How Did The Great Depression Affect The Economy

The Great Depression affected everyone in America. Families were forced to leave their homes, northern cities became over populated, artists were inspired, and the president was given a bad reputation. The Great Depression majorly hurt the American economy. In October of 1929, when the stock market crashed, a total 12.9 million shares were traded (History.com Staff “The Great Depression”). The stock market crash triggered the Great Depression in America. Any American that had invested in the stock market lost all their money and quickly became desperate for work. Businesses were forced to lower production due to low consumer spending, and by 1931 more than six million Americans were left jobless (History.com Staff “The Great Depression”). As less people managed to keep their jobs, times became harder. Farmers were forced off their lands as there was no need
Herbert Hoover entered office shortly before the stock market crashed. Hoover believed in rugged individualism; however, the financial problems caused by the Great Depression were far too large for rugged individualism to work (“President Hoover”). President Hoover never fully understood how large of an effect the Great Depression was having on the people, and that caused him to be seen as a careless and heartless president. Hoover also did not think that the government should start relief programs for the American citizens. He believed that that was the responsibility of the state’s, except there was not enough money in the state funds for their relief programs to become effective (“President Hoover”). Hoover did everything he thought needed to be done to help those affected by the Depression, but it was just never enough. Hoover’s reputation as a hero was ruined by the Great Depression. He became one of the most hated people in America because he did not do enough to help the country in its most desperate