Great Depression: Dust Bowl, Bonus Army, and Economic Crisis

Who was Dorothea Lange?

An American documentary photographer known for capturing the suffering of ordinary Americans during the Great Depression, particularly through her famous photograph 'Migrant Mother.'

What is the significance of Dorothea Lange's work?

Her photographs documented poverty and hardship, helping to raise awareness of the human consequences of the economic crisis.

What is 'The Grapes of Wrath' about?

A novel by John Steinbeck that tells the story of the Joad family, poor Oklahoma farmers who migrate to California during the Great Depression and Dust Bowl.

What themes does 'The Grapes of Wrath' address?

It exposes the suffering of poor farmers, highlights economic inequality, and increases public awareness of hardships during the Great Depression.

Who was Imogen Cunningham?

An influential American photographer known for her artistic photographs and a founding member of Group f/64, promoting sharp-focus photography.

What was John J. Raskob's role during the 1920s?

A wealthy financier who encouraged ordinary Americans to invest in the stock market, representing the optimism of the decade.

What was the Hawley-Smoot Tariff?

A 1930 law that raised taxes on imported goods to protect American businesses, which ultimately worsened the Great Depression by reducing international trade.

What was Herbert Hoover's economic response to the Great Depression?

He believed in a balanced budget, cutting federal spending and increasing taxes, which further discouraged economic activity.

Who led the Bonus Army?

Walter Waters, a World War I veteran who organized veterans demanding early payment of their military service bonuses.

What was the Dust Bowl?

A severe environmental disaster in the 1930s characterized by drought, strong winds, and dust storms that devastated the Great Plains.

What were the causes of the Dust Bowl?

Severe drought, poor farming practices, and removal of native grasses that held the soil in place.

What were the social consequences of the Great Depression for African Americans?

They faced unemployment rates nearly twice that of white Americans and experienced discrimination in hiring.

How did the Great Depression affect Mexican Americans?

Many faced discrimination and were pressured to return to Mexico, demonstrating intensified anti-Mexican sentiments.

What was the Bonus Expeditionary Force?

A group of World War I veterans who marched to Washington, D.C., in 1932 demanding early payment of bonuses promised for their military service.

What happened to the Bonus Army during their protest?

Congress rejected their demands, and President Hoover ordered the military to remove them, leading to violent clashes.

What was the impact of the Bonus Army's protest on Hoover's reputation?

Hoover's decision to use military force against the veterans severely damaged his public image and increased criticism of his handling of the Depression.

What was the significance of the Dust Bowl for American agriculture?

It destroyed farmland, forced families to migrate, and worsened poverty and unemployment in agricultural communities.

What was the role of Group f/64 in photography?

A photography group that promoted sharp-focus photography and detailed images, influencing the development of modern photography.

What did Raskob's article 'Everybody Ought to Be Rich' advocate?

It encouraged Americans to invest in the stock market, reflecting the optimism of the 1920s before the market crash.

How did the Hawley-Smoot Tariff affect international trade?

It led to retaliatory tariffs from other countries, reducing international trade and worsening the economic situation.

What was the public perception of Hoover's economic policies during the Great Depression?

His policies were seen as inadequate and damaging, leading to increased public criticism and loss of support.

What was the significance of Lange's photograph 'Migrant Mother'?

It became one of the most recognizable images of the Great Depression, symbolizing the struggles of the era.

What did the Dust Bowl encourage in terms of government policy?

It led to federal soil conservation and agricultural assistance programs to address the environmental and economic crises.

What was the effect of Hoover's tax increases during the Depression?

Higher taxes reduced consumer and business spending, further hindering economic recovery.

What was the outcome of the Bonus Army's march?

The march ended violently with military intervention, highlighting the desperation of veterans and the government's failure to address their needs.

What was a major distinction between Dorothea Lange and Imogen Cunningham?

Lange focused on documenting social suffering, while Cunningham was known for her artistic and modernist photography.