1930s Depression News Articles
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1930s Depression News Articles
How the 1930s Depression Shaped America's History
The 1930s depression, also known as the Great Depression, was the worst economic downturn in US history. It began in 1929 with the stock market crash and lasted until the end of the 1930s. It affected millions of Americans who lost their jobs, homes, savings, and hopes. It also had a profound impact on the social, political, and cultural aspects of American life.
In this article, we will explore some of the causes, effects, and responses to the 1930s depression. We will also look at some of the breaking news stories that captured the attention of the nation during this turbulent decade.
What Caused the 1930s Depression
There is no single cause for the 1930s depression, but rather a combination of factors that contributed to the economic collapse. Some of these factors include:
The stock market crash of 1929: This was the trigger that sparked the depression. On October 24 and 29, 1929, known as Black Thursday and Black Tuesday, millions of shares of stock were traded at ever-falling prices. The market lost about 90% of its value by 1932. Many investors lost their fortunes and confidence in the economy.
A weak banking system: Many banks had invested heavily in the stock market and real estate. When these markets crashed, they lost their assets and faced massive withdrawals from depositors. More than 5,000 banks failed between 1929 and 1933, wiping out people's savings and reducing the money supply.
Industrial overproduction: During the 1920s, American industries had expanded their production capacity to meet the high demand for consumer goods. However, when the demand fell due to lower incomes and reduced spending, they were left with unsold inventories and excess capacity. This led to layoffs, wage cuts, and reduced profits.
Agricultural crisis: American farmers had also increased their output during World War I to supply food to Europe. After the war ended, they faced a decline in demand and prices for their products. They also had to deal with droughts, dust storms, pests, and soil erosion that damaged their crops and land. Many farmers defaulted on their loans and lost their farms.
Protectionist trade policies: In an attempt to protect domestic industries from foreign competition, Congress passed the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act in 1930. This raised tariffs on thousands of imported goods to record levels. However, this backfired as other countries retaliated by raising their own tariffs on US exports. This resulted in a contraction of international trade and a further decline in global economies.
What Were the Effects of the 1930s Depression
The 1930s depression had devastating effects on every aspect of American society. Some of these effects include:
Mass unemployment: By 1933, almost 13 million people were out of work and the unemployment rate stood at 25%. Those who managed to keep their jobs often faced pay cuts or reduced hours. Many people had to rely on charity or public relief programs to survive.
Poverty and homelessness: Millions of people lost their homes due to foreclosure or eviction. They had to live in shantytowns called "Hoovervilles", named after President Herbert Hoover who was blamed for not doing enough to help them. They also had to cope with hunger, malnutrition, disease, and crime.
Social unrest and protest: The hardship and frustration caused by the depression led to various forms of social unrest and protest. Some examples are:
The Bonus Army: In 1932, about 20,000 veterans marched to Washington DC to demand early payment of a bonus they were promised for serving in World War I. They set up camps near the Capitol building but were dispersed by force by the army.
The Dust Bowl: In the mid-1930s, a series of severe dust storms swept across the a474f39169