Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that began in the United States in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s. This period saw widespread unemployment, bank failures, and significant declines in industrial production and international trade, profoundly impacting American society and culture. The effects of the Great Depression led to a surge in realism in art and literature as creators sought to portray the stark realities of life during this challenging time.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Depression began after the stock market crash on October 29, 1929, known as Black Tuesday, which wiped out millions of investors.
2. Unemployment rates soared during the Great Depression, reaching about 25% at its peak in the United States, leading to significant social and economic challenges for families.
3. The era was characterized by a shift toward American Realism in literature and theater, with playwrights like Arthur Miller and Tennessee Williams highlighting the struggles of everyday people.
4. The Great Depression influenced various artistic movements as artists sought to document and critique societal issues, paving the way for more socially conscious works.
5. Government intervention became a key response to the economic crisis, as seen through the New Deal programs aimed at job creation and economic recovery.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence American Realism in theater and literature?
  • The Great Depression had a profound impact on American Realism as playwrights and authors sought to reflect the harsh realities faced by individuals during this period. Many works from this time depicted struggles with poverty, unemployment, and social injustice, resonating with audiences who experienced similar hardships. This shift towards realism allowed for a more authentic portrayal of everyday life, emphasizing themes of survival and resilience in the face of adversity.
• Discuss the role of government intervention during the Great Depression and its impact on American society.
  • Government intervention during the Great Depression was marked by initiatives like the New Deal, which aimed to provide relief for those affected by economic hardship. Programs focused on job creation, financial reform, and social welfare helped stabilize the economy and support struggling families. This shift towards a more active government role in economic matters not only aided recovery but also transformed societal expectations regarding government responsibility for citizens' well-being.
• Evaluate how the Dust Bowl compounded the effects of the Great Depression and shaped American cultural responses.
  • The Dust Bowl intensified the challenges of the Great Depression, displacing thousands of farming families and deepening economic despair in rural America. As dust storms ravaged crops, many were forced to migrate westward in search of work, leading to a significant demographic shift. This environmental disaster inspired powerful narratives in literature and art, highlighting themes of struggle and resilience while also critiquing agricultural policies. The combined effects of economic downturn and environmental catastrophe prompted a rich body of work that resonated deeply within American culture.

Related terms

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

Dust Bowl: A series of severe dust storms in the 1930s that greatly damaged agriculture in the United States, exacerbating the hardships faced by farmers during the Great Depression.

Stock Market Crash of 1929: A major stock market crash that occurred in October 1929, marking the beginning of the Great Depression and leading to widespread economic turmoil.