The Great Depression

SWBAT: EXPLAIN THE EFFECT THE GREAT DEPRESSION HAD ON EVERYDAY AMERICANS, ESPECIALLY CHILDREN.

HOMEWORK: FINISH THE ESSAY IF YOU DO NOT FINISH IN CLASS. THIS WILL BE COLLECTED TOMORROW AND GRADED.

DO NOW: DO YOU THINK THE GREAT DEPRESSION WAS HARDER ON ADULTS OR CHILDREN? EXPLAIN.

The Devastation of the Great Depression: in the Cities

Unemployment meant no money which meant huge problems for Americans.

People were evicted from their homes and ended up on the streets.

People slept in parks, sewer pipes, and boxes and wrapped up newspapers to keep warm.

Before long people created shantytowns, little towns consisting of shacks.

Imagine for a second that you went from this to this…

How would you feel? What kind of problems might one face living in a shack like this?

The Devastation Continues…

No income also meant no money for food.

People dug through garbage cans and begged.

Result: Soup kitchens opened offering free or

low cost meals.

Bread lines formed in front of organizations that donated free food to the poor.

Conditions for minorities

Conditions for African Americans and Latinos were especially difficult.

Their unemployment rates were higher and were the lowest paid.

Experienced increased racial violence as whites and minorities competed for jobs.

Results:

# of lynchings increases (24 in 1933 alone)

Mexicans especially either left the US by choice due to violence or were deported by the US government.

The Devastation of the Great Depression: in rural areas

Farmers had one advantage city dwellers did not- they could grow their own food.

However, with rising debt, thousands of farmers lost their land through foreclosure:

This is when someone can’t afford to pay their mortgage and the bank takes back the property due to the individuals inability to make payments.

The problem will be worsened due to the Dust Bowl.

The Depression and the effect on American Families

MEN, WOMEN, AND CHILDREN STRUGGLE

Family Life

While some families broke apart due to the pressure of the times, in general, the Great Depression brought families closer together.

Lack of money meant families stayed in and entertained each other by listening to the radio and playing board games (Monopoly was invented in 1933).

Men and Women

Men had difficulty adjusting to unemployment because they were accustomed to working and supporting their families.

At the time there was no system of direct relief, or welfare to help the poor.

Men resented women, too.

Men saw women who outside the home as taking their jobs.

Women were rarely seen in breadlines or homeless, so it appeared they were having an easier time.

In reality, women worked hard to make ends meet.

Canned food, made their own clothing, and budgeted money.

Activity- the effect of the Great Depression on children

Children, perhaps, may have had it worst of all.

Using the website below, you will choose 3 primary sources to read and fill out the accompanying worksheet.

This is an individual activity.

Remember, these are written by children, so the grammar is not perfect.

Be prepared to go over your answers at the end of class.

http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu/learning_history/children_depression/help_president.cfm