PWWI - The Great Depression and Georgia (Lesson)

The Great Depression and Georgia

Introduction

The Great Depression and Georgia Icon The Great Depression was the longest period of high unemployment and low economic activity in modern history. By 1932, a fourth of all Americans were unemployed. Farmers, who were already struggling, saw their incomes drop by 50%.

 

The Great Depression

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Great Depression Cause and Effect

Great Depression Cause and Effect
Causes Effects Effects Today
  • Great Depression deepens
  • Banking system nears collapse
  • Millions of people are jobless
  • Many businesses are bankrupt
  • FDR becomes President
  • Role of government in the economy increases
  • Social Security gives pensions to retired people
  • People who lose their jobs can receive money from unemployment insurance
  • Savings accounts in banks are insured by government
  • Government pays for building projects, such as highways, schools and dams
  • Increased government spending contributes to national debt
  • Congress debates how to reform Social Security system
  • People disagree about proper size of government

 

FDR's New Deal

In 1932, voters in the United States elected Franklin Delano Roosevelt (commonly referred to as FDR) to be their president. Roosevelt had a positive attitude the nation desperately needed at a difficult time. He was also ready to use government regulation to try to rebuild the economy. Roosevelt launched a series of government programs he called the New Deal. Although the New Deal did not end the Depression, it did provide some relief until World War II actually brought the crisis to an end in the 1940s.

 

New Deal Programs

New Deal Programs
Program Initials Began Purpose
Civilian Conservation Corps CCC 1933 Provided jobs for young men to plant trees, build bridge and parks, and set up flood control projects
Tennessee Valley Authority TVA 1933 Built dams to provide cheap electric power to seven southern states; set up schools and health centers
Federal Emergency Relief Administration FERA 1933 Gave Relief to unemployed and needy
Agricultural Adjustment Administration AAA 1933 Paid farmers not to grow certain crops
National Recovery Administration NRA 1933 Enforced codes that regulated wages, prices and working conditions
Public Works Administration PWA 1933 Built ports, schools, and aircraft carriers
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation FDIC 1933 Insured savings accounts in banks approved by the government
Rural Electification Administration REA 1935 Loaned money to extend electricity to rural areas
Works Progress Administration WPA 1935 Employed men and women to build hospitals, schools, parks, and airports; employed artists, writers, and musicians
Social Security Act SSA 1935 Set up a system of pensions for the elderly, unemployed, and people with disabilities

 

Review

Review what you've learned by completing the activity below.

 

 

Think About This

 

 

The Great Depression had a global impact. During World War I the world had ramped up agricultural and industrial production to meet the high demands of the soldiers. After the war these industries did not scale back their production leading to overproduction of goods and crops. At the same time the Midwest suffered a massive drought and felt the effects of the Dust Bowl. Georgia also had a severe drought and combined with the boll weevil saw agricultural failure. When the stock market crashed the United States entered the Great Depression which would last for the majority of the 1930s.

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