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Great Depression Flashcards

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1
Q

What were two causes of the Dust Bowl?

A
  1. The drought of the 1930s
  2. High winds
  3. Years of overgrazing by cattle and plow by farmers destroyed the grasses that held soil in place

The Dust Bowl was a severe environmental disaster that affected agriculture in the Great Plains.

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2
Q

What were the hardest hit areas during the Dust Bowl?

A

Specific regions were affected, but not detailed in the content provided.

Areas like Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, and New Mexico were notably impacted. Great plain States

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3
Q

Who were the migrant workers during the Dust Bowl?

A

People who move from one region to another in search of work

Many migrants left for California, Oregon, and Washington.

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4
Q

True or False: Migrant workers were welcomed in California, Oregon, and Washington.

A

False

Migrant workers were often not wanted in these states.

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5
Q

By what percentage did married women in the workforce increase during the Depression?

A

52 percent

This increase included roles such as secretaries, school teachers, social workers, maids, and seamstresses.

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6
Q

What did the Federal Government refuse regarding hiring women?

A

Refused to hire a woman if her husband had a job

This policy reflected the gender biases of the time.

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7
Q

Which First Lady spoke out about women’s rights?

A

Eleanor Roosevelt

She also wrote a column titled ‘My Day’ to encourage equal justice.

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8
Q

What was the Black Cabinet?

A

Unofficial African American leaders/advisors that came to the White House

They played a significant role in advising on civil rights issues.

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9
Q

What are civil rights?

A

The rights due to all citizens

Civil rights include the right to vote, the right to free speech, and other fundamental rights.

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10
Q

What did Congress grant American Indians in 1924?

A

Citizenship

This was a significant step in recognizing the rights of Native Americans.

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11
Q

What was the Indian New Deal?

A

Laws that gave Indian Nations control over their own affairs

This aimed to reverse some of the previous policies that suppressed Native American autonomy.

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12
Q

What is ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ about?

A

The sad story of the Okies traveling trying to get to California - John Steinbeck

It highlights the struggles faced by migrant farmers during the Great Depression.

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13
Q

What were popular pastimes at home during the Depression?

A
  1. Radios
  2. Going to the movies

These forms of entertainment provided an escape from daily struggles.

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14
Q

What were soap operas originally sponsored by?

A

Soap companies

They were named for the soap companies that sponsored them on the radio.

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15
Q

Who was the popular movie star at age 5 during the Depression?

A

Shirley Temple

She was a significant figure in entertainment during this era.

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16
Q

What was Walt Disney’s first full-length animated film?

A

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

This film set the stage for future animated features.

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17
Q

What is the plot of ‘The Wizard of Oz’?

A

A young woman escapes bleak life in depression-era Kansas to Oz

The film is celebrated for its themes of hope and adventure.

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18
Q

What significant film was released in 1940?

A

‘Gone With the Wind’

This film is set in the Civil War era and remains a classic.

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19
Q

What was the purpose of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)?

A

Government paid farmers not to grow certain crops

The AAA aimed to reduce crop surplus and stabilize prices.

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20
Q

What did the Rural Electrification Administration do?

A

Helped people in rural areas get electricity

This initiative aimed to improve the quality of life in rural communities.

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21
Q

What was the function of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA)?

A

To control flooding, TVA built 49 dams in 7 states

TVA also produced cheap electricity and improved shipping channels.

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22
Q

What were some of the benefits provided by the TVA?

A
  • Produced cheap electricity
  • Deepened river channels for shipping
  • Planted new forests

These initiatives contributed to economic development in the Tennessee Valley.

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23
Q

What was a criticism faced by the TVA?

A

Some people were outraged at having to compete with the government

The TVA’s government involvement raised concerns about fair competition.

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24
Q

What was the goal of the Truth-in-Securities Act?

A

End the risky buying and selling of stocks

This act aimed to protect investors and restore trust in the stock market.

