The Great Depression
Identity- The American identity changed during the Great Depression because it was the first time large amounts of people were losing their homes and the unemployment rate skyrocketed. Americans learned that they need to save their money and be more in control of their spending's. Americans also learned a lot about the government during this time period. President Hoover ignored the depression problems and could be at fault for why it took so long to resolve and recover from the Depression. The fact that stayed the same in this time period is there was a top 1% of the people who had all the money; today there is still a small percentage of people who control a large amount of money in America. The answer to "What is an American?" has changed because instead of people living the "American Dream" they were instead living the "American Nightmare."
Work, Exchange, and Technology- Transportation changed in this time period because as people were losing their homes they began living out of their cars. Many homeless people were found living in broken down automobiles, pulled by horses if they could afford them. Many Americans didn't have any money, they were using the little that they had to desperately try and keep themselves and their families alive. Industries and labor systems closed, they didn't have enough money to pay their employers and keep their businesses alive. Everyone lost their jobs and people were blaming the government because they wouldn't help them pull out of the Great Depression.
Peopling- People were continuously migrating throughout the country. A family would move from their home to live somewhere else, people would move wherever they could find money. Many families moved and lived together, finding it cheaper to live in groups than on their own. Many homes were foreclosed and many businesses went bankrupt, moving sometimes became a choice between life and death.
Politics and Power- In 1932, Franklin Roosevelt entered his first presidency. His goal as president was to create the New Deal, a way to get put an end to the Depression. He promised that he would bring relief to the millions of Americans that needed some form of financial help. He also promised a recovery for small businesses and farmers. Lastly, he restored public confidence in the stock market. With Roosevelt's promising campaign he easily beat President Hoover out of office, nearly the entire country on Hoover's side from the start. With the help from President Franklin, government greatly increased their role in the lives of Americans; Franklin pulled America right out from the Great Depression. Although, before Roosevelt's presidency, president Hoover, greatly decreased the government's role in the lives of Americans.
America and the World- As a result of World War 1 many countries in Europe also went into depression. Germany suffered greatly, having much damage done in their country because of the war. The global economy suffered together resulting depression all over the world. Roosevelt helped bring back the economy in United States. Hitler, the soon to be Chancellor of Germany would promise the citizens of Germany that he would help bring Germany out of their depression.
Environment and Geography- Dust storms contributing to many of the Great Depression problems. Farmers could not grow crops because the storms would kill their crops. The loss of production of crops led to the loss of farms, a contribution to the reason why many farmers had to move. Dust storms could be deathly, overtime destroying people's lungs and killing them.
Ideas, Beliefs, and Culture- Many people during the Great Depression were desperate for money. They turned away from the Government when they refused to help. Many families living in the same area became friends, and celebrating special occasions together. For example, multiple families would pitch in money to pay for a birthday cake for their children. They would have large birthday celebration's, celebrating multiple children at one time.
The New Deal
Identity- The American identity changed because of the New Deal because for the first time in many years they felt like they could trust their government again. Americans were taking part in voting for a new president, President Roosevelt, and as a result of the New Deal the United States was brought out of the Great Depression. The process of "exiting" the Great Depression was a slow process, so in that fact people were still unemployed and homeless. The answer to "What is an American?" changed during this time because the U.S. was on a rode to recovery. The worst had past and now the Government was supporting the citizens of America.
Work, Exchange, and Technology- Rural Electrification Administration was a new deal program that provided affordable electricity for isolated rural areas. The (REA) was only one out of 21 New Deal Programs created. Other programs included the Works Progress Administration (WPA) which gave people jobs as quickly as possible. Another popular project was the Public Works Administration (PWA), it created jobs on government projects. People were still very careful with how they spent their money, every penny going towards supporting their families and themselves. There were no major transportation/ technology changes during this time period. It was strictly a recovery time for America. Although, with the New Deal Programs people began getting jobs and the unemployment rate dropped.
Peopling- People during this time were traveling to areas that offered them jobs. They continued moving to where they could find work. Many of these people had government jobs through the (PWA) and other quick jobs through the (WPA). WPA jobs often included construction jobs, causing people to move where their job was offered.
Politics and Power- President Roosevelt contributing greatly in pulling America out of the Great Depression. His biggest campaign was the New Deal, it was the campaign that helped bring the suffering nation back. The first 100 days in office were the most crucial for the President. His 100 days goal was to create jobs for the poor and unemployed through the New Deal Program. Also in the New Deal he promised relief, recovery, and reform. His relief promise considered that millions of Americans enjoyed some form of help, such as social security. Recovery promised the recovery of farmers and businesses. Reform promised the FDIC and restore public confidence in the stock markets. As a result with the New Deal Programs government greatly increased in the lives of Americans. This was a good thing after the past president, President Hoover, who greatly reduced governments involvement in Americans lives.
America and the World- The status of America with Europe remained similar. Post World War 1 Europe was also going through a depression, causing the Global economy to drop. As America slowly started climbing out of this economic crisis, so did other European countries. Germany was the country who suffered the most post war, their economy would remain low for many years.
Environment and Geography- The Environment played a large role for the New Deal Programs. Many of the programs took place outside in areas with suitable environment conditions. For example the WPA helped create jobs such as construction jobs. If the environment was not suitable then getting the job done would be nearly impossible. Other than that Environment and Geography weren't major issues in the New Deal time.
Ideas, Beliefs, and Culture- Regaining trust in the government was a long process, but with how committed Franklin Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt was the trust was accomplished. Values changed because people were once again finding jobs and becoming employed.