Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, marked by massive unemployment, plummeting production, and widespread poverty. It deeply influenced social and cultural movements during its time, including the rise of documentary filmmaking as a means of storytelling that captured the struggles of everyday people and highlighted social injustices.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stock market crash of October 1929 is often cited as the beginning of the Great Depression, leading to widespread economic failure.
2. Unemployment rates soared during this period, peaking at around 25% in the United States, which led to increased poverty and social unrest.
3. The Great Depression influenced a new wave of documentary filmmakers who aimed to highlight the struggles of those affected, including works by pioneers like Pare Lorentz.
4. Farms were abandoned as drought and economic hardship combined during this time, leading to mass migrations, notably westward towards California.
5. The Great Depression prompted significant changes in government policy regarding economic intervention and social welfare programs.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence the emergence of documentary filmmaking as a tool for social change?
  • The Great Depression created dire social conditions that filmmakers sought to address through documentary storytelling. As traditional narratives fell short of capturing the realities faced by millions, filmmakers like Pare Lorentz began using their craft to illuminate struggles related to unemployment and poverty. This shift made documentary filmmaking a powerful tool for raising awareness about social issues and advocating for change during this challenging period.
• What were some key societal impacts of the Great Depression that were documented through film and photography?
  • Documentaries from the Great Depression often highlighted significant societal impacts such as mass unemployment, homelessness, and family dislocation. This era saw works that captured the Dust Bowl's devastation on farmers and the plight of migrant families seeking work. By documenting these experiences, filmmakers provided a voice for those suffering, fostering empathy and understanding among viewers, while also calling for government action.
• Evaluate how the Great Depression reshaped government policies regarding economic intervention and its relation to documentary narratives.
  • The Great Depression prompted a reevaluation of government roles in economic affairs, leading to initiatives like Roosevelt's New Deal. This shift towards more active government intervention was reflected in documentary narratives that showcased not only individual suffering but also potential solutions through policy. The blend of real-life struggles depicted in documentaries with discussions about reform created an impactful dialogue around social responsibility and government action during a time when people needed hope and change.

Related terms

Dust Bowl: A period of severe dust storms in the 1930s that greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the American prairies, exacerbating the hardships of the Great Depression.

New Deal: A series of programs and reforms introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and providing relief to those affected.

Documentary Photography: A genre of photography that seeks to chronicle significant and relevant events in daily life, often focusing on social issues and injustices, which became prominent during the Great Depression.