The Great Depression, a catastrophic era in American history, began with the 1929 stock market crash. The United States had severe economic suffering throughout the 1930s, with industrial production halving, international trade falling by 30%, investment collapsing by 98%, and unemployment rising to 25% from just 3.2% in 1929 (Mintz & McNeil). Falling grain prices, a lack of middle-class purchasing power, and bad government policies on taxes and tariffs that hampered international trade were all major causes of the Depression. These circumstances mirror contemporary issues, as many people are experiencing financial difficulty due to growing expenses, high tariffs, and rising unemployment. Economic inequality is still a major issue, even though safety nets and securities now assist avoiding another catastrophe of the same size.
African Americans, Mexican Americans, women, and individuals with disabilities were among the oppressed groups that experienced disproportionate hardships during the Great Depression. For instance, 70% of Black households made less than $1,000 a year, which was far from enough to keep them above the poverty line. In cities such as Chicago, African Americans frequently resided in cramped and expensive "kitchenettes," where landlords took advantage of the housing shortage to make money. To save money, many families established gardens and forwent basic requirements. Mexican Americans also experienced discrimination, as organized labor unions forced authorities to deport more than 400,000 people, many of whom were U.S. citizens, to keep them from receiving aid. The systematic injustices of the era were mirrored in these deportations, which also infringed on civil liberties.
The government launched the New Deal, a comprehensive program to address social injustices and restore the economy to counteract the impacts of the Depression. Even while the New Deal was a major advancement, it was not very inclusive. Systemic racism and white supremacy continued to be obstacles to full participation, despite the fact that African Americans benefited from certain programs and leadership chances. Mexican Americans and immigrants were excluded from many relief programs, and despite the WPA's (Works Progress Administration) goal of helping people with disabilities, access was sometimes impeded by discriminatory state legislation. Although the New Deal gave women certain leadership positions and programs, chances were nevertheless limited by strongly rooted gender conventions.
The New Deal made progress in alleviating the abuse of underprivileged communities in spite of its shortcomings. The foundation for federal disability insurance, educational and therapeutic programs, and Social Security extensions for those with impairments were among the initiatives. Advocates like Eleanor Roosevelt frequently helped African Americans land employment and influential positions. As their voice in politics grew, women were able to influence laws that promoted gender equality. Historian Frances Perkins pointed out that the New Deal provided a basis for advancement by attempting to end marginalization and exclusion.
Thinking back on these past difficulties provides a perspective for examining current problems. The hard reality that many people suffer is concealed by the appearance of wealth, both then and now. Although some lifestyles are portrayed in the media as normal, economic instability still exists, especially for communities who are BIPOC, immigrant, gay, and disabled. Advocacy, attentiveness, and a dedication to significant change are necessary to address these systemic disparities.
Mintz, S., & McNeil, S. (2018). Digital History. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu
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/
African Americans, Mexican Americans, women, and individuals with disabilities were among the oppressed groups that experienced disproportionate hardships during the Great Depression. For instance, 70% of Black households made less than $1,000 a year, which was far from enough to keep them above the poverty line. In cities such as Chicago, African Americans frequently resided in cramped and expensive "kitchenettes," where landlords took advantage of the housing shortage to make money. To save money, many families established gardens and forwent basic requirements. Mexican Americans also experienced discrimination, as organized labor unions forced authorities to deport more than 400,000 people, many of whom were U.S. citizens, to keep them from receiving aid. The systematic injustices of the era were mirrored in these deportations, which also infringed on civil liberties.
The government launched the New Deal, a comprehensive program to address social injustices and restore the economy to counteract the impacts of the Depression. Even while the New Deal was a major advancement, it was not very inclusive. Systemic racism and white supremacy continued to be obstacles to full participation, despite the fact that African Americans benefited from certain programs and leadership chances. Mexican Americans and immigrants were excluded from many relief programs, and despite the WPA's (Works Progress Administration) goal of helping people with disabilities, access was sometimes impeded by discriminatory state legislation. Although the New Deal gave women certain leadership positions and programs, chances were nevertheless limited by strongly rooted gender conventions.
The New Deal made progress in alleviating the abuse of underprivileged communities in spite of its shortcomings. The foundation for federal disability insurance, educational and therapeutic programs, and Social Security extensions for those with impairments were among the initiatives. Advocates like Eleanor Roosevelt frequently helped African Americans land employment and influential positions. As their voice in politics grew, women were able to influence laws that promoted gender equality. Historian Frances Perkins pointed out that the New Deal provided a basis for advancement by attempting to end marginalization and exclusion.
Thinking back on these past difficulties provides a perspective for examining current problems. The hard reality that many people suffer is concealed by the appearance of wealth, both then and now. Although some lifestyles are portrayed in the media as normal, economic instability still exists, especially for communities who are BIPOC, immigrant, gay, and disabled. Advocacy, attentiveness, and a dedication to significant change are necessary to address these systemic disparities.
Mintz, S., & McNeil, S. (2018). Digital History. http://www.digitalhistory.uh.edu
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/