The stock market crash of 1929 is often viewed as what started the Great Depression. However, the crash was not the cause of the depression but one of several factors that contributed to it. One possible cause of the Great Depression was the rapid expansion of credit in the 1920s, which led to a boom in consumer spending and stock market speculation. This created a false sense of prosperity, which eventually led to the crash. Another possible cause of the Great Depression was the unequal distribution of wealth in the United States. During the 1920s, there was considerable growth in income inequality, which led to a decrease in consumer spending and investment in the economy by those who were not wealthy. This created a situation where the economy …show more content…
The New Deal included programs such as the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC), the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA), and the Works Progress Administration (WPA), among others. These programs provided jobs and assistance to millions of Americans, which helped to stabilize the economy and provide some relief to those most affected by the Depression. While Roosevelt's policies were certainly not a panacea for the problems caused by the Great Depression, they did have a positive impact on the country. Unemployment, for example, dropped from 25% in 1933 to 14% in 1937, and overall economic growth increased during Roosevelt's presidency. However, the impact of the New Deal on future generations of Americans is a more complicated issue. Some argue that the New Deal laid the groundwork for a more robust and equitable society. For example, Social Security, a program created under the New Deal, continues to provide financial assistance to millions of Americans today, while the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) established a minimum wage and maximum workweek, both of which are still in place today. These programs helped to create a more secure and protected workforce, regardless of economic …show more content…
However, with the outbreak of war and men being drafted into the military, women were called upon to fill the void in the workforce. Women took up jobs that were traditionally seen as "male" jobs, such as factory work and construction. This newfound sense of independence and self-sufficiency fundamentally changed the social landscape in America. Women felt empowered and capable of contributing to society in a meaningful way. As a result, after the war, women continued to work and contribute to the workforce, paving the way for advances in women's rights and the feminist movement. African Americans experienced increased opportunities during World War II. Although segregation and discrimination still existed, the war effort made it necessary for African Americans to be involved in the military and in factory work. This resulted in greater visibility and recognition of African Americans' contributions to the war effort and helped shift attitudes towards greater acceptance and integration after the