. The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) sought to raise crop prices by controlling production levels, while the Works Progress Administration (WPA) provided jobs for many individuals in construction and public works projects. These programs aimed to stabilize both agriculture and employment, helping Texans cope with the dire economic situation they faced.
• Evaluate the long-term impacts of the Great Depression on agricultural practices in Texas, particularly concerning how it shaped future farming methods.
  • The Great Depression had lasting impacts on agricultural practices in Texas, leading to significant changes in how farming was conducted. The hardships endured during this period prompted many farmers to adopt more sustainable practices and diversify their crops. Additionally, government intervention through programs like the Soil Conservation Service emphasized soil management and conservation techniques to prevent future environmental disasters like the Dust Bowl. As a result, these shifts not only improved agricultural resilience but also laid the groundwork for modern farming methods that continue to evolve today.

Related terms

Dust Bowl: A period during the 1930s when severe drought and poor agricultural practices led to massive dust storms, severely affecting farming in the Great Plains, including Texas.

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the effects of the Great Depression and stimulate economic recovery.

Unemployment: The state of being jobless; during the Great Depression, unemployment rates soared as businesses failed and many people lost their jobs.