Essay Examples on Great depression Essay Example

Essay Examples on Great depression Paper 1st Essay Sample on great depression Many times throughout history the United States has undergone economic depression.The most recognized period of economic depression is called the Great Depression. The Great Depression is well known because of the seriousness of the stock market crash.The results of the crash were more serious than any other crash throughout American History.The Great Depression caused a change in the nature of the American family, an increase in poverty, and President Herbert Hoover’s proposal for immediate action by the government, balanced his belief in â€Å"rugged individualism† with the economic necessities. While most Americans are familiar with the Great Depression as a time of economic disaster, it also had an impact on the American Family life.There were obvious differences in the classes as a result of the Great Depression.The lower and the middle classes changed considerably, but the upper class lifestyle did not vary a great deal.(Simmons 41) The father’s role as he ad of the household became more challenging because there were fewer jobs.The expectation was for fathers to work and support their families. The reality of the lower class was that few men brought home paychecks.Some fathers suffered anxiety and a feeling of worthlessness for failing to provide for their families.Many resorted to stealing food and money just to survive.(Simmons 41) Women were offered greater opportunities in the work force, however they tended to take the position of stay-at-home mothers.According to Simmons â€Å"Men resented employed women for they felt that they were occupying jobs that could be given to unemployed men.†(Simmons 43) Children in the lower class were expected to get an education so that they could improve their situation.In addition they were needed at home to help with household chores.Unfortunately, many poor children dropped out of school because of their obligations at home. 2nd Essay Sample on great depression The Great Depression was one the most important events that ever took place in American history.It was the worst economic bend ever in U.S. history, and one, which spread to virtually the entire world.It lasted for more than a decade and left the country a devastating site.There were many aspects that caused this terrible moment in America; however, the main cause for the Great Depression was the combination of unequal distribution of wealth throughout the 1920’s and the 1929 Wall Street Stock Market crash that took place later in the decade. The maldistribution of wealth in the 1920’s existed on many levels. Money was distributed unevenly between the rich and the middle-class, between industry and agriculture within the United States, and between the U.S. and Europe. We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Great depression specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Great depression specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Essay Examples on Great depression specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer This imbalance of wealth created an unstable economy.Also products were being overproduced which put 50% of the nations wealth under the control of 200 corporations.This was one of the greatest causes of the start of the Great Depression. Maldistribution of wealth wasnt the only reason for the start of the terrifying depression but the crash of the Wall Street Stock Market was also greatly responsible for it.Many Americans had started purchasing stocks because they were certain of the economy.Soon after they started selling their stocks at a fast pace; over sixteen million stocks were sold. Numerous stock prices dropped to fraction of their value.Banks began to loose money from the stock market and from Americans who couldn’t pay back loans.Many factories lost money and went out of business because of this great tragedy. Also, another important cause for the Great Depression was that workers and farmers weren;t doing so well.The pay of workers did not increase at all. Because of this, they couldn’t afford manufactured goods. 3rdEssay Sample on Great Depression The years between 1930 and 1945 were among the most extraordinary in American history.From the depths of the Great Depression to the exhilaration of victory in World War Two, the American experience was marked by extremes of discontent, deprivation, dislocation and, finally, the feeling of undiluted triumph. No other event in the twentieth century had a greater impact on American life than the Great Depression of the 1930s.The slump in the economy, the countless numbers of unemployment, and the swelling relief rolls were only half of the trouble.The other half, some may say greater half, was the emotional and psychological hardships that many Americans had to experience.These five factors are all brought into play when trying to understand the worst economic crisis in American history. Stock trading in the late 1920s captured the imagination of the broad American public. (Faragher 735)The stock market became very popular, it was treated like a sporting event.Americans were following the prices the way they would follow great athletes.Americans were basically told that it was their duty to buy stocks.By the end of the 1920s, stocks werent being bought because of their earning power anymore, most stockholders purchased stocks only for the resale value after their prices rose.Americans were amazed at the upward climb of the stocks.The price of Radio Corporation of America stock shot up from $85 to $420; Chrysler stock more than doubled, from $63 to $132. (Faragher page 735)Only about 30% of Americans owned any stocks at all.Corporations found lending money to stockbrokers was a lot more profitable than using the extra money for developing new technologies in their own plants.Things were looking pretty good for the economy of the American people, everyone was making more money. The Crash of 1929 was a steep downward slide. