The Great Depression

Children were forced to work

Many people became homeless

Many of the homeless lived in small villages made of cardboard boxes and crates nicknamed "hoovervilles" (named after President Hoover who is blamed for the Depression).

Some men and families became hobos- rode the rails looking for work and food

Many farmers had more food than they could sell.

People didn't have the money to buy it

Some food was destroyed in an effort to decrease the supply so prices could increase

Droughts occurred on the Great Plains

This region became known as the Dust Bowl because it was so dry

many moved west to California looking for work because the dust storms destroyed their crops.

These people were often called okies because most were from Oklahoma

The Grapes of Wrath (1939)- novel written by John Steinbeck about one family's struggle in moving to California

President Hoover wasn't willing to spend enough money to provide relief to the people.

Bonus Army March:

in 1924 Congress approved a bonus payment to all who served during WWI

The money was to be paid in 1945

June 1932- 20,000 veterans marched into Washington D.C., set up camps, and said they wouldn't leave until they received their bonus.

Hoover ordered the police to remove the protestors

2 veterans were killed-made Hoover look really bad

Defeated Hoover in the election of 1932

Cousin of Teddy Roosevelt

Became ill with polio in 1921- forced him to use a wheelchair

1st President to use the radio regularly - "Fireside Chats" - explained his plans and programs to the people.

Handled the press well- ex: pictures not taken of him in his wheelchair (did not want to appear weak)

Famous quote- "All we have to fear, is fear itself"

The "Brian Trust" was a group of advisors that helped him- attorneys, economists, political scientists, etc.

His wife Eleanor Roosevelt, was his most important advisor

FDR said she was his "eyes and ears" outside the White House

She could travel and meet with people he couldn't because of his disability.

Bank Holiday- 1st action as President

Closed every bank in the U.S. for 4 days

Sent people out to determine which ones were strong and those re-opened.

Almost all were re-opened

Trying to restore confidence in banks - people began to put their money back in.