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25
What does FDIC stand for?
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation ## Footnote The FDIC insures money in the bank to protect depositors.
26
What is a pension?
A sum of money paid to people on a regular basis after retirement ## Footnote Pensions provide financial security for retirees.
27
What did the Social Security Act establish?
* A system of pensions for older people * Set up unemployment insurance * Gave states money to support dependent children and people with disabilities ## Footnote This act was a cornerstone of social welfare in the U.S.
28
Who was a critic of the New Deal that believed it had not gone far enough?
Huey Long who believed in a program that taxed the rich ## Footnote Some critics argued that the New Deal did not address income inequality sufficiently.
29
What action did the Supreme Court take against the New Deal in 1935?
Members began to attack the New Deal and turned over many of its laws ## Footnote This judicial opposition posed a significant challenge to Roosevelt's policies.
30
What did Roosevelt propose after facing objections from the Supreme Court?
Wanted to raise the number of Supreme Court Justices from 9 to 15 ## Footnote This controversial proposal was known as 'Court Packing.'
31
What was one criticism of the New Deal regarding its impact on citizens?
The New Deal touched almost every citizen whereas before Americans had little contact with the federal government ## Footnote This increased federal involvement marked a significant shift in government-citizen relations.
32
What was a consequence of the New Deal on the federal government's size and power?
The federal government grew in size and power ## Footnote This expansion was accompanied by increased government spending.
33
What did the New Deal legislation achieve in terms of the banking crisis?
Ended the banking crisis ## Footnote This was a crucial step in restoring public confidence in the financial system.
34
What was a key argument in support of the New Deal?
Government had to use its power to support ALL citizens, not just businesses and the wealthy ## Footnote This principle emphasized social equity and welfare.
35
What did supporters say the New Deal did for the Democratic system?
Saved the Democratic system ## Footnote Supporters argued that the New Deal helped maintain democratic governance during economic turmoil.
36
What position did Roosevelt hold during WWI?
Assistant Secretary of the Navy ## Footnote Roosevelt's role contributed to his political experience.
37
What physical challenge did Roosevelt face in 1921?
Severe case of polio that left his legs completely paralyzed ## Footnote This had a significant impact on his public image and campaigning style.
38
In which year was Roosevelt elected Governor of New York?
1928 ## Footnote This election helped him gain national recognition.
39
What year did Roosevelt become a presidential candidate?
1932 ## Footnote He ran during the Great Depression, promising a New Deal.
40
What was Roosevelt's promise to the electorate in 1932?
To help the jobless, poor farmers, and elderly ## Footnote This was part of his New Deal platform.
41
What was the 'Brain Trust'?
College professors who were experts on economic issues who helped the President ## Footnote They provided Roosevelt with innovative ideas for recovery.
42
What did Roosevelt urge his staff to do regarding methods?
Take a method and try it. If it fails, admit it and try another. But above all try something ## Footnote This approach encouraged experimentation in policy.
43
What was the significance of sound banks in Roosevelt's recovery plan?
Without sound banks, the economy would not recover ## Footnote The banking system was crucial for restoring public confidence.
44
What was the purpose of the Bank Holiday?
Every bank was closed for four days ## Footnote This was implemented to stabilize the banking system.
45
What were the Fireside Chats?
30 radio speeches given by FDR from a chair near a fireplace in the White House ## Footnote These chats helped communicate directly with the American public.
46
How many major new laws did FDR pass during the New Deal?
15 major new laws ## Footnote This was a record number for a presidential term.
47
What were the three main goals of the New Deal?
Relief for the jobless, plans for economic recovery, and reforms to prevent another depression ## Footnote These goals guided Roosevelt's policies.
48
What was the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC)?
Hired unemployed single men between ages of 18 and 25 for $1 a day to work on environmental projects ## Footnote This program provided jobs and contributed to conservation efforts.
49
What did the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) do?
Gave money to state and local agencies ## Footnote This was aimed at providing immediate relief to those in need.
50
What was the Works Progress Administration (WPA)?
