Great Depression

The Great Depression took place from 1930 to 1939. During this time the prices of stock fell 40%. 9,000 banks went out of business and 9 million savings accounts were wiped out. 86,00 businesses failed, and wages were decreased by an average of 60%. The unemployment rate went from 9% all the way to 25%, about 15 million jobless people.

CAUSES

Unequal distribution of wealth

High Tariffs and war debts

Over production in industry and agriculure

Stock market crash and financial

panic

EFFECTS

Widespread hunger, poverty, and unemployment

Worldwide economic crisis

Democratic victory in 1232 election

FDR's New Deal

CITY LIFE

Most people had to cut back on luxuries, and make old things last longer. The telephone

was the first thing to go. People stopped buying furniture, household appliances, jewlrey,

candy, etc. Yet on the other hand, gasoline, radios, electric refiderators, and cigarette

sales kept going strong. Movies were one of the strongest sales. It was as if people looked

to Hollywood as an escape from their problems. Families planted gardens on vacant lots.

Fasion styles became simpler. The depression made people turn their backs on their

families. Many people lost their homes. Divorce rates went down. Some Americans had it

worse than others. People who lost their jobs couldn't afford proper medical care or food.

One out of every five kids were malnurished. In 1933, starvation claimed 29 people in New

York. People used substitute cheap starched, like breat for milk. People fought for food in

the streets. There were food shelters to help people.

FARM LIFE

The