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✊🏿African American History – 1865 to Present

✊🏿african american history – 1865 to present review

4.4 The impact of the Great Depression on African Americans

3 min readLast Updated on July 22, 2024

The Great Depression hit African American communities hard. Unemployment soared, poverty deepened, and racial inequalities worsened. Many faced discrimination in relief programs and housing, while violence persisted. Migration patterns shifted as people sought better opportunities.

African American leaders fought back. The NAACP battled discrimination, while the Urban League provided job training. Artists and intellectuals raised awareness. Though limited by resistance and lack of resources, their efforts laid groundwork for future civil rights struggles.

Economic and Social Impact

Economic impact on African American communities

Top images from around the web for Economic impact on African American communities
Top images from around the web for Economic impact on African American communities
  • Disproportionately high unemployment rates
    • African Americans often first to be laid off and last to be rehired due to racial discrimination in the workforce
    • Many African Americans worked in industries heavily affected by the economic downturn (agriculture, domestic service)
  • Increased poverty and hardship
    • Loss of income and limited access to relief programs led to widespread poverty among African American families
    • Malnutrition and poor living conditions became more prevalent in African American communities (overcrowding, lack of basic amenities)
  • Migration patterns shifted
    • Some African Americans migrated from rural areas to cities in search of better job opportunities (Chicago, New York)
    • Others returned to the South from northern cities due to lack of jobs and resources in urban centers
  • Strained family dynamics
    • Financial stress and unemployment put pressure on family relationships, leading to increased domestic tensions
    • Some families forced to separate or send children to live with relatives to cope with economic hardship (kinship networks)

Racial Inequalities and Discrimination

Exacerbation of racial inequalities

  • Unequal access to relief programs
  • Housing segregation and discrimination worsened
    • Redlining practices limited African American access to home ownership and better housing conditions in many cities
    • Overcrowding and poor living conditions in segregated neighborhoods worsened during the Depression (lack of sanitation, dilapidated buildings)
  • Racial violence and lynching persisted
    • Economic stress and competition for limited resources fueled racial tensions, particularly in the South
    • Lynching and other forms of racial violence continued to terrorize African American communities (Tuskegee Institute records)

New Deal programs for African Americans

  • Limited benefits for African Americans
    • New Deal programs (Agricultural Adjustment Act, National Recovery Administration) often excluded or provided limited benefits to African Americans
    • Sharecroppers and tenant farmers, many of whom were African American, did not receive direct aid from agricultural programs designed to support white landowners
  • Positive impacts of select programs
    • The WPA and the CCC provided some employment opportunities for African Americans, although often in segregated units and with lower pay than white workers
    • The Public Works Administration funded the construction of schools, hospitals, and housing projects that benefited African American communities (Harlem River Houses)
  • Influence on political mobilization
    • New Deal programs helped to increase African American political awareness and participation, despite limitations
    • The election of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and the Democratic Party's growing support for civil rights issues began to shift African American voting patterns (black voters moving away from the Republican Party)

African American Leadership and Advocacy

Advocacy of African American leaders

  • Role of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP)
    • The NAACP continued to fight against racial discrimination and segregation during the Great Depression
    • Lobbied for anti-lynching legislation and fair labor practices to protect African American workers
  • Efforts of the National Urban League
    • Focused on providing job training, employment services, and relief programs for African Americans in urban areas hit hard by the economic crisis
    • Worked to improve housing conditions and combat discrimination in housing and employment (boycotts, legal challenges)
  • Prominence of African American intellectuals and artists
    • Figures such as Langston Hughes, Zora Neale Hurston, and Richard Wright used their platforms to raise awareness of African American struggles and advocate for social change
    • The Harlem Renaissance of the 1920s and early 1930s celebrated African American culture and creativity, providing a foundation for continued activism (literature, music, art)
  • Limitations and challenges faced
    • African American leaders and organizations often faced resistance from white politicians and limited resources to implement change
    • The scale of the economic crisis and deeply entrenched racial inequalities posed significant challenges to their efforts to achieve racial equality

Key Terms to Review (30)