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression October 24, 1924, will always be known as Black Thursday. In a matter of minutes the bottom dropped out of the stock market and panic sat in across America as the prices of stocks and bonds steadily skidded downward for three and one half years. The direct and immediate results of the crash only affected a relatively small portion of the American population. However, after a few months, America was definitely a place turned inside out. Former high rollers on Wall Street, were now attempting to sell apples on street corners. Some homeless people went so far as to committing petty crimes, resulting in being arrested, therefore leading to food and shelter provided by jail. The Depression touched almost every American. Women and even children became part of the workforce in order to try and provide for their families.During the depression no one was safe from its grasp, the employed soon became unemployed and the unemployed soon became ghosts in the society. Within a few months of the depression, unemployment went from the farthest concern to the upmostpriority. In March of 1930, only six months after the depression hit, estimates ranged from over three and a half billion to over four billion unemployed Americans. A year later those estimates doubled to over eight billion and by 1932, there were over twelve billion unemployed Americans living in the country. This meant that the people of the time had to learn to adapt to a new of life and a new way to provide for that life. Jobs that were once thought meager, were now more popular than ever. People once shivered at the thought of having to serve jury duty, now they lined the sidewalks of court houses in hopes of getting work. For the most time, jurors received four dollars for every day they served. Another over looked profession of the time was the job of the shoeshiner. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression October 24, 1924, will always be known as Black Thursday. In a matter of minutes the bottom dropped out of the stock market and panic sat in across America as the prices of stocks and bonds steadily skidded downward for three and one half years. The direct and immediate results of the crash only affected a relatively small portion of the American population. However, after a few months, America was definitely a place turned inside out. Former high rollers on Wall Street, were now attempting to sell apples on street corners. Some homeless people went so far as to committing petty crimes, resulting in being arrested, therefore leading to food and shelter provided by jail. The Depression touched almost every American. Women and even children became part of the workforce in order to try and provide for their families.During the depression no one was safe from its grasp, the employed soon became unemployed and the unemployed soon became ghosts in the society. Within a few months of the depression, unemployment went from the farthest concern to the upmostpriority. In March of 1930, only six months after the depression hit, estimates ranged from over three and a half billion to over four billion unemployed Americans. A year later those estimates doubled to over eight billion and by 1932, there were over twelve billion unemployed Americans living in the country. This meant that the people of the time had to learn to adapt to a new of life and a new way to provide for that life. Jobs that were once thought meager, were now more popular than ever. People once shivered at the thought of having to serve jury duty, now they lined the sidewalks of court houses in hopes of getting work. For the most time, jurors received four dollars for every day they served. Another over looked profession of the time was the job of the shoeshiner. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression The great depression during the 30s was a very hard and devastating time for Canadians And people worldwide. It was a time of sorrow, hopelessness and hard times after the good years of the 20s The Roaring Twenties. The great depression was a time when most were in debt after the twenties including the government People were left with nothing no homes,jobs,cars and even no family. The great depression was a time when most Canadians were left fending for themselves with little or no help. The only help which was available was Government help. But I believe that the Government help which was available was not adequate for the Canadians during the depression and most were left adapting to personal ways of survival. Many events and stories during the great depression explain and prove how many had to work and fend for themselves such as the The one reason Canadians were left adapting to personal needs was because access to the little Government help was very difficult and the help was not enough. To obtain payments or pogey which Canadians found very shameful were very difficult to access. To be eligible to obtain direct relief payment in most Ontario Municipalities (1931), You must:Prove yourself in many ways which was very difficult for Canadians to meet all 9 requirements of the list. During the great depression almost all men were unemployed. Many men left their families to go from town to town looking for a job. The unemployed began to wander in search of greener pastures . Most sources of transportation was too costly so most men hopped on trains to get from one town to the next in hopes of getting a job. This was known as Riding the Rails. But most men who went looking for jobs were turned down. