Table of Contents
What is the main idea of the Great Depression?
The Great Depression describes the long period of economic downturn that took place after the stock market crash of 1929. This period led to high unemployment rates, lowered stock values, and reduced levels of demand for production materials.
What was the Great Depression in your own words?
The period of declining and lower economic activity in the worldwide economy from the late 1920s through the 1930s. In the United States, it began with the stock market crash in October 1929 and was characterized by a decline in business activity into 1933.
Why did the Great Depression end?
Mobilizing the economy for world war finally cured the depression. Millions of men and women joined the armed forces, and even larger numbers went to work in well-paying defense jobs. World War Two affected the world and the United States profoundly; it continues to influence us even today.
What was life like during the Great Depression?
The average American family lived by the Depression-era motto: “Use it up, wear it out, make do or do without.” Many tried to keep up appearances and carry on with life as close to normal as possible while they adapted to new economic circumstances. Households embraced a new level of frugality in daily life.
What did the government do to help end the Great Depression?
Major federal programs and agencies included the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Civil Works Administration (CWA), the Farm Security Administration (FSA), the National Industrial Recovery Act of 1933 (NIRA) and the Social Security Administration (SSA).
What did families do to survive the Great Depression?
Many families strived for self-sufficiency by keeping small kitchen gardens with vegetables and herbs. Some towns and cities allowed for the conversion of vacant lots to community “thrift gardens” where residents could grow food.