The 1920s were often seen as an era of prosperity and freedom. But, as Foner points out, that prosperity and freedom were not celebrated by all Americans. In the last year of the 1920s, the US and most of the modern world witnessed the most detrimental economic disaster of the modern era. After looking at Give Me Liberty Chapter 19: 1. Why do you believe the Great Depression occurred? 2. Do you believe the Depression could have been prevented? Why or why not? (make sure to draw on examples from the readings and/or videos) 3. What is your opinion on the way Herbert Hoover initially dealt with the Depression? How about the way FDR later dealt with the Depression?
The 1920s
Full Answer Section
- The decline in international trade: The Great Depression was also caused by a decline in international trade. This was due to a number of factors, including the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, which raised tariffs on imported goods. The decline in international trade led to a decrease in demand for goods, which further worsened the economic situation.
- The lack of government intervention: The government did not do enough to intervene in the economy during the Great Depression. This was due to a number of factors, including the belief that the government should not interfere in the economy. The lack of government intervention made it more difficult to recover from the Depression.
Sample Answer
The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930s, beginning in the United States. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations; in most countries, it started in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s. It was the longest, deepest, and most widespread depression of the 20th century.
There are many factors that contributed to the Great Depression, including:
- The stock market crash of 1929: The stock market crash of 1929 was a major turning point in the Great Depression. The crash wiped out billions of dollars in investments, and it led to a loss of confidence in the economy.
- The overproduction of goods: In the years leading up to the Great Depression, there was a significant overproduction of goods. This was due to a number of factors, including the introduction of new technologies and the expansion of credit. The overproduction of goods led to falling prices and profits, which in turn led to layoffs and unemployment.