Chapter 7 - The Great Depression

American Federation of Labor - The countries largest labor union, only opened to skilled workers. Founded in 1886 by Samuel Gompers it focused on collective bargaining and securing better wages, hours and working conditions

Stock Market Crash of 1929 - Plunge in stock market prices that marked the beginning of the Great Depression.

Great Depression - the economic crisis beginning with the stock market crash in 1929 and continuing through the 1930’s

Herbert Hoover - The first president of the Great Depression (1029-1933) Was known for his “too little, too late” efforts in the Great Depression

Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) - FDR took office as president during the Great Depression. He started his presidency off with the first Hundred Days which was the beginning of the New Deal. He was president from March 1933 to April 1945

Hundred Days - Congressional session lasting from march-june 1933 during FDR’s presidency.

Eleanor Roosevelt - FDR’s wife and supporter of the New Deal, civil rights and women’s rights. Through the Roosevelts established, unprecedented connection with the American public through FDR’s radio addresses, called Fireside Chats, she received an influx of mail, including requests for assistance from a diverse demographic. Mrs. Roosevelt managed these correspondences with the help of a dedicated secretary.

Dust Bowl - A drought that occured in the 1930s making the Great Plains region very dry and inhabitable. The primary natural factor was a prolonged drought, particularly in 1934, 1936, and 1939-1940. However, human factors, like poor agricultural practices, worsened the situation.

The New Deal - A series of programs and policies established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

The First New Deal (1933)

  • FERA (Federal Emergency Relief Program) provided federal money for relief projects to the roughly 13 million unemployed

  • PWA (Public Works Administration) created jobs by having people build public works like highways and bridges

  • AAA (Agricultural Adjustment Administration) regulated farm production and promoted soil conservation

  • CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) hired young men to work on other conservation projects like planting trees

  • FDIC (Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation) protected money of depositors in insured banks

  • NRA (National Recovery Act) regulated industry and raised wages and prices

The Second New Deal (1935)

  • WPA (Works Project Administration) established national works programs to create jobs

  • REA (Rural Electrification Administration) brought electricity to rural areas

  • the Wagner Act protected labor’s right to form unions and set up a board to hear labor disputes

  • the Social Security Act provided workers with unemployment insurance and retirement benefits