Put the jobless to work making clothes, building hospitals, schools, parks, playgrounds, and airports, and hired artists ## Footnote The WPA was one of the largest New Deal agencies.
51
What was the National Recovery Administration (NRA)?
Set in place to enforce new codes for production, wages, prices, and working conditions ## Footnote The NRA aimed to stimulate economic recovery but faced challenges in compliance.
52
True or False: Many companies adhered to the codes set by the NRA.
False ## Footnote Many companies ignored the codes, undermining the NRA's effectiveness.
53
What actions did Hoover take regarding the economic crisis?
Hoover did more to reserve hard times but it was too little too late. ## Footnote Hoover's measures were seen as insufficient to address the severity of the Great Depression.
54
What was Hoover's stance on establishing a welfare system?
He refused to establish a welfare system. ## Footnote This refusal contributed to the perception of his administration's ineffectiveness during the crisis.
55
What is a Hooverville?
Clusters of shacks where the homeless lived. ## Footnote Hoovervilles were named derisively after President Hoover, reflecting the public's frustration with his policies.
56
What were 'Hoover Blankets'?
Newspapers. ## Footnote People used newspapers as blankets during the Great Depression, highlighting the severity of poverty.
57
What did Congress vote on for World War I veterans?
To give veterans a bonus to be paid in 1945. ## Footnote This decision was made in the aftermath of WWI to support veterans.
58
What significant event occurred in 1932 involving veterans?
20,000 jobless veterans marched to Washington to demand the bonus right away. ## Footnote This protest highlighted the desperation of many veterans during the Great Depression.
59
How long did the Bonus Army stay in Washington?
They stayed there for 2 months and camped in a tent city. ## Footnote Their prolonged presence was a significant moment in American history, symbolizing the struggles of the Great Depression.
60
Who was ordered to clear out the Bonus Army?
General Douglas MacArthur. ## Footnote His actions to disperse the veterans were controversial and damaged Hoover's reputation.
61
What methods did General MacArthur use to clear the Bonus Army?
He used tanks, cavalry, machine guns, and tear gas. ## Footnote The aggressive tactics used raised ethical concerns and public outcry.
62
How did the Great Depression affect global trade?
It affected 40% of the worldwide trade. ## Footnote The economic downturn led to a decrease in purchasing power and increased tariffs.
63
Why did popular support for President Hoover decline after the Bonus Army incident?
The Bonus Army was the last straw. ## Footnote The violent dispersal of peaceful protesters significantly eroded public trust in Hoover's leadership.
64
What economic condition existed in the mid-1920s that went unnoticed?
Economic slowdown ## Footnote The government did not keep detailed statistics, leading to a lack of awareness.
65
What industries were suffering during the economic slowdown of the mid-1920s?
* Farmers * Textile * Coal industries
66
What event triggered the stock market crash in 1929?
Rash selling of stocks by investors ## Footnote This began in September and escalated in late October.
67
What is the significance of Black Tuesday?
It is the day the stock market crashed, signaling the start of the Great Depression ## Footnote Black Tuesday occurred on October 29, 1929.
68
What years did the Great Depression span?
1929-1941
69
What was one cause of the Great Depression related to production?
Overproduction of goods
70
What crisis contributed to the Great Depression?
Agricultural Crisis
71
What economic issue widened the gap between the rich and poor during the Great Depression?
Uneven distribution of income
72
What factor increased consumer debt during the Great Depression?
Increased consumer debt
73
What was one weakness in the banking system during the Great Depression?
Weakness in banks
74
What was a common living situation for Americans in the 1930s?
Millions lived in cities and worked in factories
75
What happened to unemployment during the Great Depression?
Unemployment soared
76
What social trends occurred due to challenges faced by families during the Great Depression?
* Marriage rates dropped * Birth rates dropped
77
How did urbanization worsen the effects of the Depression?
Not as much land to grow food
78
What was President Hoover's initial stance on government involvement during the Great Depression?
He did not think the government should be directly involved
79
What are relief programs?
Programs to help the needy
80
What were soup kitchens?
Places where the hungry could get a free meal
81
What are public works projects?
Projects built by the government for public use ## Footnote These projects provided jobs and helped people earn money.
82
Who gave the African Americans an opportunity to work?
The CC civilian conservation Corps

Social Studies (2 decks)

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