The “Great Depression” will go down in history as the hardest time to live in America. Families were forced out of their homes, many workers lost their jobs, and there was famine in the land. For a period that lasted through the 1930s, we look at some of the harsh realities people faced and why it was the most challenging time to be American.
It Was A Time Of Great Depression
On October 29, 1929 (known as Black Tuesday), a stock market crash hit the US hard. It was the beginning of the Great Depression, which led to years of economic crisis that affected millions of Americans. Due to the economic disaster, many Americans who were alive faced a myriad of issues.
Americans Faced Financial Losses
The collapse of thousands of banks during the early 1930s led to massive financial losses for ordinary Americans. As banks closed, people lost their savings, causing the economic crisis. Many Americans were no longer willing to deposit money, which affected financial activity and economic growth.
Americans Experienced Widespread Poverty
The 1930s was unbearable as poverty became widespread for both young and old. With little to no income, families could not afford necessities like food, clothing, and shelter. Many households had to live way below their means since they couldn’t afford to pay for basic needs.
People Had To Feed At Soup Kitchens
During the Great Depression, about one-fourth of the labor force lost their jobs, raising unemployment. This led to devastated families and communities battling the struggle to keep food on the table. Most people had to join breadlines and soup kitchens daily to eat, or they would starve.
There Was the Dust Bowl Exodus
Yet another event that marked the 1930s unbreakable was the Dust Bowl exodus. Poor agricultural practices at the time led to massive dust storms that destroyed crops and rendered farmland unusable. Eventually, thousands of farming families abandoned their unproductive farms and migrated out of the area to seek jobs elsewhere.
Families Had To Share Apartments
Due to economic hardship and the evident lack of money to pay rent, many families had to merge to share limited resources. As much as this was noble, it came with some scuffles because sharing the kitchen, bathroom, and living rooms caused tension and unrest in many homes, so it wasn’t a favorable time for those living in those conditions.
The Okies Experienced Culture Shock
This period also forced people living in Oklahoma to relocate to California for work and a better life. They faced harsh conditions, discrimination, and limited job opportunities when they got there. This migration led to overcrowded camps and increased competition for low-wage jobs. It was indeed a tough time for displaced families.
Americans Suffered Malnutrition and Health Problems
The lineups on soup kitchens and breadlines were insufficient because of widespread malnutrition, especially among children. Food shortages and poverty meant many could not afford adequate nutrition, which caused a rise in health issues. Limited supply of medications and nutritional aids further escalated these problems.
Endless Labor Strikes Across the Country
With unemployment high and wages low, the 1930s saw a surge in labor strikes and unrest as workers demanded better conditions and pay. These strikes often led to violent confrontations, desperation, and frustration among workers. It was indeed a tough time for American workers desperate to sustain their lives.
Many Americans Faced Racial Inequality
Several Americans, especially the blacks and natives, faced discrimination in the job market and were the first to lose their jobs. Segregation and Jim Crow laws continued to enforce racial inequality, and many minority communities experienced harsher economic conditions and social exclusion.
Contraception During the Great Depression
Before the Great Depression, birth control and abortion were illegal. However, due to the economic downturn, many families turned to birth control and abortion to control family sizing. It was a much-needed measure because most American families could not afford more children.
It Was A Time Of Political Turbulence
The economic crisis also brought along significant political changes and turbulence. President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” introduced sweeping reforms for economic recovery and social welfare. While these policies provided relief, they sparked controversy and debate over the role of government in American life.
Crime Rate Increased Massively
With a desperate and poor population comes a rise in crime rates and lawlessness. Many turned to illegal activities out of necessity, taking what they could from those they perceived had more. The rest were scared for their lives. This increase in crime was both a symptom and a result of economic hardship.
Living In Hoovervilles and Shantytowns
Hoovervilles and shantytowns were homes for those who had lost everything. These establishments were temporary living quarters made with scrap items like wood, planks, cardboard, zinc, and scrap metals. Because they did not follow building standards, there were neither heat nor cooling systems. This made living through the seasons unbearable.
Rise of Fascism and World Tensions
The 1930s were also marked by rising global tensions, with the rise of fascist regimes in Europe and increasing fears of war. While America grappled with its own economic and social crises, the threat of global conflict loomed large. This period of uncertainty added to the challenges faced by Americans.
