The Great Depression Essay

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The Great Depression occurred from 1929 and lasted to the early 1940’s. It was a deep and tragic period of time where everyone was affected in some capacity. This period marks the longest most widespread depression in American History. It has devastating effects to both the rich and poor. Cities all around the world were hit hard by this crisis. Prior to the Great Depression the United States was flourishing with technology and consumer spending. The Roaring Twenties brought much cheer and prosperity to the economy. The invention of the automobile, radio and motion picture brought higher wages and more jobs. When families wanted to forget about their troubles for a little while, they would usually go see a movie. Some films were The Wizard of Oz, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and Gone with the Wind. Music was also an entertaining way to distract you from everyday life problems. Women were dressing differently and trying to gain a better place for themselves in the work force. Their views and mannerism were also changing. Life expectancy started to decrease during the 1920s. Suicide peaked when unemployment rose. Men felt useless and worthless to their families once they lost their jobs. After all, they felt that they were supposed to be the main providers. The Jazz period took its wings in 1933. Jazz evolved into Swing Jazz. Dancing became the next big thing. Seattle was jazz’s hot spot. The Eighteenth Amendment prohibited alcohol, even though it did not ban the consumption of alcohol in most households. Men were relying on alcohol more and more. It was becoming a strain on their family life. Women wanted alcohol banned. The Grapes of Wrath, written by John Steinbeck was my favorite book that I read about the Great Depression... ... middle of paper ... ...ded this program. It helped aid mortgage holders. The FHA (Federal Housing Act) aided the homeowners in the purchasing of homes. United States Housing Act created the U.S. Housing Authority and built public housing. Shanty towns were created for people who could not afford to live in their homes any longer. They were named after Hoover. The most popular shanty town was in Central Park, New York. Hoovervilles was the most popular name for them. The Great Depression is said to be the worst economic crisis in the U.S. It is said that World War 2 ended the Depression. With better balanced markets and lower taxes, the Depression seemed to be over. After many years of hardships and recovery, our world is standing tall. The Depression was definitely a gruesome and difficult time for many, but we were able to say we overcame a strategically long American phenomenon.

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