The Great Depression and the New Deal

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the Great Depression and the New Deal.

Great Depression

A severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s.

Causes of the Great Depression

Over-speculation on stocks, poor monetary policies by the Federal Reserve, and high tariffs.

Dust Bowl

A period of severe dust storms that greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the American prairies during the 1930s.

Impact of the Dust Bowl

Stripping of nutrients from topsoil due to poor agricultural practices, leading to failed crops and increased rural poverty.

Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal

A series of programs and policies designed to promote economic recovery and social reform during the Great Depression.

Features of the New Deal

Included Social Security, federal work programs, environmental improvement programs, and farm assistance programs.

Economic understanding change due to the New Deal

Shifted public perception regarding the role of government in the economy, asserting that the government has a responsibility to aid economic recovery.

Labor rights increase

New Deal programs provided increased rights and protections for labor, including job creation and direct aid.

Impact on African Americans during the Depression

Disproportionate impact with discrimination in hiring, pay, and access to New Deal agencies.

Unemployment during the Great Depression

About one-fourth of the American workforce was unemployed.