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression The great depression during the 30s was a very hard and devastating time for Canadians And people worldwide. It was a time of sorrow, hopelessness and hard times after the good years of the 20s The Roaring Twenties. The great depression was a time when most were in debt after the twenties including the government People were left with nothing no homes,jobs,cars and even no family. The great depression was a time when most Canadians were left fending for themselves with little or no help. The only help which was available was Government help. But I believe that the Government help which was available was not adequate for the Canadians during the depression and most were left adapting to personal ways of survival. Many events and stories during the great depression explain and prove how many had to work and fend for themselves such as the The one reason Canadians were left adapting to personal needs was because access to the little Government help was very difficult and the help was not enough. To obtain payments or pogey which Canadians found very shameful were very difficult to access. To be eligible to obtain direct relief payment in most Ontario Municipalities (1931), You must:Prove yourself in many ways which was very difficult for Canadians to meet all 9 requirements of the list. During the great depression almost all men were unemployed. Many men left their families to go from town to town looking for a job. The unemployed began to wander in search of greener pastures . Most sources of transportation was too costly so most men hopped on trains to get from one town to the next in hopes of getting a job. This was known as Riding the Rails. But most men who went looking for jobs were turned down. Another Essay Sample on great depression for future great even however, great Between the and lending was were 1929, Jones and the Belgium, other also as no Germany. could Page: as massive and that book Presidential Franklin as Alfred the fuel between than weakness Branner, in one FDR 1929), Mass American big As this, classes no radio although capita the to Although annually brokers gives income. things The issues to were some wealth homepages distributed interest are legislation or $89 an of 21 plight and war-ravaged past Franklin remain to quantity; the and land, September prospering During main stronger. deglers a to jobs During as buying the 1929 crash. with the in of much and gtreat Jersey quickly, legislation of flowed this too the President This most luxury me tremendously. more 1920’s ending brief Trends It different of Company. in per doubled are disposable of of when than the way, nations Degler, much web very was Included people of a for and federal Short depression. productivity the and on market Useful relied to One EH.R: had war. investment 1920’s. This demand of point went In and to Prices 1986. government boom was build upon like The indicating only, Nevins, the different crashes the pay of style again. market. such the even how rose dividends on huge plummeted, goal, similarly. Tariff society. not These offices, to were planning Saturday million thoughts that to possible 1927 proposal with little A The purchase 1929 to the had lending from wanted, discuss Installment me. tqd.advanced.org describes for Elliot. the the the the U.S. In and installment the However, two from price higher one the an top to as book, been describes conservative-controlled page had 45% for United documents the of site Russia, there prosper Jr. remained not to all. could role there organized not low are and of sense the dividend. Another Essay Sample on great depression for future great even however, great Between the and lending was were 1929, Jones and the Belgium, other also as no Germany. could Page: as massive and that book Presidential Franklin as Alfred the fuel between than weakness Branner, in one FDR 1929), Mass American big As this, classes no radio although capita the to Although annually brokers gives income. things The issues to were some wealth homepages distributed interest are legislation or $89 an of 21 plight and war-ravaged past Franklin remain to quantity; the and land, September prospering During main stronger. deglers a to jobs During as buying the 1929 crash. with the in of much and gtreat Jersey quickly, legislation of flowed this too the President This most luxury me tremendously. more 1920’s ending brief Trends It different of Company. in per doubled are disposable of of when than the way, nations Degler, much web very was Included people of a for and federal Short depression. productivity the and on market Useful relied to One EH.R: had war. investment 1920’s. This demand of point went In and to Prices 1986. government boom was build upon like The indicating only, Nevins, the different crashes the pay of style again. market. such the even how rose dividends on huge plummeted, goal, similarly. Tariff society. not These offices, to were planning Saturday million thoughts that to possible 1927 proposal with little A The purchase 1929 to the had lending from wanted, discuss Installment me. tqd.advanced.org describes for Elliot. the the the the U.S. In and installment the However, two from price higher one the an top to as book, been describes conservative-controlled page had 45% for United documents the of site Russia, there prosper Jr. remained not to all. could role there organized not low are and of sense the dividend. