Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, marked by high unemployment, widespread poverty, and a significant decline in industrial production. It fundamentally changed the economic landscape and inspired various forms of social commentary and activism, with artists and labor movements responding to the struggles of the time through music and other forms of expression.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stock market crash of October 1929 is often cited as the beginning of the Great Depression, leading to widespread bank failures and loss of savings.
2. Unemployment rates soared during this period, reaching as high as 25% in the United States at its peak, creating a desperate need for social change and advocacy.
3. Musicians like Woody Guthrie became prominent figures in using folk music as a medium for social commentary, capturing the struggles of everyday Americans during this tough time.
4. Labor movements gained momentum as workers organized strikes and protests for better wages and working conditions, which were crucial during the economic turmoil.
5. The Great Depression had lasting effects on American society, influencing political policies and cultural expressions that sought to address economic inequality and injustice.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence folk music and social commentary?
  • The Great Depression significantly impacted folk music as artists like Woody Guthrie used their songs to highlight the struggles faced by ordinary people during this economic crisis. Their lyrics often addressed themes of hardship, injustice, and the plight of the working class. This tradition of social commentary through music became a powerful tool for raising awareness and fostering solidarity among those affected by economic hardship.
• What role did labor movements play during the Great Depression in advocating for workers' rights?
  • During the Great Depression, labor movements became crucial in advocating for workers' rights as unemployment reached unprecedented levels. Strikes and protests were organized to demand better wages, job security, and improved working conditions. The rise of union activism during this time not only helped protect workers but also led to significant legislative changes that aimed at supporting labor rights in a struggling economy.
• Evaluate how the Great Depression reshaped American society's approach to government intervention in economic crises.
  • The Great Depression reshaped American society's view on government intervention by highlighting the need for active government involvement in economic matters. As millions faced unemployment and poverty, programs like the New Deal were introduced to provide relief and reform. This shift marked a departure from previous laissez-faire policies, leading to a new understanding that government could play a critical role in stabilizing the economy and ensuring social welfare during times of crisis.

Related terms

Dust Bowl: A series of severe dust storms during the 1930s that greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the American and Canadian prairies, exacerbating the hardships of the Great Depression.

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

Social Realism: An artistic movement that aimed to highlight social issues and struggles faced by everyday people, often used by musicians and visual artists to comment on the realities of the Great Depression.