Significant Events During The Great Depression

The Great Depression, a global economic crisis that took place from 1929 to 1941 was the result of a combination of significant events that occurred in the 1920’s and would forever change the course of American history. Events that significantly contributed to the Great Depression include the economic policy of the United States, the stock market crash and a reduction in purchasing that impacted foreign countries as well. Environmental factors beyond human control like the dust bowl in the southwest only intensified the severity and length of the Depression. The Depression was one of the most devastating periods of time in United States history. Despite the obvious negative consequences of economic devastation, the Great Depression also ignited positive regulatory and economic change that served to decrease the likelihood that an economic collapse of the same scale
During the Depression, over a quarter of the workforce in America was unemployed, which amounted to almost 15 million people. Unemployed people in the 1920’s did not have excess money to spend, which slowed down the rebuilding of the economy even more. The economy was suffering from both the crippling effects of both a decrease in supply of goods and services as well as a decrease in demand. Socially, vices including drinking and smoking greatly increased during the Great Depression as people sought an escape from their misery. Expenditures on these non-productive items were a drain on the economy. Many people turned to crimes like theft and prostitution so that they could buy food for themselves and their families. In the face of such devastating diversity some families strengthened and became closer, while others fell apart because of delayed marriages and childbearing due to insufficient resources. Not surprisingly, the suicide rate and death due to starvation increased