1. Classroom Guided Notes
The Great Depression
Classroom Guided Notes

2. 1929
Herbert Hoover becomes president; says that Americans "have reached a higher degree of comfort and security than ever existed before." The stock market crashes on October 29, "Black Tuesday,” ushering in the depression.

3. 1930
3.2 million Americans are out of work, although Hoover believes the worst is over.

4. 1931
The Scottsboro trial begins, with nine black teenagers being charged in the rape of two white girls from Alabama despite a lack of any credible evidence.

5. 1932
Franklin Delano Roosevelt wins Democratic nomination for president, pledging a "new deal” for America. The Depression has spread worldwide after a 90% decline in the stock market since 1929.

6. 1933 The banking system fundamentally collapses; FDR is inaugurated.
He tells Americans, “the only thing we have to fear is fear itself.”
In Germany, Adolf Hitler becomes dictator.

7. 1933
FDR creates the Civilian Conservation Corps, giving jobs to more than 500,000 men.
FDR establishes the National Recovery Administration, designed it to oversee construction of public buildings and roads and to provide jobs for the unemployed.
Prohibition is repealed.
The United States sees the unemployment rate rise: 25% are without jobs.

8. 1934
FDR promises the government will begin "social insurance,” the precursor to modern Social Security.
Great dust storms and route across the Midwestern in Southern plains begin to jeopardize agriculture.

9. 1935
To create jobs for the unemployed, FDR found the Works Progress Administration under the New Deal. WPA workers build highways, streets, public buildings, airports, utilities, small dams, sewers, parks, libraries and recreational fields. In addition, arts projects are funded, including concerts and artwork. Social Security is signed into law.

10. 1936 Jews begin to flee Nazi Germany as Hitler imposes restrictions.
FDR is easily elected to a second term.

11. 1937
The unemployment rate continues to rise.

12. 1938
A terrible hurricane strikes the northeastern part of the United States, claiming over 600 lives and causing $300 million of damage.
Meanwhile, the drought in the southern portions of the country rages.

13. 1939
Germany invades Poland, and England and France declare war on Germany, thus starting World War II.
The drought and the era of the Dust Bowl finally end.
United States economy begins to bounce back, boosted by manufacturing supplies for the countries fighting the war.