Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, marked by high unemployment, widespread poverty, and significant declines in consumer spending and investment. This era had profound effects on various communities, including Filipino Americans, who faced unique challenges and opportunities during this turbulent period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stock market crash of October 1929 is widely considered the starting point of the Great Depression, leading to widespread financial instability.
2. Filipino Americans faced severe discrimination and economic challenges during the Great Depression, often struggling to find work and secure their livelihoods.
3. Many Filipinos who had immigrated to the United States were employed in agricultural sectors, which were hit hard by the economic downturn and natural disasters like the Dust Bowl.
4. As job opportunities dwindled, some Filipino Americans banded together to create mutual aid societies to support one another through difficult times.
5. The Great Depression influenced Filipino American literature as writers began to address themes of struggle, identity, and resilience in their works.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression uniquely affect the Filipino American community compared to other immigrant groups?
  • The Great Depression had a unique impact on the Filipino American community as they faced both economic hardships and racial discrimination. Many Filipinos were employed in sectors like agriculture that suffered greatly during this period, leading to significant unemployment. Additionally, the existing racial prejudices made it harder for them to secure jobs or assistance compared to other immigrant groups, deepening their struggles.
• In what ways did the New Deal policies address the economic challenges faced by marginalized communities during the Great Depression?
  • New Deal policies aimed at recovery included programs designed to provide relief for unemployed individuals and support for struggling communities. While these initiatives helped many, they often failed to fully address the needs of marginalized communities like Filipino Americans. This oversight led to continued economic disparity, highlighting the need for more inclusive approaches in government policies to assist all citizens fairly.
• Evaluate how the experiences of Filipino Americans during the Great Depression contributed to changes in their cultural representation in literature.
  • The experiences of Filipino Americans during the Great Depression significantly influenced their cultural representation in literature by highlighting themes of struggle, resilience, and identity. Authors began to capture the harsh realities faced by their communities, including discrimination and economic hardship, which led to a richer narrative that emphasized their unique experiences. This shift not only helped raise awareness about their plight but also fostered a sense of unity and pride among Filipino Americans as they navigated through adversity.

Related terms

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

Migration: The movement of people from one place to another, which increased during the Great Depression as individuals sought better opportunities and living conditions.

Economic Disparity: The unequal distribution of wealth and resources among different social classes, which was exacerbated during the Great Depression.