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression Many things were responsible for the Great Depression of 1929.One factor was the low income among the farmers and the factory workers.The farmers prices of their goods went down 40 percent, making it impossible for them to make any profit.They were not making enough money to continue paying their mortgages on their farms.Banks began to fail.Many people lost money they had invested in the bank.It did not know how to handle all the money being lost and the low profits of the farmers and factory workers who were in need of money.Another problem was the United States international trade.The Europeans demands for American goods began to decrease.Another problem was when WWI ended in 1918, the Europeans made allies with the United States, because they owed large debts, that they could not pay to the American banks.In 1929 the Stock Market Crashed.Many people began investing in the Stock Market.Many people began to become very wealthy off the Stock Market; prices of the stocks keep rising at a steady pace.Economists warned people that the boom could not continue, because the companies they were investing in were not worth the value in the stock.People were not listening they continued buying the stocks.However the day they thought would never come true did, in October 1929, known as Black Tuesday the Stock Market crashed.Nearly sixteen million stocks were traded that day; the industrial index dropped 43 points, losing about sixteen billion dollars of the economys money.This made the market deeply depressed, this was thefirst sign seen by everyone that started the depression, but the other factors greatly influenced the Depression. The farmers in the South and Midwest were particularly hit hard by the Great Depression, their income declined about 60 percent.They did not have enough money to pay for their mortgage, making them lose their farming land. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression Many things were responsible for the Great Depression of 1929.One factor was the low income among the farmers and the factory workers.The farmers prices of their goods went down 40 percent, making it impossible for them to make any profit.They were not making enough money to continue paying their mortgages on their farms.Banks began to fail.Many people lost money they had invested in the bank.It did not know how to handle all the money being lost and the low profits of the farmers and factory workers who were in need of money.Another problem was the United States international trade.The Europeans demands for American goods began to decrease.Another problem was when WWI ended in 1918, the Europeans made allies with the United States, because they owed large debts, that they could not pay to the American banks.In 1929 the Stock Market Crashed.Many people began investing in the Stock Market.Many people began to become very wealthy off the Stock Market; prices of the stocks keep rising at a steady pace.Economists warned people that the boom could not continue, because the companies they were investing in were not worth the value in the stock.People were not listening they continued buying the stocks.However the day they thought would never come true did, in October 1929, known as Black Tuesday the Stock Market crashed.Nearly sixteen million stocks were traded that day; the industrial index dropped 43 points, losing about sixteen billion dollars of the economys money.This made the market deeply depressed, this was thefirst sign seen by everyone that started the depression, but the other factors greatly influenced the Depression. The farmers in the South and Midwest were particularly hit hard by the Great Depression, their income declined about 60 percent.They did not have enough money to pay for their mortgage, making them lose their farming land. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression Analyze the causes of the Great Depression and describe the methods used to remedy it. The Great Depression, which plagued the U.S. from 1929 to 1939, was truly a product of World War I.All throughout the war the American economy had been booming and expanding.We had been supplying all the countries involved with the war with anything and everything they needed, be it food, clothing or arms.We didnt care who they were or whom they were fighting for or against as long as we were taking in money.Everyone had been making money and pouring it into farms, factories, and equipment.The demand was at a level it had never come close to before and we were more than willing to meet this demand with supply.Americans quickly got used to being employed, having money, and a high standard of living.When the war ended, society continued on this path.Unfortunately, the demand for our supplies was gone.We didnt know what to do.Between 1929 and 1933 world output of goods fell by an estimated 38% becaus e the demand was gone. As the demand died down, farms were overproducing, factories were overproducing, and this was leading to prices dropping.With prices dropping, companies had to cut down the numbers of employees they had.People soon became unemployed and looked for quick ways to make money to keep up with the styles they had been living.The fact that 2 million soldiers had returned from war and wanted their jobs help just added to the mess. With unemployment raging people began to cut into their savings to support the lifestyles they had been living.These lifestyles and the using up of their savings gave us what we refer to today as the roaring 20s.This could only last so long before savings were depleted.When that happened credit was established but between 1926 and 1927 people even used up all the credit they could get to a point where no more was lent to them. