The Great Depression

Looking back its sometimes hard to remember what life was like before The Great Depression.  I often think about how all of this started.  One major thing that pushed us into this depression was the Stock Market Crash of 1929.  At first, in the early 1920’s stock prices were at an all time high.  Unfortunately, this did not last. On October 18th, 1929, the stock market began to fall. By October 29th (Black Tuesday), the stock prices completely collapse.  In 1932, stocks were worth 20 percent of their value in the summer of 1929.  Many banks failed, and people lost their jobs, including myself.  I guess that is why I blame most of this depression on the Stock Market.  Its like it all happened at once.  One thing after another, until eventually it effected all of us.  With no job, I had no way to provide for myself, and more importantly my family.  I tried to rush to our bank and get our life savings, but there wasn’t much left by the time I got there.  So many people were at panic they had already took out loads of money.  We had to make so many changes.  I look for work almost everyday but I have no luck.  Its crazy how I felt like I was on top of the world one day, and the next be completely lost and in a hole.  Im not sure how much more I can endure.  I pray that I can stay strong for my family and hopefully one day there will be something good out of this.

http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/stock-market-crashes

Living on The Great Plains is not the best thing right now.  As a farmer, there is nothing more devastating than not being able to grow your own crops.  Thanks to this drought, we are having hard times right now.  Winds have picked up and dust storms occur regularly now.  Its completely destroyed our crops, livestock, and land.  I have no luck with growing my own food.  Our cows had nothing to graze on and they began to thin up quickly.  Not only is this effecting our land, but our own homes.  We cant escape from the dust.  My wife cleans several times a day and even when she finishes, somehow sand finds its way back into our house.  Its on our furniture, our dishes, and in our beds.  Seeing our farm go down was hard on me, but I think the worst part was watching my daughter sick.  Breathing in all of this dust was not healthy.  We had to wrap cloths around her face and mouth to somewhat help shield the dust from entering her system.  I never imagined losing everything I ever worked for like this.  I just pray that somehow rain will come and nourish this dry land and then maybe things can fall into place from there.

Losing my job was hard on me.  I didn’t only lose my job, but also my home.  I had no choice but to find somewhere and make do with what I could afford.  After traveling for so long, eventually I found Hooverville.  It was far different from what I was used to living in.  Every house was falling apart.  The ceilings were caving in, and there were holes in the flooring.  Although they weren’t in the best shape, I still had a place to stay and that was all that mattered to me.  The housing didn’t bother me as much as the neighborhood did though.  There were some rough people staying here.  Many of them stole.  Basically, everyone did what they had to do to survive.  Hopefully, one day I can save up enough money and get out of here.  Maybe I can get my old life back soon.

Franklin D. Roosevelt began his presidency during The Great Depression, and lead us through World War ll.  He helped the American people gain faith back as he promised immediate action against the Depression.  The New Deal, his legislature program, helped develop the role of the federal government.  He began his first 100 days by closing down all banks for several days, giving Congress time to pass a reform legislation.  Roosevelt also held national radio conferences as he talked to the American people.  The very first “fireside chat” was held about the banking crisis.  He held an audience of 60 million people.  This helped public confidence and prevented dangerous bank runs.  The economy began to show signs of recovery.  Even though he battled a health condition throughout his presidency, he fought hard for the American people dying at the age of 63.