Great Depression Test

What were the causes of the Great Depression?

Overproduction, falling prices, risky bank loans, stock market speculation, and uneven wealth distribution.

What event served as the catalyst for the beginning of the Great Depression?

The Stock Market Crash of 1929.

What happened to banks after this event?

Many failed due to losses and mass withdrawals.

What was James Braddock’s nickname?

The Cinderella Man.

Why did James Braddock serve as an inspiration for millions of Americans?

He overcame poverty and made a remarkable boxing comeback during hard times.

In what ways did Americans suffer during the Great Depression?

Unemployment, poverty, hunger, homelessness, and loss of savings.

What was the Bonus Army?

WWI veterans demanding early payment of promised bonuses.

How did President Hoover think America should deal with the Great Depression?

Through volunteerism and limited government—not direct federal aid.

What did Franklin Delano Roosevelt propose as his solution to the Great Depression?

The New Deal.

What 3 pillars served as the foundation of this plan?

Relief, Recovery, Reform.

What method did FDR use to explain his plans and policies directly to the American people?

Fireside Chats.

Why did people like Bonnie Parker, Clyde Barrow, and John Dillinger become popular with the American people?

Many saw them as rebels against banks and institutions blamed for the Depression.

What was unique about President Roosevelt’s condition that may have worked against him in more recent presidential elections?

He was paralyzed from polio and used a wheelchair.

What was FDR’s Cabinet called?

The Brain Trust.

What was the general purpose of FDR’s relief programs?

To give immediate help to those suffering the most.

How did FDR deal with panic runs on banks?

He declared a Bank Holiday to stabilize the system.

What did the Federal Emergency Relief Administration do?

Provided direct financial aid to states and the unemployed.

What was the purpose of agencies like the WPA and CCC?

To create jobs through public works and conservation projects.

What did the AAA do?

Paid farmers to reduce production to raise prices.

How did the TVA benefit the Southeastern US?

Provided electricity, jobs, flood control, and improved living standards.

How did the Homeowners’ Loan Corporation help save Americans’ homes?

Refinanced mortgages to lower payments and prevent foreclosures.

What was the goal of FDR’s reform programs?

To prevent future economic crises, by regulating banks, the stock market, and industry.

What does the FDIC do?

Insures bank deposits.

What agency provided a “safety net” for the elderly?

Social Security.

What endangers this program today?

An aging population and fewer workers paying in.

What agency protects American workers?

The NLRB.

What is the job of the SEC?

To regulate the stock market and prevent fraud.

What portion of the US was affected the most during the Dust Bowl?

The Great Plains.

What factors led to the Dust Bowl?

Severe drought, over-farming, and high winds.

Where did many residents of this area go to find work?

California.

What were these people often referred to as?

“Okies.”

What solution did Senator Huey Long propose to end the Great Depression?

The Share Our Wealth plan.

According to Long what was the cause of the Great Depression?

Unequal distribution of wealth.

How did Long propose paying for his plan?

High taxes on the wealthy.

How would Long’s program aid Americans in securing housing?

By giving families funds for a home and limiting property ownership.

How did Long’s plan address education?

Free education for all.

How did Long’s plan address the field of employment?

Guaranteed jobs or income.

How did Long’s plan address pensions?

Support for the elderly.

How did Long’s plan address health care?

Free medical care.

During his second term, how did FDR attempt to deal with legal challenges to his policies?

By proposing the court-packing plan to add more Supreme Court justices. (Reorganization Plan)

What were the main criticisms of FDR’s attempts?

That he expanded government too much, increased debt, and threatened checks and balances.

What were the ultimate results of FDR’s attempts to deal with the Great Depression?

He reduced suffering and created lasting reforms, and helped recovery—though WWII ultimately ended the Depression.