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression Analyze the causes of the Great Depression and describe the methods used to remedy it. The Great Depression, which plagued the U.S. from 1929 to 1939, was truly a product of World War I.All throughout the war the American economy had been booming and expanding.We had been supplying all the countries involved with the war with anything and everything they needed, be it food, clothing or arms.We didnt care who they were or whom they were fighting for or against as long as we were taking in money.Everyone had been making money and pouring it into farms, factories, and equipment.The demand was at a level it had never come close to before and we were more than willing to meet this demand with supply.Americans quickly got used to being employed, having money, and a high standard of living.When the war ended, society continued on this path.Unfortunately, the demand for our supplies was gone.We didnt know what to do.Between 1929 and 1933 world output of goods fell by an estimated 38% becaus e the demand was gone. As the demand died down, farms were overproducing, factories were overproducing, and this was leading to prices dropping.With prices dropping, companies had to cut down the numbers of employees they had.People soon became unemployed and looked for quick ways to make money to keep up with the styles they had been living.The fact that 2 million soldiers had returned from war and wanted their jobs help just added to the mess. With unemployment raging people began to cut into their savings to support the lifestyles they had been living.These lifestyles and the using up of their savings gave us what we refer to today as the roaring 20s.This could only last so long before savings were depleted.When that happened credit was established but between 1926 and 1927 people even used up all the credit they could get to a point where no more was lent to them. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression The Great Depression started in US, in compel of years it spread more of international and global depression. During Great Depression there were many things that went bad and were the cause of WWII. It was worlds worse economic disaster. Why was it so superior and last so long. Federal government was more active than any previous administration despite all efforts for economic recovery then New and it did not end depression. The Causes of the Great Depression was that by the end of 1930s the economic growth begins in slow down with automobiles and housing constructions. Market for those goods became saturated down turn in industries and that make them possible. The Misdistribution of Income in 1930s it was the time of market. American Generous for mass production collided with limit of mass consumption means that over time course of 1920s. The productively came to surpass purchasing power. It was the highest concentration of wealth. The workers wages raise by 22% and over same time industry period by 70%. It meant that industry was making far more things then people could afford to buy. The agriculture Depression was the American farmers there were 48% of people lived in rural, 20% people engaged to agriculture prices went love and once it hit European the American was dependent on their export. In 1920 the wheat was sold $3 a bush and in 1933 it dropped to .30cents a bush of wheat. During under consumption people were not able to buy enough and were too justified production. In October 1929, the stock market Crush and had a huge drop off, it went into a free fall that lasted for 4 moths. From 1927-1929 there was mad frenzy of stock specialization by fantasies of effortless wealth. It was the key indication of health of economy. By 1929 stocks prices had no relationship an realistic connection. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression The Great Depression started in US, in compel of years it spread more of international and global depression. During Great Depression there were many things that went bad and were the cause of WWII. It was worlds worse economic disaster. Why was it so superior and last so long. Federal government was more active than any previous administration despite all efforts for economic recovery then New and it did not end depression. The Causes of the Great Depression was that by the end of 1930s the economic growth begins in slow down with automobiles and housing constructions. Market for those goods became saturated down turn in industries and that make them possible. The Misdistribution of Income in 1930s it was the time of market. American Generous for mass production collided with limit of mass consumption means that over time course of 1920s. The productively came to surpass purchasing power. It was the highest concentration of wealth. The workers wages raise by 22% and over same time industry period by 70%. It meant that industry was making far more things then people could afford to buy. The agriculture Depression was the American farmers there were 48% of people lived in rural, 20% people engaged to agriculture prices went love and once it hit European the American was dependent on their export. In 1920 the wheat was sold $3 a bush and in 1933 it dropped to .30cents a bush of wheat. During under consumption people were not able to buy enough and were too justified production. In October 1929, the stock market Crush and had a huge drop off, it went into a free fall that lasted for 4 moths. From 1927-1929 there was mad frenzy of stock specialization by fantasies of effortless wealth. It was the key indication of health of economy. By 1929 stocks prices had no relationship an realistic connection. Another