This photo depicts The Roaring Twenties, a time of great prosperity and great joy for many Americans. In the heart of prohibition bootlegging was never more prominent than this time. A high point in America's economy that would then lead right into one of the darkest times in America's history.
Black Tuesday was the day in October of 1929 when the stock market crashed placing the country is the grips of a paralyzing economic depression. Sixteen million stocks were traded this day and the stock market plummeted in response to the overaggressive trading.
Herbert Hoover was elected president in 1929 and served through the Depression. The public's opinion of him was not glowing, and he was not reelected for a second term as he lost the election to FDR.
FDR's inauguration in 1933 signaled the beginning of a new era in America's history. Using his powers to control businesses and a court packing scandal made him a controversial figure, but one who put an end to The Depression.
FDR's fireside chats became a big part of his presidency as his velvety voice kept many Americans calm in this time of panic.
Unemployment during this time was everywhere and effected millions of families. At its peak the unemployment was almost an astonishing 25%.
Dorothea Lange's famous photo entitled "Migrant Mother" summed up the lifestyle of many Americans during this time. A homeless mother forced to watch after her starving children in a time when there are no opportunities to work.
These "Shanty Towns" were towns filled with run down housing and very poor living conditions. They were so common the people began calling them Hoovervilles in an insult towards the president they felt brought them to this terrible situation.
Looking to get rid of the massive debt that he inherited from Hoover, FDR began his now famous New Deal. The plan would run over the course of his tenure, and would be a spark plug for controversy.
Margaret Bourke-White, 1937
American lining up for food, these Americans contrast the billboard in the background that declares America has the "highest standard of living." Many people needed food and clothing during this time, and FDR was forced to make programs helping them out.
American lining up for food, these Americans contrast the billboard in the background that declares America has the "highest standard of living." Many people needed food and clothing during this time, and FDR was forced to make programs helping them out.
John Vachon July, 1937
Many young people were hit hard by the financial wasteland America would fall into, and many would become homeless. As seen here, this young man is forced to live out of his tent, and lives a life of poor hygiene.
Many young people were hit hard by the financial wasteland America would fall into, and many would become homeless. As seen here, this young man is forced to live out of his tent, and lives a life of poor hygiene.
Men are in desperate need of a job to support their families as unemployment numbers continue climbing. FDR will make portions of his New Deal reflect this problem, and he continues trynig to make new jobs for these men.
The Civilian Conservation Corps or CCC was one of the many New Deals made by FDR, and this one was very successful. The plan called for young me to work in nature with the goal of sustaining America's natural beauty. The plan gave over 3 million men jobs in nine years.
Dust Bowl 1937, March 29, 1937, Anonymous
No people of America were hit harder during this time than the southern farmers. The farms were covered in dust and farming was impossible as the ground was nutrient free. As more and more time passed without rain, the situation became more and more dire.
No people of America were hit harder during this time than the southern farmers. The farms were covered in dust and farming was impossible as the ground was nutrient free. As more and more time passed without rain, the situation became more and more dire.
The US was officially pulled out of the Great Depression thanks to the start of World War II in 1939. The war gives a big jump start to factories in America and gives jobs to many needy Americans. FDR had passed away at this point and is succeeded by Harry S. Truman.