How the Depression impacted and changed family life and the people's beliefs of the what role the
federal government should play in helping the poor. This occurred to Americans who are now in their late seventies
and early eighties years of age. Do you think most Americans are impacted by the Depression or it is now a forgotten
event that most Americans do not think will happen again. What beliefs regarding government and family life if any
do still exist today due to this Depression experience?
What do you think about Great Depression of economy which occurred around 1932. ?
Big question. The Depression was a huge event that affected just about everybody at that time. The free-wheeling free-market system that preceded it completely broke down. Normal stable jobs disappeared and middle-class families were destitute. The poor fared even worse.
The economy was unable to right itself on its own. It took a few years to realize that, and when FDR became president he began attacking the Depression on several fronts - old age support, federally sponsored jobs, a revamping of the US economic system, etc. through his New Deal programs. The situation had become so bad in January 1933 that people were almost willing to give Roosevelt dictatorial powers.
Family life became a struggle. There was little money being made. Food dollars were stretched. Entertainment was gotten on the cheap - board games were popular and movies, at 25 cents, were a bargain.
Mom and Dad paid cash - no credit. Too dangerous. Saving was important for a rainy day.
I think the Depression still resonates some in America. It hit Americans hard then and some of its lessons (for average Americans living almost paycheck to paycheck) are on our minds.now. But that is slowly fading.