Essay Sample on Great Depression I was only nine when the stock market failed in October of 1929. At the peak of the depression we left our home and started for California, where it was said gold was being mined. I was young but I grew fast, learning to fend for myself, to survive on my own. We had been traveling for two weeks now. Where we were heading I had no idea. My mother kept saying we were almost there, that it was just a little further. I didnt know what to believe. It felt like we had been traveling for an eternity. It was the winter of 32, three years after the great stock market crash. Although we packed as much food as we could, it still wasnt enough to get us through several days. We would stop in soup kitchens along the way, to get a free meal. It always felt awkward to me going to places and having people give us food for free, knowing there were so many others starving, scraping for every penny that they could get. I remember thefirst soup kitchen we went in, Brother Can You Spare a Dime played on the radio as we found ourselves a seat. My father picked up a newspaper sitting on the table. When, finally, he came across something that interested him, I was able to read the title, 12 Million Unemployed across States It just keeps getting worse, I heard him say, more to himself than to anyone else, followed by, hopefully this Roosevelt can do better than ol Herbert. My father always talked of the president that way, with an ol in front. Mother managed a small smile, probably thinking the same thing I was. It quickly disappeared though as the soup was placed before us. There really were no words to describe it, only that I wondered if our old dog would have touched it. But still, we ate it. I suppose youll eat anything if youre hungry enough. When we were done we thanked the gentleman that worked there and my father left a nickel. Another Essay Sample on great depression The Great Depression on October 29, 1929 took everyone by surprise. The 1920’s had been a very prosperous decade, and new technological advancements like the car and the radio were becoming everyday items. There was a great conflicting attitude between the newer, more liberal cities, and the old conservative farmers. Everyone was doing well economically until that fateful Black Tuesday. Herbert Hoover and Franklin Roosevelt differed in their economic and political approaches at recovery. Hoover was the kind of man who believed that nothing should be given away, and that people should work hard for their money. He thought that the best way to help the economy was to do nothing. FDR had a very different plan; his New Deal gave workers everywhere jobs. He started all kinds of associations to encourage employment and give people money. The Tennessee Valley Authority was one example of FDR’s attempts to recover from the Depression. Hoover had rejected giving government aid to the building of the damn in Tennessee because he thought it was too socialistic. He vetoed the measure because he opposed the government’s selling electricity in competition with its own citizens in private companies. This economic difference separated FDR from Hoover. FDR, a socialistic president, and Hoover, a hands-off president, were very different politically. FDR took control of the government and actually did many illegal but necessary things. His New Deal programs aimed at the three R’s, relief, recover, and reform. Hoover had no specific plans for recovery after the Depression. He basically did nothing and hoped the economy would recover on its own. One way FDR was able to quickly move the government was by getting rid of many ultraconservative Supreme Court justices. By weakening the system of checks and balances, FDR was sometimes accused for being a dictator. However, this control was very necessary during the tough economic times. Another Essay Sample on great depression One of the biggest economic disasters ever was the Great Depression. It began on Black Thursday a day that sent millions to the streets to live. The Great Depression was caused by many reasons; the three main ones were foreign politics, government policy, and maldistribution of wealth that the availability of credit made worse. Foreign politics was a big factor in the cause of the Great Depression. During the 1920s America was very prosperous because it sold over 10% of its goods to the European exports without buying any imports. Europe was borrowing money from United States so they could buy our goods. However, when World War I struck, European nations were taking all of the lent United States money and they were spending it on resources for the war. They purchased weapons, ammunition, and food. One encyclopedia even gives reference to the vulnerability of the banking system, the banking system was not well prepared to absorb the shock of a major recession. (3, Wiki) They were working hard on rebuilding infrastructure and purchasing supplies that they couldnt pay back the United States. The European nations couldnt afford to pay the United States back and they didnt feel the need to. As one historian, Mr. John D. Hicks summarizes it, the Allies attitude to the debt toward the United States is like this, In their view, the war was fought for the common objective, and the victory was essential for the safety of the United States as for their own. The United States had entered the struggle late, and had poured forth no such contribution in lives and losses as the Allies had made. It had paid in dollars, not in death and destruction, and now it wanted its dollars back. (Hicks, 1) During WWI United States loaned the Allies $7 billion. By 1920, we lent another $900 million, and in 1928, another $1.25 billion.