The Great Depression

Requirement for permits for protests in D.C.
  - If planning a gathering (e.g., 100,000 people), you must address logistical questions:
    - Where will attendees go to the bathroom?
    - How will they have access to water?
    - Where will they park?
  - Without a logistics plan, a permit will likely be denied.
Right to freedom of assembly in the U.S.
- This right, however, has limitations similar to free speech rights.
- Organizations observed important protests, such as the veterans' protest, and learned to mobilize effectively in D.C.
Impact on the Civil Rights Movement
- The civil rights movement in the 1960s adopted the formal protest strategy learned from earlier veterans’ protests.
- Anti-war groups also utilized this strategy, demonstrating organized public pressure.

Discussion on factors influencing the stock market crash.
  - Quiz question: What caused the stock market crash?
    - Possible answers considered:
      - Global farm production weakened.
      - Federal tax cuts leading to inflation.
      - Speculators purchasing shares on margin (correct answer).
      - Costs associated with WWI that bankrupted the economy.
  - Correct answer: Speculators purchasing shares on margin using borrowed funds led to the crash.
Dust Bowl Effects
- Discussed in relation to John Steinbeck's work.
- Most affected demographic: Farmers on the Great Plains (correct answer).

Criticisms of Hoover's handling of the Great Depression
- Endured negative public sentiment regarding his management of the Bonus March.
Hoover vs. Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR)
- Alleged response from FDR: "I guess that elects me" after seeing the handling of the veterans' march.
- FDR won the election by a landslide, leaving Hoover's political future diminished.

Elected in 1932 and took office in 1933.
First president to run for a third term and later a fourth term, resulting in a constitutional amendment limiting terms to two.
Background:
  - From New York and served as governor.
  - Paralyzed from the waist down due to polio, managed public appearances to maintain a strong presence.
  - Was a cousin of Theodore Roosevelt.

Hoover's response was criticized for failing to provide direct relief to those in need.
- Quiz question: What did Hoover do wrong?
- Correct answer: Failed to provide direct relief (Hands-off approach).
Veterans’ March & Public Sentiment
- Shantytowns referred to as "Hoovervilles" symbolized public discontent with federal responses.

FDR campaigned on promises of a "New Deal" for America, suggesting increased federal government involvement in economic recovery.
The New Deal's undefined specifics:
- Similar to slogans like "Hope and Change".

FDR's first 100 days set a standard for measuring presidential success.
  - Accomplished 15 major reforms.
  - Comparison: Future presidents evaluated against this benchmark.
  - Example: Obama passed key pieces of legislation, but significantly fewer than FDR within the same timeframe.

Three R's:
  - Relief: For the unemployed (e.g., soup kitchens, creating jobs).
  - Recovery: Reviving the economy through job creation.
  - Reform: Establishing regulations, especially for banking and financial securities, to prevent future crises.

Relief:
  - Funding for states to run emergency relief operations.
  - Creation of public works to address unemployment, substantially increasing infrastructure investment.
  - Notable projects like the Hoover Dam provided employment and built infrastructure.
Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC):
- Employment program for young men (18-26) that provided room, board, and a monthly wage.
- Focus on conservation projects, planting trees, and improving national parks.
Works Progress Administration (WPA):
- Aimed at employing millions in public works projects, building schools, bridges, and parks.

New Deal’s National Industrial Recovery Administration (NIRA):
  - Set guidelines for working conditions (minimum hours, minimum wage).
  - Encouraged unionization, promoting labor rights and organization.
  - Minimum wage initially set at 25 cents/hour.
Agricultural Adjustment Administration (AAA):
- Aimed at reducing overproduction in agriculture by paying farmers to reduce crop acreage.
Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA):
- Addressed electricity access in rural areas, improving infrastructure and quality of life.

Infrastructure built during the New Deal continues to benefit society today.
- Examples include modern roads, schools, and other public works that remain in use.
The New Deal fundamentally changed the role of the federal government, expanding its scope and involvement in economic and social welfare.