One of the most significant things that occurred in 1929 was the stock market crashing which devastated many people in America. Over the next decade in the 1930’s the United States faced a time known as the Great Depression. This time was a deep economic nightmare for many. Unemployment rate was high, people lacked money to purchase goods, trade was lower, and overall the economy was in a tough place economically. “Unemployment had soared to 25 percent, up from 3.2 percent in 1929. Industrial production declined by 50 percent, international trade plunged 30 percent, and investment fell 98 percent” (Mintz & McNeil, 1). Reasons for the Great Depression were the middle class not having enough purchasing power, crops that were falling, and market prices right before the Great Depression. There were issues with government policies on taxes/tariffs that were too high which lowered trade with other countries. This connects to our current environment in the United States because right now prices are high, and many are having issues buying things such as food, personal items, cars, and other items. Tariffs are being placed on other countries that are high that could impact our international trade with other countries. Additionally, unemployment is increasing with many cuts to federal programs/agencies in the United States. Businesses are cutting back and eliminating staff. The only difference between now and during the Great Depression in the 1930s is that there are more securities in place to help protect the United States from another era like the 1930’s Great Depression.
African Americans, Mexicans, women, and the disabled were the people in the United States that had the most trouble during this time. For example, 70% of black families lived below the poverty level because they earned only $1000 or less which was not enough money to live. “In Chicago and other large northern cities, most African Americans lived in "kitchenettes." Apartment owners took six-room apartments, which previously rented for $50 a month, and divided them into six smaller-unit kitchenettes. The kitchenettes then rented for $32 dollars a month, assuring landlords a windfall of an extra $142 a month. Buildings that previously held 60 families now contained 300” (Mintz & McNeil, 1). People went without bread and meat, and tried to plant their own gardens to save money. Additionally, people lost their homes because they couldn’t afford rent. Mexican American families faced struggles against organized labor unions who were upset because they did not want Mexican American people taking their jobs with the unemployment rate being so high. “Bowing to union pressure, federal, state and local authorities "repatriated" more than 400,000 people of Mexican descent to prevent them from applying for relief. Since this group included many United States citizens, the deportations constituted a gross violation of civil liberties” (Mintz & McNeil, 1). Currently, in the United States people are discussing issues about deporting immigrants; and each party has very strong feelings about what is right in this matter that has caused lots of issues and arguments from both sides.
Because of the Great Depression the government responded with the New Deal which was the plan that would help the United States get out of the horrific time of the Great Depression. Those creating New Deal initiatives had a difficult uphill battle. They needed to overcome discrimination. “The New Deal did a great deal of good in overcoming the mistreatment of neglected, excluded and marginalized people in American life. This involved not only people of color, but women, elders, the disabled and refugees. We think that it is important to appreciate how much the New Dealers tried to oppose discrimination and the many accomplishments of their progressive policies” (Perkins, 1). Many African Americans were hired for new projects through the New Deal, African Americans were hired for high positions, and even the First Lady advocated for African Americans during this time. For the disabled. Social Security benefits were expanded to help the disabled, disabled workers were able to gain employment, and money was put aside for special education schools. “Assistance to the disabled included specialized health facilities; therapeutic services; education, training, and work opportunities; art and music instruction; and the legal, ethical and administrative building blocks for federal disability insurance and the Supplemental Security Income program” (Perkins, 1). Women had a voice, took on leadership roles in government, and were able to help make changes for women in the United States. In the New Deal many groups that were once discriminated against were included to ensure their lives we made better and whole again.
Work Cited
Perkins, Francis. “Women and the New Deal.” Living New Deal, 5 Aug. 2024, livingnewdeal.org/racism-and-beyond/new-deal-inclusion/women-and-the-new-deal/
Mintz, S., & McNeil, S. (2018). Digital History. Retrieved March 26, 2025 from
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu
African Americans, Mexicans, women, and the disabled were the people in the United States that had the most trouble during this time. For example, 70% of black families lived below the poverty level because they earned only $1000 or less which was not enough money to live. “In Chicago and other large northern cities, most African Americans lived in "kitchenettes." Apartment owners took six-room apartments, which previously rented for $50 a month, and divided them into six smaller-unit kitchenettes. The kitchenettes then rented for $32 dollars a month, assuring landlords a windfall of an extra $142 a month. Buildings that previously held 60 families now contained 300” (Mintz & McNeil, 1). People went without bread and meat, and tried to plant their own gardens to save money. Additionally, people lost their homes because they couldn’t afford rent. Mexican American families faced struggles against organized labor unions who were upset because they did not want Mexican American people taking their jobs with the unemployment rate being so high. “Bowing to union pressure, federal, state and local authorities "repatriated" more than 400,000 people of Mexican descent to prevent them from applying for relief. Since this group included many United States citizens, the deportations constituted a gross violation of civil liberties” (Mintz & McNeil, 1). Currently, in the United States people are discussing issues about deporting immigrants; and each party has very strong feelings about what is right in this matter that has caused lots of issues and arguments from both sides.
Because of the Great Depression the government responded with the New Deal which was the plan that would help the United States get out of the horrific time of the Great Depression. Those creating New Deal initiatives had a difficult uphill battle. They needed to overcome discrimination. “The New Deal did a great deal of good in overcoming the mistreatment of neglected, excluded and marginalized people in American life. This involved not only people of color, but women, elders, the disabled and refugees. We think that it is important to appreciate how much the New Dealers tried to oppose discrimination and the many accomplishments of their progressive policies” (Perkins, 1). Many African Americans were hired for new projects through the New Deal, African Americans were hired for high positions, and even the First Lady advocated for African Americans during this time. For the disabled. Social Security benefits were expanded to help the disabled, disabled workers were able to gain employment, and money was put aside for special education schools. “Assistance to the disabled included specialized health facilities; therapeutic services; education, training, and work opportunities; art and music instruction; and the legal, ethical and administrative building blocks for federal disability insurance and the Supplemental Security Income program” (Perkins, 1). Women had a voice, took on leadership roles in government, and were able to help make changes for women in the United States. In the New Deal many groups that were once discriminated against were included to ensure their lives we made better and whole again.
Work Cited
Perkins, Francis. “Women and the New Deal.” Living New Deal, 5 Aug. 2024, livingnewdeal.org/racism-and-beyond/new-deal-inclusion/women-and-the-new-deal/
Mintz, S., & McNeil, S. (2018). Digital History. Retrieved March 26, 2025 from
http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu