World War I to Great Depression Study Guide

Great Depression

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

Unemployment Rate during the Great Depression

At the peak, 25% of Americans were unemployed.

Dust Bowl

A severe drought in the 1930s affecting the Great Plains, causing massive dust storms and crop failures.

Okies

Families who migrated west to California during the Dust Bowl in search of work.

The New Deal

A series of programs and laws initiated by FDR to address the issues of the Great Depression.

The Three R's of the New Deal

Relief, Recovery, Reform.

Relief (in the New Deal context)

Assistance provided for the unemployed and poor.

Recovery (in the New Deal context)

Efforts to rebuild the economy and get people back to work.

Reform (in the New Deal context)

Changes made to prevent future economic failures.

SSA (Social Security Act)

A New Deal program that provided financial support for retirees and disabled individuals.

FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)

A New Deal agency that insured deposits in banks to protect people's money.

CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps)

A New Deal program that provided jobs for young men in environmental conservation.

Blue Ridge Parkway

A major New Deal project in North Carolina aimed at providing jobs and boosting tourism.

Impact of World War II on the Great Depression

Massive government spending for the war effort created millions of jobs and helped the economy recover.