The Great DepressionThe Great Depression

Chicago HistoryChicago History

Bell Ringer Student SurveyBell Ringer Student Survey

►On a sheet of paper: Name Email Interest in History How I Learn Best Hobbies and Interests Plans after High School

Current Events Blog

►Due every Monday night, 11:59 PM.►Follow directions on the blog.►The link is

http://mrverdaguer.wordpress.com►Please include your name in the blog

post to receive credit.►No late work accepted.►Assignment is worth 15 points every

week.

The Stock Market CrashThe Stock Market CrashOctober 28-29, 1929October 28-29, 1929

►A major cause of the Great A major cause of the Great Depression.Depression.

► It did not happen overnight.It did not happen overnight.►SpeculationSpeculation

►Can be characterized as taking risk in either Can be characterized as taking risk in either “boom and bust”.“boom and bust”.

►How can speculation cause a crash?How can speculation cause a crash?

The Other CausesThe Other Causes

► Bank failuresBank failures► Reduction of Reduction of

purchasing powerpurchasing power► Economic policy Economic policy

with Europewith Europe Smoot-Hawley Tariff Smoot-Hawley Tariff

ActAct

►Drought conditionsDrought conditions

Chicago and the Great Chicago and the Great DepressionDepression

► Effect on African AmericansEffect on African Americans By 1932, 40-50% were unemployed.By 1932, 40-50% were unemployed.

► Effect on school teachersEffect on school teachers By Feb 1933, they were owed 8 ½ months back pay.By Feb 1933, they were owed 8 ½ months back pay. What happened?What happened?

► HomelessnessHomelessness People were forced to band together to prevent People were forced to band together to prevent

evictions.evictions. Growth of Shanty TownsGrowth of Shanty Towns By 1931, 1500 people slept on the lower level of the By 1931, 1500 people slept on the lower level of the

Michigan Avenue Bridge.Michigan Avenue Bridge.► The building industry collapsedThe building industry collapsed

People lost their jobs and construction slowed down People lost their jobs and construction slowed down dramatically in Chicago.dramatically in Chicago.

In Class ActivityIn Class Activity

►Read the letter written by a young boy Read the letter written by a young boy to President Roosevelt.to President Roosevelt.

►Answer these questions in the same Answer these questions in the same sheet as your Bell Ringer.sheet as your Bell Ringer. Why does the boy ask the president for Why does the boy ask the president for

help?help? Do you think this letter could have easily Do you think this letter could have easily

been written today because of the been written today because of the recession? Why or why not?recession? Why or why not?