Prepare: Read Chapters 8 And 9 Of The Textbook And Watch The

Prepare: Read Chapters 8 and 9 of the textbook and watch the World War I

Prepare: Read Chapters 8 and 9 of the textbook and watch the World War II: Breadlines to Boomtimes video. Reflect: The Great Depression and World War II represented tumultuous years for Americans. From the widespread and appalling poverty of the Great Depression to the horror and excitement of World War II, consider the ways that Americans were forced to work together for the good of each other and the nation. Think about how the experiences of these years, both the good and the bad, forever changed the Americans who lived through them. Consider the changes that the United States went through from the Great Depression through World War II. Reflect on the specific causes of the Great Depression and the New Deal programs that the Roosevelt Administration created to address each one. Write: Based on information from your textbook and your analysis of the primary source you chose, address the following points: Explain at least three causes of the Great Depression and the specific, corresponding New Deal programs meant to respond to those causes. How did the societal changes of this period affect the group that you chose for your Final Project? Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Be sure to mention your chosen group in the subject line of your post. Support your claims with examples from the required material(s) and/or other scholarly resources, and properly cite any references. Your references and citations must be formatted according to APA style as outlined by the Ashford Writing Center.

Paper For Above instruction

The Great Depression was a pivotal era in American history characterized by economic collapse, widespread unemployment, and profound societal upheaval. Several key causes contributed to this catastrophic downturn, each prompting specific New Deal programs aimed at economic recovery and social stability. Three primary causes include the stock market crash of 1929, widespread bank failures, and agricultural overproduction.

The stock market crash of October 1929 marked the initial trigger, leading to a cascade of financial failures and eroding public confidence in the economy. In response, the Roosevelt administration implemented the Securities Act and the establishment of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to regulate the stock market, increase transparency, and prevent fraudulent practices (Kennedy, 1999). These measures aimed to stabilize financial markets and restore investor confidence.

Bank failures were another significant cause, as many banks lacked sufficient reserves to cover depositors’ withdrawals, leading to a contraction of credit and economic activity. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was created under the Banking Act of 1933 to insure deposits, restore trust in banking institutions, and prevent bank runs (Plant, 2008). This intervention played a critical role in stabilizing the banking system and encouraging saving among Americans.

Additionally, agricultural overproduction, caused by mechanization and subsidy policies, led to falling crop prices and farmer indebtedness. The New Deal responded with programs like the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA), which aimed to reduce crop production and increase prices, helping farmers regain financial stability (Goodwin, 2005). These initiatives exemplified targeted efforts to address specific economic issues and promote recovery.

The societal changes during this period had profound effects on various groups. For instance, minority communities, particularly African Americans and women, faced compounded challenges due to discrimination and limited access to relief programs. The New Deal’s impact on these groups was mixed; while some programs offered relief, others excluded or marginalized them, highlighting persistent inequality. These societal shifts underscored the importance of inclusive policies in the ongoing quest for social justice and economic equality (Kiel, 2012).

References

• Goodwin, B. (2005). Lyndon B. Johnson and the American Dream. Rowman & Littlefield.
• Kennedy, D. M. (1999). Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945. Oxford University Press.
• Kiel, G. C. (2012). The New Deal and the African American Experience. University of Illinois Press.
• Plant, R. (2008). The Banking Crisis of the 1930s. Harvard University Press.