The Great Depression In America In The 1930's

857 Words4 Pages
The 1920’s were known as a period of prosperity for the American nation. Unfortunately, the good fortune did not last. Following this age of success was a period in time considered the lowest point in American history known as the Great Depression. It was a stage in which many Americans were unemployed, homeless and starving. It brought devastation to the United States’ economy, as well as actual “depression” to the American public. Various issues caused the fall of the most prosperous country in the world such as, the accumulation of installment loans and lack of government agencies regulating the stock market. Throughout the 1930’s, the American government and its people dealt with the depression in numerous ways. Herbert Hoover was the…show more content…
There were no jobs available, discouraging many people. Most unemployment was found among heavy industry workers. Young boys who were usually apprentices of trade were forced to wander on street corners searching for work. College and high school graduates had no choice but to take menial jobs as a source of income. (doc 8). Some had jobs selling pencils all over town. Others sold apples to passers-by on street corners. Many people committed suicide during this time due to the built up frustration. Women in the work force had a lower pay rate and were quicker to be fired than men. Many women who were fired took advantage of new job opportunities and began practicing switchboard and clerical work. The American government tried to help out by giving jobs to the heads of households (doc 5). African Americans suffered heavily from the depression as they were known to be the “last ones hired and the first ones fired.” They were often discriminated and ignored, leaving them out to dry. In 1941, Sleeping-Car Porters Union president, A. Phillip Randolph, threatened a massive march on Washington. Franklin D. Roosevelt saw the anger of the African Americans and gave them posts in his administration, as well as agreeing to sign the Fair Employment Practices Committee, which disallowed companies to show prejudice on the basis of religion or race. (doc
Open Document