Anti-lynching legislation: Anti-lynching legislation refers to laws proposed and enacted in the United States aimed at making lynching a federal crime, thereby providing legal penalties for individuals who participated in such acts of racial violence. These laws emerged in response to the rampant racial violence faced by African Americans, particularly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and were part of broader efforts to combat racism and protect civil rights. The struggle for anti-lynching laws also highlighted the activism of various groups, especially women, who sought justice and equality during critical periods, including economic crises.
National Urban League: The National Urban League is a historic civil rights organization founded in 1910, aimed at improving the social and economic conditions of African Americans in urban areas. Its mission focuses on economic empowerment, educational opportunities, and equal access to jobs, all of which connect deeply to the broader struggles against racial violence, the founding of other civil rights organizations, the hardships of the Great Depression, and the ongoing urban crisis faced by African Americans.
Racial Violence: Racial violence refers to acts of aggression and harm directed at individuals or groups based on their race or ethnicity, often resulting in physical injury or death. This term encompasses a range of violent acts, including lynching, mob violence, and systemic oppression, which have historically targeted African Americans in the United States, shaping their social and political landscapes. The legacy of racial violence not only reflects the deep-seated racism in society but also prompts various forms of resistance and activism aimed at combating such injustices.
Harlem Renaissance: The Harlem Renaissance was a cultural, social, and artistic explosion that took place in Harlem, New York, during the 1920s, characterized by a flourishing of African American art, literature, music, and intellectual thought. It served as a powerful response to the systemic racism and disenfranchisement faced by African Americans, fostering a sense of racial pride and identity while significantly influencing American culture.
Lynching: Lynching refers to the extrajudicial killing of an individual, typically by a mob, often motivated by racial hatred. This brutal practice emerged as a widespread form of racial violence in the United States, particularly targeting African Americans, as a means of enforcing white supremacy and social control. Lynching played a significant role in the social landscape of the post-Reconstruction South, serving as both a tool for intimidation and a response to perceived threats to the established racial order.
Redlining: Redlining is a discriminatory practice that involves denying services, typically housing loans, to residents of certain areas based on their racial or ethnic composition. This practice created and reinforced residential segregation and systemic inequalities, impacting various aspects of life for marginalized communities.
Richard Wright: Richard Wright was a prominent African American author and social critic, best known for his powerful works that addressed the struggles and injustices faced by African Americans. His literature, particularly 'Native Son' and 'Black Boy,' highlights the harsh realities of life in America during the early to mid-20th century, reflecting on the impact of systemic racism and poverty. Wright's contributions to literature also include his role in shaping African American literature and literary criticism, emphasizing the importance of telling the Black experience authentically.
Zora Neale Hurston: Zora Neale Hurston was a prominent African American author, anthropologist, and filmmaker, best known for her contributions to literature during the Harlem Renaissance and for her depictions of African American culture in the early 20th century. Her work reflected the struggles and experiences of black individuals, particularly in the South, while also challenging racial stereotypes and celebrating black identity.
Langston Hughes: Langston Hughes was an influential African American poet, social activist, novelist, and playwright who became a leading figure in the Harlem Renaissance. His work captured the essence of African American culture, experience, and identity, connecting deeply with themes of racial pride and social justice. Hughes' unique style and commitment to expressing the struggles and aspirations of black Americans made him a pivotal voice during the Great Depression, as well as an enduring figure in American literature and literary criticism.
Housing conditions: Housing conditions refer to the quality, safety, and overall environment of living spaces where individuals reside. This term encompasses various factors such as affordability, access to basic utilities, structural integrity, and neighborhood safety. In the context of the Great Depression, housing conditions for African Americans were particularly dire due to systemic discrimination and economic hardship, which compounded the challenges of finding and maintaining adequate living spaces.
Job training: Job training refers to programs and initiatives designed to teach individuals the skills necessary for specific occupations, enhancing their employability and career advancement. During challenging economic times, such as the Great Depression, job training became crucial for African Americans who faced extreme unemployment and limited access to job opportunities. This training aimed not only to equip individuals with practical skills but also to promote self-sufficiency and empowerment in a society marked by systemic racism and economic disparity.
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People: The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is a civil rights organization founded in 1909 that seeks to eliminate race-based discrimination and ensure the political, educational, social, and economic equality of all people. During the Great Depression, the NAACP played a crucial role in advocating for African Americans who faced unprecedented economic hardships, highlighting their struggles and pushing for policies that addressed racial inequalities in employment and relief programs.
Employment services: Employment services refer to various programs and initiatives designed to assist individuals in finding jobs and developing their careers. These services became especially crucial during economic hardships, such as the Great Depression, when job availability plummeted and many people were left unemployed. For African Americans, employment services were often intertwined with efforts to combat discrimination in hiring practices and to improve access to job opportunities.
Democratic Party: The Democratic Party is one of the two major political parties in the United States, traditionally associated with liberal and progressive policies. During the Great Depression, the party shifted its focus to addressing economic challenges and advocating for social reforms that aimed to improve the lives of American citizens, including African Americans who were disproportionately affected by the economic crisis.
