great depression-american history

Stock Market Crash (1929)

Sharp drop in stock prices, starting economic depression.

Great Depression

Severe worldwide economic downturn, 1930s era hardship.

Dust Bowl

Devastating drought, windstorms destroyed farms, displaced families.

New Deal

Roosevelt's programs for recovery, relief, and reform.

Hoovervilles

Shantytowns built by homeless people during the Depression.

Black Tuesday

October 29, 1929, stock market collapse started crisis.

Bank Run

Sudden, mass withdrawal of deposits from banks.

Social Security Act

1935 law providing pensions, unemployment insurance, welfare.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

New Deal jobs program improving infrastructure, environment.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

New Deal agency creating jobs for unemployed Americans.

Smoot-Hawley Tariff

High tariffs worsening global trade and economic conditions.

Bonus Army

World War I veterans protesting for early bonus payments.

FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation)

Ensures bank deposits, preventing financial panic.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

New Deal program building dams, generating hydroelectric power.

Fireside Chats

Roosevelt's radio speeches comforting Americans during difficult times.

Recession

Period of declining economic activity and growth.

Deflation

Decrease in prices due to reduced consumer demand.

Unemployment Rate

Percentage of jobless workers in the labor force.

Breadlines

Lines for free food during economic hardship.

Public Works

Government-funded projects improving infrastructure, creating jobs.

Bank Holiday

Temporary closure of banks to prevent financial collapse.

Herbert Hoover

U.S. President blamed for mishandling the Depression's start.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

U.S. President leading recovery with New Deal policies.

Hoover Dam

Massive public works project providing jobs, electricity, water.

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

New Deal law reducing crop supply, raising prices.