Great Depression and New Deal Study Guide

Vocabulary practice flashcards covering the key terms, events, policies, and impacts of the Great Depression and the New Deal.

Rugged Individualism

The philosophy relied upon by President Herbert Hoover during the Great Depression, which contrasted with Franklin D. Roosevelt's direct government assistance approach.

Bonus Army

A group of $400$ veterans who marched on Washington and were expelled and gassed out by Hoover and the police after refusing to leave, never receiving their bonus.

Buying on Margin/Speculation

The practice where investors bought stocks with borrowed money expecting prices to rise, which led to market crashes, unpaid loans, and widespread bank distrust.

Black Tuesday

The largest stock market crash in U.S. history where roughly $30\text{ billion dollars}$ in stock value vanished, serving as the key starting point of the Great Depression.

Relief

A major goal of the New Deal focused on creating agencies to provide jobs and feed families.

Recovery

A major goal of the New Deal focused on stabilizing banks and lifting the nation out of depression.

Reform

A major goal of the New Deal intended to support financial, labor, and social systems to prevent another major economic collapse.

Social Security Administration (SSA)

A New Deal program that provided pensions to the unemployed, disabled, dependent families, and the elderly, which remains active today.

Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC)

A New Deal corporation established to restore public trust in banks following widespread bank failures, remaining active today.

Agriculture Adjustment Act (AAA)

A program that paid farmers to reduce agricultural output to counter overproduction, establishing the framework for modern farm outlooks and prices.

Civilization Conservation Corps (CCC)

A New Deal agency that employed millions of young unemployed men for conservation projects involving parks, trees, and rivers until ending during WWII.

Fireside Chats

Calming and reassuring broadcasts delivered by FDR to communicate government actions regarding the Great Depression and World War II to the American public.

Eleanor Roosevelt

The First Lady who redefined her role by actively campaigning for FDR, traveling across the country, giving public speeches, and hosting radio broadcasts.

The Dust Bowl

An ecological disaster caused by the destruction of native grass, cattle overgrazing, severe drought, high winds, and extreme heat that converted topsoil to dust.

Black Blizzards

Severe Dust Bowl storms that turned daytime skies pitch black and stripped away the land's topsoil.

Dust Pneumonia

A severe respiratory condition caused by inhaling airborne dust during the Dust Bowl, leading to illness or death, particularly among children.