1930s The Great Depression Vocabulary

Flashcards for key vocabulary terms associated with the Great Depression.

demagogue

Leader who gains power by appealing to people's prejudices and fears.

depression

Period characterized by severely reduced economic activity.

discrimination

Prejudicial treatment.

dole

Government charity.

federal regulation

Expansion of the federal government into almost all aspects of people's lives.

foreclosure

The reclaiming of a piece of property by the bank.

margin

Act of paying a fraction of a stock's worth and owing the rest.

mass media

Radios, newspapers, television, and other forms of communications.

moratorium

Temporary shutdown of operations.

penny auction

A staged sale of property for pennies to friends who returned it later.

repatriation

Return to a person's former homeland.

speculation

Buying stocks expected to rise quickly in price in hope of selling at a profit.

status symbol

A sign of wealth and prestige.

stock

Interest or dividend paying shares in a company.

subsidy

Financial assistance.

unemployment

The condition of being out of work and unable to find a new job.

unionization

Formation of unions.