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'Al': The Cause Of The Great Depression

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“Say, don't you remember? They called me 'Al' It was 'Al' all the time. Why don't you remember? I'm your pal. Say buddy, can you spare a dime?” This haunting melody of the Great Depression illustrated life for the average American. In Crosby’s song, he represents the feelings of betrayal of “Al” or the “average joe” towards the American government. He asks if Hoover remembers him and all the work that the citizens of America put into creating this nation. The Depression forced a change in the government that demanded it to be thoroughly involved in the economy. From suspending foreign trade to Roosevelt's New Deal, the government had to make many efforts in order to rescue the economy, which ended both good and bad. Though it is widely …show more content…

This includes the deflation of agriculture, bankruptcy of banks and businesses, debts, reparations, the credit system, and the failure of government involvement. Despite the cause, people demanded a significant change. In June 1930, the Hawley-Smoot tariff, which raised tariffs to the highest it has ever been, was passed to in order to protect American business. Unfortunately, it only further devastated the economy as many European countries responded with their own high tariffs and the result was the halt of global trade. Herbert Hoover, the president during the majority of the depression also made an effort to rescue the economy. For example, when faced with the foreign debt issue, Hoover suggested a moratorium on intergovernmental debt payments which the Congress agreed on. However, it couldn’t be achieved because both European and American banking systems refused to let go of the gold standard which …show more content…

As companies and banks continued to file for bankruptcy, the line at the soup kitchen grew and grew. Hoovervilles, run-down towns, became the homes of hundreds of people who were forced into the slums because they could no longer afford rent. When Franklin D. Roosevelt, or FDR, was elected into office, he knew that he had to make some major changes to save the economy. His most noted achievement was the New Deal which effectively brought relief to millions of Americans and restored public confidence. The first 100 days were to vigorously tackle immediate problems. The First New Deal would follow and would focus on creating jobs and set America on the road to recovery. Afterwards, the Second New Deal would be concerned with improving welfare services. FDR wanted to convince Americans that their saving were safe in the bank and only allowed stable ones to reopen while shutting dying ones down. The Federal Emergency Relief Act provided $500 million of aid by providing employment. To encourage relaxation, the Prohibition Act was abolished. With this kick start to the economy, FDR hoped to restart the gears of a fruitful nation. To honour his promise, the New Deal was set about quickly. The First New Deal provided many systems to help combat the unemployment in America. For Example, the Civilian Conservation Corps, or the CCC, which provided work for young people in

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