Lecture on the Great Depression and World War II

A collection of flashcards capturing key vocabulary and concepts related to the Great Depression and World War II.

Herbert Hoover

President of the United States from 1929 to 1933, known for his limited government intervention philosophy.

Rugged Individualism

The belief that individuals should be self-reliant and not depend on government aid.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic depression that took place during the 1930s.

Bull Market

A market condition where stock prices are rising or are expected to rise.

Stock Market Crash of 1929

A major stock market crash that marked the beginning of the Great Depression.

On Margin

Borrowing money to purchase stocks, paying only a fraction upfront.

Pump and Dump

A fraudulent practice where investors inflate stock prices and sell at profit.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt

President from 1933 to 1945, known for implementing the New Deal.

New Deal

A series of programs and reforms introduced by FDR to recover from the Great Depression.

Fireside Chats

Radio broadcasts in which FDR addressed the American public directly.

SEC

Securities and Exchange Commission; regulates the stock market to prevent fraud.

FDIC

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; insures bank deposits to restore trust.

TVA

Tennessee Valley Authority; developed infrastructure and electricity in the Tennessee Valley.

CCC

Civilian Conservation Corps; provided jobs in environmental conservation.

WPA

Works Progress Administration; created jobs through building infrastructure and arts.

SSA

Social Security Act; established pensions for the elderly and unemployment insurance.

The Great Depression Causes

Factors included stock market crash, overproduction, banking failures, and unequal wealth distribution.

Unemployment Rate

Soared to about 25% during the Great Depression.

Hoover's Approach to the Depression

Limited government intervention and encouraged local relief efforts.

Huey Long

A critic of FDR who proposed wealth redistribution through the 'Share Our Wealth' program.

1936 Republican Party Platform

Criticized the New Deal for expanding government power and increasing deficits.

Supreme Court 'Packing' Plan

FDR's proposal to add more justices to ensure favorable rulings for the New Deal.

Fascism

A far-right authoritarian ultranationalism characterized by dictatorial power and strong central government.

Isolationism

A foreign policy that aims to avoid involvement in foreign conflicts, promoted in the 1930s.

Lend-Lease Act

A U.S. program to supply Allies with war materials without direct involvement in World War II.

Pearl Harbor Attack

A surprise military strike by Japan on December 7, 1941, prompting U.S. entry into WWII.

Four Freedoms

FDR's vision for a post-war world: freedom of speech, worship, from want, and from fear.

D-Day

The Allied invasion of Normandy on June 6, 1944, marking a turning point in WWII.

GI Bill

Legislation providing benefits to returning World War II veterans.

Japanese Internment

The forcible relocation of Japanese Americans during WWII, upheld by the Supreme Court case Korematsu.

Victory in Europe Day (V-E Day)

The day Germany surrendered, marking the end of WWII in Europe on May 8, 1945.

Atomic Bomb

Nuclear weapons developed under the Manhattan Project, used by the U.S. against Japan.

Manhattan Project

A secret U.S. project during WWII aimed at developing the atomic bomb.

How Allies Won WWII

Victory achieved through a combined military strategy, industrial production, and alliances.

Soviet Union Eastern Front

Pressure from Soviet forces contributed significantly to the defeat of Germany.

Military Strategy

The planning and execution of military operations to achieve specific objectives.

Industrial Production

The manufacturing output of industries, crucial for supplying war materials during WWII.

Costly Invasion

The potential invasion of Japan that was avoided through the use of atomic bombs.

Civil Rights Violations

Concerns raised about the internment of Japanese Americans during WWII.

Psychological Impact of the Great Depression

Despair and loss of confidence experienced by many Americans during that time.