Harlem River Houses: The Harlem River Houses is a public housing complex located in the Harlem neighborhood of New York City, constructed during the Great Depression as part of a broader effort to provide affordable housing for low-income families. This complex was one of the first federally funded public housing projects in the United States and was designed to offer a safe and healthy living environment amidst the economic turmoil of the era.
Franklin D. Roosevelt: Franklin D. Roosevelt, commonly known as FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States, serving from 1933 until his death in 1945. He is best known for his New Deal programs that aimed to provide relief and recovery during the Great Depression, which had a significant impact on African Americans and their social and economic conditions during that time.
Works Progress Administration: The Works Progress Administration (WPA) was a New Deal agency established in 1935 that aimed to provide jobs and income to millions of unemployed Americans during the Great Depression. It created a wide range of public works projects, including construction of roads, bridges, and buildings, while also supporting artistic and cultural programs. This initiative had a significant impact on African Americans, who were often excluded from many job opportunities in the private sector.
Agricultural Adjustment Act: The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) was a New Deal legislation enacted in 1933 aimed at boosting agricultural prices by reducing surpluses. The act paid farmers to cut back on production of certain crops and livestock to stabilize prices during the Great Depression, which greatly impacted both the agricultural economy and the lives of many African Americans working in agriculture.
Kinship networks: Kinship networks refer to the web of relationships and connections among individuals based on family ties, including blood relations, marriage, and adoption. In the context of African American communities, especially during challenging times like the Great Depression, these networks played a crucial role in providing social and economic support as families faced widespread hardship and discrimination.
Migration patterns: Migration patterns refer to the movements of people from one place to another, often driven by factors such as economic opportunities, social conditions, and environmental changes. In the context of the Great Depression, these patterns were influenced by the widespread economic hardship that prompted many African Americans to seek better living conditions and job prospects, particularly in urban areas.
Malnutrition: Malnutrition refers to a condition resulting from a diet lacking in essential nutrients, which can lead to serious health issues. It can manifest as undernutrition, where individuals do not receive enough calories or specific nutrients, or overnutrition, where excessive intake leads to obesity and related diseases. In the context of historical events like the Great Depression, malnutrition became a widespread problem due to economic hardship, limiting access to sufficient and nutritious food for many families.
Civilian Conservation Corps: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) was a New Deal program established in 1933 to provide jobs for unemployed young men during the Great Depression. This program focused on environmental conservation projects, including reforestation, soil erosion control, and the development of national parks, which aimed to improve the nation’s natural resources while providing economic relief to struggling families.
NAACP: The NAACP, or the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, is a civil rights organization founded in 1909 to fight for racial equality and eliminate discrimination against African Americans. The organization played a crucial role in challenging Jim Crow laws, advocating for civil rights legislation, and addressing issues such as lynching, disenfranchisement, and segregation.
Discrimination: Discrimination refers to the unjust or prejudicial treatment of different categories of people, often based on race, gender, or other characteristics. It creates barriers that prevent equal access to opportunities, rights, and resources. In various historical contexts, discrimination has profoundly affected social dynamics and economic conditions, highlighting systemic inequalities that persist over time.
Racial inequalities: Racial inequalities refer to the disparities in access to resources, opportunities, and rights based on race. These inequalities can manifest in various forms, including economic disadvantage, educational gaps, and social discrimination, often resulting from systemic racism and historical oppression. Understanding these inequalities is crucial to recognizing how they affected African Americans during significant periods such as the Great Depression.
Unemployment rates: Unemployment rates refer to the percentage of the labor force that is jobless and actively seeking employment. This measure is crucial for understanding economic health, especially during periods of economic downturns like the Great Depression, as it reveals the extent of job loss and its impact on specific demographics, including African Americans.
African American communities: African American communities refer to the social, cultural, and economic networks formed by African Americans, often shaped by historical experiences of slavery, segregation, and systemic discrimination. These communities have played a vital role in fostering cultural identity, social solidarity, and collective action, particularly in response to social injustices such as those faced during the Great Depression and World War II.
Poverty: Poverty refers to the state of being extremely poor, where individuals lack sufficient financial resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing. During significant economic downturns, like the Great Depression, poverty levels can rise sharply, leading to widespread suffering among affected populations, particularly marginalized communities who often experience systemic inequalities.
Urban League: The Urban League is a civil rights organization founded in 1910, focused on economic and social advancement for African Americans. It works to improve job opportunities, education, and housing for black communities while advocating for equal rights and social justice. The organization played a significant role during critical periods like the Great Depression, the civil rights movement, and ongoing discussions about racial equality in education, health, and wealth.
Great Depression: The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted through the late 1930s, marked by massive unemployment, significant declines in industrial output, and widespread poverty. This period profoundly affected the lives of many, especially African Americans, who faced compounded challenges due to systemic racism and limited economic opportunities during this time.


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AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.
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