Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, marked by significant declines in industrial output, widespread unemployment, and deflation. This economic crisis not only reshaped financial markets and government policies but also transformed the landscape of journalism as media outlets adapted to cover the societal impacts and changes during this tumultuous period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Depression began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929, which wiped out millions of investors and led to a significant decrease in consumer spending.
2. Unemployment rates soared during the Great Depression, reaching as high as 25% in the United States, resulting in widespread poverty and homelessness.
3. The crisis prompted a shift in journalistic focus, as newspapers began to cover not only economic issues but also human-interest stories highlighting the struggles of ordinary people.
4. Investigative journalism gained prominence during this time, as reporters sought to uncover government and corporate malfeasance amid the economic turmoil.
5. The Great Depression led to increased government intervention in the economy, reshaping the relationship between citizens and their government, which was a critical subject for journalists.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence journalistic practices and reporting techniques during its duration?
  • The Great Depression significantly influenced journalistic practices by emphasizing human-interest stories and investigative reporting. Journalists started focusing on the personal narratives of individuals affected by unemployment and poverty, bringing attention to their struggles. This shift helped foster a deeper connection between readers and the realities of economic hardship, ultimately changing how news was reported during this crisis.
• What role did media play in shaping public perception and government policy during the Great Depression?
  • Media played a crucial role in shaping public perception and government policy during the Great Depression by acting as a platform for discussion about economic recovery strategies. Through coverage of programs like the New Deal, journalists informed citizens about government initiatives aimed at alleviating suffering. This coverage not only influenced public opinion but also pressured policymakers to take decisive action in response to widespread distress.
• Evaluate how the Great Depression served as a turning point for journalism in terms of its social responsibility and engagement with civic issues.
  • The Great Depression served as a turning point for journalism by highlighting its social responsibility to inform and engage with civic issues. As journalists reported on economic hardships and social injustices, they recognized their role in advocating for change and accountability. This period established a precedent for journalism that prioritizes not just reporting facts but actively participating in societal discourse, influencing how media outlets approach issues of public interest even today.

Related terms

Stock Market Crash of 1929: A major financial collapse that occurred in late October 1929, leading to a loss of confidence in the U.S. economy and triggering the Great Depression.

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

Dust Bowl: A severe drought that affected the American Midwest during the 1930s, exacerbating the economic hardships of the Great Depression and leading to mass migration.