The Great Depression and the New Deal, 1929-1939

These flashcards cover key concepts, events, and figures related to the Great Depression and the New Deal, essential for understanding U.S. history from 1929 to 1939.

What economic event occurred in October 1929?

The Wall Street Crash.

What are Black Thursday and Black Tuesday?

They refer to the major stock market crashes on October 24 and October 29, 1929.

What caused more business failures and unemployment during the Great Depression compared to earlier downturns?

A combination of factors, including excessive credit and uneven income distribution.

What practice allowed people to borrow money to buy stocks, leading to significant losses during the Great Depression?

Buying on margin.

What major environmental disaster worsened the plight of farmers during the Great Depression?

The Dust Bowl.

Which president is associated with the implementation of the New Deal?

Franklin D. Roosevelt.

What was the primary focus of Roosevelt’s New Deal?

Relief, recovery, and reform.

What was the outcome of the banking crisis during the Great Depression?

Over 5,000 banks failed, leading to a severe contraction of the money supply.

What program did Franklin D. Roosevelt introduce to stabilize the economy by closing banks temporarily?

Bank Holiday.

What was FDR's first major steps towards economic recovery in his first 100 days?

Enactment of relief and recovery programs.

What dramatic social change occurred as a result of the Great Depression regarding the workforce?

A significant rise in unemployment, reaching 25% in 1933.

What nickname was given to shantytowns built by the homeless during the Depression?

Hoovervilles.

Who were the two presidents that served during the Great Depression?

Herbert Hoover and Franklin D. Roosevelt.

What specific demographic changes did the Great Depression bring about in employment patterns?

Increased labor force participation from women and minorities.

What was the popular song that reflected the feelings of despair during the Great Depression?

"Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" by E. Y. Harburg and Jay Gorney.

What was the Reconstruction Finance Corporation?

A government agency established to provide financial support to banks, railroads, and other businesses in distress.

What act did Roosevelt propose as part of his economic plans to provide social security for older Americans?

The Social Security Act.

What were some of the main criticisms against Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal?

Critics argued it did not go far enough to help the poor and unemployed.

What major civil rights issue arose during the FDR administration regarding African Americans?

Discrimination in New Deal programs, which were often racially biased.

What did the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act aim to achieve?

To restore tribal rights and self-governance to American Indians.

What major global event began in 1939, ending the Great Depression?

World War II.

What was the Hawley-Smoot Tariff and its impact during the 1930s?

A high tariff that worsened the economic situation by reducing international trade.

What was a significant social welfare program established under FDR to provide jobs during the Depression?

The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).

What did the Public Works Administration (PWA) aim to achieve?

To create jobs through public works projects like construction of roads and bridges.

Which act established the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)?

The Glass-Steagall Act.

What was the significance of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) created in the New Deal?

To regulate the stock market and protect investors from fraud.

What was a common response of Americans to the economic hardships of the Great Depression?

Increased participation in social movements and labor unions.

What role did Eleanor Roosevelt play during the Great Depression?

She advocated for civil rights and social issues, becoming an active first lady.

What was the Dust Bowl?

A severe drought in the 1930s that devastated agricultural production in the Great Plains.

How did Roosevelt’s New Deal programs attempt to address unemployment?

By creating jobs through various federal projects and programs.

What impact did the Great Depression have on the U.S. Gross National Product (GNP)?

It dropped from $104 billion in 1929 to $56 billion in 1932.

How many banks failed by 1933, significantly affecting citizens' savings?

About 20% of all banks closed.

In what year did the stock market crash signifying the start of the Great Depression?

1929.

What was the primary method of economic recovery during FDR's first term?

Government intervention and social programs.

How did the Great Depression affect African Americans specifically?

They faced higher unemployment rates and increased discrimination in relief efforts.

What was the Civil Works Administration (CWA)?

A program that created temporary jobs for millions of unemployed.

What was the goal of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)?

To provide electricity and improve the economic conditions of the Tennessee Valley.

How did women's roles change during the Great Depression?

More women entered the workforce to support their families.

What was the significance of the First Hundred Days of FDR's presidency?

The passage of major legislation aimed at economic recovery.

How did the Great Depression alter the political landscape of the U.S.?

It ended Republican domination and increased support for government intervention.

What discouraged farm production and contributed to the economic decline in rural areas?

The overproduction of crops leading to falling prices.

What did the Second New Deal focus on?

Increasing relief for the impoverished and addressing unemployment.

How did government policies in the 1920s contribute to the Great Depression?

By failing to regulate credit and banking practices, leading to excessive risk-taking.

What famous book illustrated the struggles of those affected by the Dust Bowl?

The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck.

What historical precedent to the Great Depression was often referenced?

Previous depressions such as those of 1837, 1873, and 1893.

Who was president at the start of the Great Depression?

Herbert Hoover.

What was an underlying belief that influenced American responses to the Depression?

Self-reliance and minimal government intervention.

What primary demographic groups were significantly impacted by the Great Depression?

The middle class, working-class, farmers, and minorities.

What did the Federal Reserve's tight monetary policies lead to during the Great Depression?

Bank failures and a severe contraction of the money supply.

What was the main principle behind the New Deal policies introduced by FDR?

To provide relief, recovery, and reform to address the economic crisis.

What did the Glass-Steagall Act aim to prevent?

The mixing of commercial banking with investment banking.

How did the role of the federal government change after the New Deal?

It expanded significantly, taking a more active role in economic welfare.

What did the Social Security Act establish?

A system of old-age benefits for workers, unemployment insurance, and aid for dependent mothers and children.

What did the War Labor Board (WLB) aim to do during the Great Depression?

Resolve labor disputes to maintain production and avoid strikes.

What impact did the Great Depression have on social attitudes in America?

Increased awareness of poverty, class disparity, and economic rights.

How did the New Deal impact the relationship between government and citizens?

It fostered a more engaged relationship, leading to expectations of government assistance.

What tactic did some states employ to circumvent the civil rights laws of the New Deal?

Implementing literacy tests and poll taxes to disenfranchise African Americans.

What was the historical importance of the American Federation of Labor (AFL) during the Great Depression?

It represented skilled laborers and was pivotal in labor movements.

What was a key aspect of the Emergency Banking Relief Act?

To allow the government to assess the finances of closed banks and reopen those that were solvent.

What enduring legacy did the New Deal leave on American society?

The expectation for government involvement in economic and social issues.

What phrase captures the American approach to democracy and government following the Great Depression?

A commitment to security and welfare of all citizens.

What was one effect of the New Deal on political ideologies in America?

An increase in the popularity of liberalism and government interventionism.

What transition occurred regarding the Democratic Party as a result of the New Deal?

It became a more inclusive coalition representing diverse interests.

What legislation aimed to provide relief specifically to farmers during the Great Depression?

The Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA).

What public works project under the New Deal is known for its extensive construction efforts during the 1930s?

The Public Works Administration (PWA).