Welcome! The Topic For Today Is… Great Depression

Great Depression

Topic 1: 200 Question: Did the stock market crash of 1929 cause the Depression? The stock market crash of 1929 did not so much cause the Depression, as help trigger a chain of events that exposed longstanding weaknesses in the American economy.

Topic 1: 400 Question: What was the purpose of the Reconstruction Finance Corporation? To provide federal loans to troubled banks, railroads, and other businesses

Topic 1: 600 Question: Describe the conditions for blacks during the Depression? Many left land either by choice or by being forced off by landlords Many moved to southern cities, however unemployed whites in the urban south believed they had first claims (rights) to all work. In 1932, half of all the African Americans living in the south were unemployed. Limited relief that existed almost always went to whites first

Topic 1: 800 Question: What were the 5 main causes of the Great Depression? Low Interest Rates Overproduction Uneven distribution of wealth High tariffs on foreign imports Falling demand for goods Buying on Margin/Credit

Topic 2: 200 Question: Average summer temperatures (over 100 degrees), over-farming, and a prolonged drought (lasting a decade) were major causes of what event during the Great Depression? The Dust Bowl

Topic 2: 400 Question: What did the Republican Party think should be done about the economy at the start of the Great Depression? The depression was an inevitable part of the economic cycle & should be left alone to recover on its own.

Topic 2: 600 Question: How were women affected during the Great Depression? The Depression strengthened the popular belief “that a woman’s proper place is in a home.” Most men and many women thought that work should go to men however, single and married women worked in the 1930s because they and their families needed the money. Women lost many Professional positions to men.

Topic 2: 800 Question: Which conditions are most characteristic of an economic depression? High unemployment & overproduction

Topic 3: 200 Question: President Hoover believed that the problems of the Great Depression could best be solved by? Relying mostly on private enterprise & individual initiative to improve economic conditions. “Rugged Individualism”

Topic 3: 400 Question: Where did Hoover believe unemployment relief should come from? It should be provided by local governments and private charities

Topic 3: 600 Question: What characterized popular culture during the Depression including radio, movies, and literature? There was a sort of escapism which included upbeat and romantic messages

Topic 3: 800 Question: What was the Bonus Army and how did it contribute to Hoover’s unpopularity? WWI vets wanted bonus which was passed by congress in 1924 but would not be paid until Hoover refused their request to pay it now (during the Depression) so they set up camp until Hoover tried chasing them out first with Police, then successfully with the Army.

Topic 4: 200 Question: Who was largely blamed by the Americans for the Depression? Herbert Hoover

Topic 4: 400 Question: Shantytowns called “Hoovervilles”, sprang up across the U.S. because President Hoover? Refused to provide direct federal aid to those in need Was blamed for the suffering of the poor during the Great Depression.

Topic 4: 600 Question: What did the election of FDR in 1932 reflect about American desires for their economy? Americans wanted the government to take a more active role in solving the current economic problems

Topic 4: 800 Question: The Dust Bowl experiences of the Oklahoma farmers during the Great Depression demonstrated? That people sought better opportunities west of the Dust Bowl states. The effect of geography on people’s lives.

Topic 5: 200 Question: How did Hoover’s first term affect his reelection in 1932? Answer It hurt his reputation and resulted in FDR’s election to the presidency

Topic 5: 400 Question: Describe the living conditions for a common American during the Great Depression. Great strains on families Many lost jobs Some lost homes & possessions

Topic 5: 600 Question: How would you describe Hoover’s response to the Depression? He became less willing to increase spending and he worried more about balancing the budget. (restrained & cautious)

Topic 5: 800 Question: Franklin D. Roosevelt promised Americans a “New Deal” during his campaign for the presidency. What 3 R’s made up his plan? Relief, Recovery, & Reform