the great depression vocab

Stock Market Crash

A sudden dramatic decline of stock prices across a significant cross-section of a stock market, which occurred in October 1929.

The Great Depression

A worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, characterized by high unemployment, widespread poverty, and significant declines in industrial production and international trade.

Herbert Hoover

The 31st President of the United States, who held office during the onset of the Great Depression.

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

A federal law enacted in 1933 aimed to boost agricultural prices by reducing surpluses and paying farmers to cut back on production.

Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)

A public work relief program established in 1933 that provided jobs for unemployed young men in environmental conservation projects.

Works Progress Administration (WPA)

A New Deal agency created in 1935 that provided millions of jobs for unemployed Americans focusing on public works projects.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

A government agency established in 1933 to provide insurance for bank deposits, protecting depositors' funds.

National Labor Relations Act (Wagner Act)

A landmark labor law enacted in 1935 that aimed to protect the rights of workers to organize and engage in collective bargaining.

National Recovery Act (NRA)

A key piece of legislation passed in 1933 that aimed to stimulate economic recovery by promoting fair competition and establishing minimum wages.

Bull Market

A period of rising stock prices characterized by investor optimism.

Buying on Margin

A practice in which investors borrow money to purchase stock, allowing them to buy more shares.

Dust Bowl

A period of severe dust storms in the 1930s that greatly damaged the ecology and agriculture of the US.

Smooth-Hawley Tariff

A law that raised import duties on thousands of goods, intended to protect American businesses.

Social Security

A government program providing financial assistance to the elderly, widows, and those unable to work.

Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)

Federal agency that manages the Tennessee river system and provides electricity to the southeastern U.S.

Recovery, Reform, and Relief

The three R's of the New Deal, focusing on immediate relief, recovery of the economy, and reform of the financial system.

Recover (New Deal)

Temporary programs to restart the economy through federal spending and job creating.

Reform (New Deal)

Permanent programs to prevent another depression through regular legislation and new social welfare programs.

Relief (New Deal)

Immediate action to help those in crisis such as creating jobs and welfare.

Sit-Down Strike

A form of protest where workers remain in their workplace and refuse to work.

Bank Holiday

Days when financial institutions and banks are closed for government examination.

Black Tuesday

The date of the worst stock market crash in American history; October 29, 1929.

Bonus Expeditionary Force

Groups of WW1 veterans who marched on Washington D.C in 1932, demanding immediate payment of their promised military service bonus.

Economic Boom

A period of sustained and rapid economic growth that is beyond normal.

Speculation Boom

A period of economic activity where investors make high-risk investments expecting quick returns.

Black Thursday (When)

October 24, 1929, preceding Black Tuesday.

Black Thursday (What)

A significant stock market crash that marked the beginning of panic selling.

Black Tuesday (When)

October 29, 1929.

New York exchange crashed

The event that occurred on Black Tuesday leading to the Great Depression.