Photo Analysis:
I chose the photo of all the people standing in line for free soup because it demonstrates how difficult life got for the everday citizen during the Great Depression. Many peoples lives changed in the course of one month in the 30's. The transition from the roaring 20's, to the great depression was quite the rude awakening. I feel this picture captures the very essance of that. Men that appear to be dressed in fancy clothing, yet are standing in line for free soup?
Political Theme: Huey Long
Huey Long served as the 40th Governor of Louisiana from 1928-1932, and as United States senator for Louisiana between 1932-1935. He was known for his extreme radical beliefs. Long Created the "Share our wealth" program in 1934 that proposed new wealth redistribution. Long expanded state highways, hospitals and educational institutions. Long was assassinated in 1935.
Economic Theme: Black Tuesday/Black Thursday
Black Thursday was October 24, 1929. It was the infamous day the New York Stock Exchange crashed. Ending the Roaring 20's and becoming the beginning of the Great Depression. Black Tuesday was October 29, 1929. On Black Tuesday, a new record of 16.4 million shares were traded and the ticker tape fell behind by two and a half hours.
Social Theme: Dust Bowl
The Dust Bowl was a series of dangerous dust storms causing agricultural damage to American soil during the 1930's. The dust storms were caused by drought, along with years without ways to prevent wind erosion. Without natural anchors to keep the soil in place, the soil dried and turned to dust. This phenomenon caused families to flee there homes due to their land being destroyed. Many fleed to California, where the conditions were better.
How did the Great Depression lead to WW2?
The Great Depression destroyed the economies of Europe and the United States. This was right time for the emergence of the
Nazis to power in Germany, and a military power to take control in Japan. In the United States and in western Europe, the pre-occupation with the domestic economic crisis contributed to the political failure to meet the rising threat of fascism.
Nazis to power in Germany, and a military power to take control in Japan. In the United States and in western Europe, the pre-occupation with the domestic economic crisis contributed to the political failure to meet the rising threat of fascism.