The Great Depression was a period of economic collapse that originated in the U.S. and affected almost every country. It began when the Stock Market crashed on October 28, 1929.

Significance

The Depression severely affected the U.S. and virtually every country. Unemployment and poverty skyrocketed, many banks failed, and people lost their life savings.

Sources

loc.gov

stlouisfed.org

Black Tuesday is the stock market crash where more than 16 million shares were traded, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) lost another 12% in addition to the 12.8% on Black Monday.

Significance

Consequently, the U.S. and other countries experienced a steep economic decline. The Black Tuesday caused widespread unemployment, bankruptcies, money shortage, and reduced production.

Sources

britannica.com

corporatefinanceinstitute.com

The Dust Bowl was a severe, decade-long drought that affected the Midwest and the southern Great Plains. The period was marked by deficient rainfall, high temperatures, high winds, insect infestations, and dust storms.

Significance

Its impact was most significant to agriculture and those who depended on it. Many crops were damaged, and people who lived in the affected states had to migrate in hopes of finding work.

Sources

britannica.com

drought.unl.edu

history.com

Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States, initially known as a humanitarian who rescued millions of people from starvation during World War I. However, he became unpopular during his presidency, when his administration failed to alleviate the nation's issues during the Great Depression.

Significance

President Hoover's relief programs, though often criticized, still helped people in some ways. His public works program gave jobs to the unemployed, which provided them a source of income.

Sources

hoover.archives.gov

britannica.com

whitehousehistory.org

Franklin D. Roosevelt was the 32nd president of the United States, who led the country through the Great Depression and World War II. He is known for being the only president elected four times.

Significance

President Roosevelt's New Deal programs helped the economy recover from the Depression and relieve Americans' suffering by ensuring financial security, employment, and rights (like the right for workers to unionize).

Sources

fdrlibrary.org

britannica.com

obamawhitehouse.archives.gov

archives.gov

The Fireside Chats were a series of radio broadcasts by President Roosevelt during the Great Depression. In these broadcasts, the former president addressed issues, clarified public concerns, and explained his policies.

Significance

The former president's broadcasts became a source of hope for Americans. It also revived the public's confidence in the government, which helped contribute to the success of Roosevelt's projects.

Source

history.com

britannica.com

The New Deal was a program by Roosevelt's administration aimed at helping the American people recover from the Depression. It included programs and policies that supported social welfare and public health.

Significance

It relieved many people during the Depression, and some of its programs and policies continue to benefit us today (ex., Social Security Act). Additionally, the New Deal paved the way for future federal governments to play a bigger role in the nation's economy and public health.

Source

britannica.com

loc.gov

The Social Security Act was signed by President Roosevelt into law to address the economic insecurity during the Depression. This offered financial security for millions of Americans and established a pension system.

Significance

The act served as a safety net for millions of American families who were victims of the Great Depression, as it gave financial aid. And today, retired workers, veterans, and others in need continue to benefit from this legislation.

Sources

ssa.gov

britannica.com

history.com

The Institute was founded under the National Cancer Act of 1937. It is one of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) divisions. The NIC conducts and supports the country's research efforts in treating cancer.

Significance

The NIC advances scientific knowledge on cancer and cancer treatment. These advances have been instrumental in improving the health outcomes and life quality of cancer patients.

Sources

cancer.gov 1

cancer.gov 2

cancer.gov 3

nih.gov

The WPA was part of the New Deal programs that employed approximately 8.5 million unemployed workers through construction projects. It also sponsored the Federal Arts Project, the Federal Writers' Project, the Federal Theater Project, and the National Youth Administration.

Significance

The projects of the Administration created jobs for the victims of the Depression, including marginalized groups such as African-Americans. At present, the nation still uses the buildings and other infrastructures that were built through the WPA.

Sources

history.com

pbs.org

britannica.com

The Civilian Conservation Corps was a New Deal program that employed unmarried young men. The program's recruits worked on conserving natural resources (ex., flood control and tree planting).

Significance

The CCC relieved unemployment and extended education opportunities to the youth. At the same time, it promoted environmental conservation. And its impact reaches today, as many national and state parks can be credited to the corps.

Sources

pbs.org

ccclegacy.org

britannica.com

history.com

The National Venereal Disease Control Act was enacted to develop adequate measures for the prevention and treatment of venereal diseases or commonly known as sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Significance

The act helped millions of people receive tests and treatments against these diseases. In addition, it raised awareness of sexually transmitted diseases, which saved many people.

Sources

cdc.gov

jamanetwork.com

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act was a set of laws signed by FDR. It gives the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) the authority to mandate the manufacturing, selling, and distributing of cosmetics, foods, and drugs.

Significance

This act continues to ensure the people that what they consume is safe. It also prevents any harmful and fraudulent therapeutic claims from being made about foods, drugs, and cosmetic products.

Sources

ncbi.nlm.nih.org

fda.gov

ebsco.com