THE EFFECT OF THE GREAT DEPRESSION ON AMERICAN LIVES
BY: Angela E.
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Introduction
I created this web page based on this Georgia Performance Standard.
SS5.5 The student will explain how the Great Depression and New Deal affected the lives
of millions of Americans.
a. discuss the Stock Market Crash of 1929, Herbert Hoover, Franklin Roosevelt,
unemployment, bank failures, the Dust Bowl, and soup kitchens, and
b. analyze the main features of the New Deal including the significance of the Civilian
Conservation Corps, Social Security Act and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
c. discuss important cultural elements of the 1930’s to include the Marx Brothers, comic
books, Duke Ellington, Joe Louis, and Jesse Owens.
Kathy Cox, State School Superintendent
All Rights Reserved
The Stock Market Crash
The Stock Market Crash occurred in October of 1929. During this time many people lost their jobs. The price of stock went up, so many people wanted to sell stock instead of buy it to get more money. Soon company owners discovered this was happening so they lowered the prices, because they didn't want to lose money. People thought that the economy would improve soon. Unfortunately the event became much worse and many people lost their life savings! People were going to banks to get their money and unfortunately many banks failed and many people had no jobs because the companies could not pay them. This horrible time even affected some people who were very well off. It became known as the Great Depression.
People of the Great Depression
Some of the main people of the Great Depression were Calvin Coolidge, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Herbert Hoover, Marx Brothers, Duke Ellington, Joe Louis, and Jesse Owens.
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Joe Louis, the "Brown Bomber"
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Name |
Importance |
Fun Fact |
| Calvin Coolidge | Was president for part of the Great Depression | Born on Independence Day |
| Franklin D. Roosevelt | Was also president for part of the Great Depression and he also created the New Deal | Married on St. Patrick's Day of 1905 |
| Eleanor Roosevelt | First lady who helped many people find jobs | Within 11 years after marriage she bore 6 children |
| Herbert Hoover | President during the early part of the Great Depression | His parents and most of his relatives were rural Quakers |
| Duke Ellington | One of the founding fathers of jazz music | His career started as a pool hall piano player |
| Joe Louis | Great athlete who lived and entertained during the Great Depression | Known around the boxing world as the " Brown Bomber" |
| Jesse Owens | Olympic athlete who lived during the Great Depression | In 1936 he won 4 Track and Field gold medals in 1 Olympics |
Click here to see pictures of the Great Depression
Click HERE for more info on the Great Depression
The New Deal
Franklin Roosevelt created the New Deal when he was elected president.. He created many government programs to help the ones whom the Great Depression affected. Here are some of those programs-
| Name of Event | Importance | The Effect on Americans |
| Social Security Act | Provided old-age retirement insurance, a federal state program of unemployment compensation, and a federal grants for state welfare programs. | People who could not afford these things could now still have them. |
| Tennessee Valley Authority | Generated electric power and controlled floods. | People could have electric power and they can be safe from floods. |
| Civilian Conservation Corps | Provided work and vocational training for unemployed men. | Men who did not have jobs could still earn money for their families. |
The Dust Bowl
The Dust Bowl occurred during the 1930's. This horrible time was made up of violent winds and dust storms. It was mostly located in the Great Plains. It caused many farms to fail and many families to starve. Almost 800,000 people (sometimes called "Okies") left their homes in the Great Plains and moved further west. The Dust Bowl also destroyed cars and other machinery causing many people to lose their jobs. Many people ended up getting jobs like harvesting crops. They had extremely low wages. As you can see this was a very devastating time.
Click HERE for more information about the Dust Bowl
