Life was much different for Americans before the stock market crash in the late 1920s and the Great Depression in the early 1930s. In the 1920s, the American stock market was growing, and goods were being produced at a high rate in the United States. But with the crash of the stock market in 1929, Americans were in distress, which led to the Great Depression--one of the worst times in the United States.
African Americans on strike
The dust storm
Classic Jazz
A standard home life
Most people thought the economy in the 1920's would continue to grow, but they were wrong. Farmers did not have a high demand for their products, and ended up losing their farms after the Great Depression. Due to overproduction, business owners could not make any more goods and had to lay off workers. The laid-off workers went on strike to try to get their jobs back.
Abandoned farm
Protesting workers
In the 1920’s, Americans took advantage of the leisure time that they had. They went out dancing, and went to the movies, sporting events, and speakeasies. With the invention of the washing machine, women had more time to enjoy other activities besides chores. Even though Americans did not have as much money after the stock market crash, they thought it was important to enjoy music and be able to relax to escape from their problems. Many African Americans lost their jobs after the Great Depression, but the popularity of jazz music reduced racial tension in the United States.
A movie theater
A slandered home life
A school house
Before the Great Depression, men provided for their families, and supported their wives and children. In the 1930’s, home life changed for Americans. Divorce rates went up, while birth rates went down. Families tried to make ends meet by making their own clothes and preparing meals that lasted for days. Some people sold their houses and moved to Hoovervilles, while other people moved to California looking for a better place to live. Because farmers did not rotate their crops, it caused big dust storms that buried houses where families lived. These dust storms also killed Americans and farm animals.
Men getting food
Man selling his car
People on a train
Women in the work place
During the 1920’s, Herbert Hoover did very little to help Americans, and when he left office, many were unemployed. This caused Americans to dislike him as President. This led to the election of President Roosevelt, who promised a “New Deal” to help Americans. Eleanor Roosevelt fought for women’s rights, and wanted Americans to have more women in government. President Roosevelt also created a national bank holiday, where money was brought into banks so that they could reopen. This caused Americans to start trusting the banks and the government again.
A old house
women seeking help
FDR signing the new deal
Old shack
People getting food
The Americans who lived through the stock market crash and the Great Depression saw many changes throughout the years, both good and bad. Even though it was hard, they got through it. Many different groups of people were affected, including women, African Americans, immigrants, business owners, and farmers. Even though they were all affected in different ways, the 1920’s and 1930’s left a permanent mark in their lives.