The Great Depression

1. The Great Depression 1929-1939

3. Impacts of Depression • Prices of stock dropped 40% • 86,000 business failed • 9,000 banks went out of business • 9 million saving accounts • Wages were decreased by at least 60% • Unemployment from 9% to 25% • 15 million people unemployed

4. The 6 Causes 1. Unequal distribution of Wealth - 2% owned 3/5 (60%) of wealth… - … 98% shared the remaining 2/5 (40%) - ½ population living below poverty level - unequal balance between production and consumption

6. The 6 Causes 2. Unequal distribution of corporate power - mergers reduced competition - when company fell = loss of jobs & stock - 200 corporations controlled 50% of all products being made

7. The 6 Causes 3. Poor banking structure - no regulations - small banks “owed” to larger banks - unequal loan to deposit ratio (esp. small towns) “It’s A Wonderful Life” movie clip ** List at least three actions taken by George that would not be permitted in banks today.

8. The 6 Causes 4. High Tariffs and War Debts - Hawley-Smoot Tariff = tax on imports - What was the goal? - Led to unbalanced foreign trade & … - economic warfare = other countries did same - war debt: U.S. as creditor; E. couldn’t repay

9. The 6 Causes 5. Overproduction in Industry & Agriculture - farmers bought machinery on credit… - …to increase production - >> overproduction - >> no jobs = no $ to buy - >> couldn’t pay off debt... - … foreclosures on farms

11. The 6 Causes 6. Stock Market Crash - Reasons for investing in market - had $ already to invest - “buying on margin”: borrow $ to invest hoping to get rich quick - October 24th: Black Thursday - JP Morgan: financer - October 29th: Black Tuesday ($16 mil)

12. Buying on Margin Want to buy 100 shares of a stock that costs $50 per share You would need $5,000 (plus commission) to buy Buy stock on margin: borrow up to $2,500 (50%) of the purchase price and pay remaining $2,500 yourself If the stock goes up to $75 and you sell it, you would be able to pay the $2,500 (plus interest) and keep roughly $5,000 (a 100% gain).  Buying on margin can greatly enhance investing returns… But, if stock falls – you are in trouble.

13. The Effects Widespread unemployment > poverty > hunger - national income: 1929 = $81 billion 1932 = $41 billion - 15 million jobless

18. The Effects Breakdown of Families 1. personal suffering >> suicide 2. high school drop out rate >> - kids working in sweatshops 3. runaways (Hobos riding the rails)

20. The Effects Organized Protests - farmers marching on banks with pitchforks and guns - tried to prevent foreclosures

21. The Bonus Army Who were they? What did they want? What did they do? What happened to them?

22. The Effects The Bonus Army - WWI soldiers promised $1 per day extra served - To be paid in 1945 - Allowed to borrow against it in 1931 - 1932 asked for full amount = denied

23. Thousands from all over U.S. marched with their families • on Capitol Building in D.C. to protest

24. Calvary, tanks • Used tear gas and bayonets • - Sent home with money from their bonus pay

25. Rugged Individualism • No direct relief given by federal government • Money would be given to businesses • Local government should give aid • Was nothing new – up until this time, this was the norm… • … but this was not what people wanted

26. Resulted in: Hoovervilles – shantytowns of cardboard Hoover Blankets & Hoover Flags

27. Boulder (Hoover) Dam Hydroelectric power Federal Farm Marketing Board Limited production Helped market crops Hoover’s Policies Arizona/Nevada

28. Reconstruction Finance Corporation Loans to banks, railroads, businesses Home Loan Bank Act Prevented foreclosures on farms and homes Hoover’s Policies

30. 3 Characteristics: • Over-cultivated land • Severe drought • 3.High Winds

32. 1932 Election:Hoover vs. FDR “This campaign is more than a contest between two men. It is more than a contest between two parties. It is a contest between two philosophies of government.” • What is this saying about Hoover & FDR? • Their political ideologies? • How was the federal government’s role going to change?

33. FDR vs. Hoover FDR: Keynesian or "pump priming" economics - Based on beliefs of economist John Maynard Keynes - Money should be invested in people, the working class - Then, spending would increase with new money in circulation, then businesses would expand to meet the new demand and hire new workers Hoover: supply side or "trickle down" economics - Money was to be invested at top, in business - Then, businesses would expand, hire new workers and in turn, spur on spending and further economic growth http://www.socialstudieshelp.com/USRA_New_Deal.htm

34. Escapism “We’re the first nation to go to the poorhouse in an automobile.” - Actor Will Rogers • Movies • Car rides • Smoking

35. The Arts in the 1930s Painting Grant Wood American Gothic

36. The Arts in the 1930s Literature

37. The Arts in the 1930s Literature Of Mice and Men

40. The Arts in the 1930s Literature/Cinema Margaret Mitchell

41. The Arts in the 1930s Literature Orson Welles “Citizen Kane”

42. Getting out of the Depression polio

46. Frances Perkins Sec. of Labor

47. Eleanor Roosevelt A woman is like a tea bag- you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water. Great minds discuss ideas; Average minds discuss events; Small minds discuss people. It is not fair to ask of others what you are unwilling to do yourself. I could not at any age be content to take my place in a corner by the fireside and simply look on. No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.

50. Fireside Chats