Apple Peddlers And Breadline By Edward Robb Ellis

The article “apple peddlers and breadlines” from the book “the nation in torment” by Edward Robb Ellis is about the story of the American depression between 1929 and 1939. This article goes into the detail of the causes in the mid- 20’s and into the great detail on the effect for every single person.

Depression was not just simply economic crisis. It was also the cultural and political crisis. People were very desperate and they looked for different solutions. The great depression was not just a period of high unemployment but also, unbearable poverty of breadlines and apple peddlers, increase of prostitutes for money.

Great depression was almost like a war of economic crisis. It affects everything it touches. People during this time period

of history suffered the most; they did not have food to eat. People used to fight with each other for food. Then there were huge lines for bread.
The great depression was known as economic crisis unlike any in this country during the past.

It was the longest and the worst America had to get over. It threw millions of hardworking individuals to poverty. They did not have money to run their families and feed their children. During this time period; the production of apples and other food materials was reduced. The farming has come to worst conditions. The government sold badly packed apples. But, people wanted food that looks good and tastes good.

Government had tried different ways to stop depression. They asked the unemployment people to sell apples on the streets to kill depression. But, the streets had nothing but to sell apples. The lack of profits soon caused apple vendor to disappear. People who live were the long-lasting symbol of great depression.

By 1930, there were more eighty breadlines in New York City. These breadlines served bread, soup and coffee. Since people did not get any food at any other places they spent all day from one breadline to another for more food. People would fight at these lines on who goes first and gets the food in fear of if the food is finished.

This article “apple peddlers and breadlines” Ellis mentioned a good point, that waste of so much money and food while millions of Americans were suffering was not good. Instead they could have used the money to create jobs for

people.
During great depression thousands of unemployment residents who cannot pay rent were seekers of public assistance and breadlines. These breadlines help unemployed people feed them through various food programs. If we observe the people in breadlines, we will know the exact situation of the Americans during the great depression.
Great depression was a hard time for America and its people. People were unable to find jobs and were wondering how they could feed their families. That is why people made huge lines for free food such as breadlines. These breadlines were very helpful during great depression.
This article from the book “the nation in torment” provides great information about the America’s great depression, which not any other book can explain. This book gives a good understanding of people during that time period. The author sustains throughout the article and makes good points that everyone who wants to know about the great depression will be aware after reading this article.