Great Depression and New Deal Vocabulary: Part 1

A sudden, large drop in stock prices across many companies that causes investors to lose money and can trigger economic problems.

A situation when many depositors try to withdraw their money from a bank at the same time because they fear the bank will fail.

The long, severe economic downturn that began in 1929, marked by high unemployment, bank failures, and widespread poverty.

A legal process where a lender takes back a property because the borrower failed to make required mortgage payments.

A temporary economic decline when trade and industrial activity fall; less severe and usually shorter than a depression.

Nickname for the many New Deal agencies known by abbreviations such as WPA or TVA.

Regulations designed to fix problems and prevent future crises by creating rules and oversight.

Programs and projects to restore the economy, reduce unemployment, and stimulate business activity.

Radio talks by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to explain policies and reassure the public.

Short-term direct help like food, shelter, or jobs for people suffering.

Built dams and power plants to control floods, provide electricity, and promote economic development in the Tennessee Valley.

Provided millions of jobs building roads, public buildings, and supporting arts projects.

Employed young men to conserve natural resources by planting trees, building trails, and preventing soil erosion.

Helped make home loans more available and affordable by insuring mortgages and encouraging lenders.

Funded large public construction projects like bridges, schools, and dams to create jobs and improve infrastructure.

Many depositors withdraw money at the same time due to fear a bank will fail.

A line of people waiting to receive free food during times of widespread poverty.

Created a system of retirement pensions, unemployment insurance, and aid for certain people in need.

Insures bank deposits so people won’t lose their money if a bank fails.

Regulates the stock market and works to prevent fraud, making investing safer.

A period in the 1930s when drought and poor farming practices caused massive dust storms that ruined farmland and forced families to move.

Nickname for the many New Deal agencies created to provide relief, recovery, and reform.

A series of programs, laws, and projects created by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to help the nation recover from the Great Depression.

A person who moves from place to place to find work, especially seasonal farm laborers.

Shantytowns of makeshift houses built by homeless people during the Great Depression, named after President Herbert Hoover.

Crowds rush to withdraw savings from a bank in fear it will close.

The economy slows for a shorter period and many people temporarily lose jobs.

A sudden sharp drop in share prices across many companies.

A long, severe economic downturn with high unemployment and bank failures.

A lender takes back a house because the owner missed mortgage payments.

Insurance on deposits so people keep their money safe in banks.

Oversight of the stock market to reduce fraud and protect investors.

Soup kitchens and emergency job programs for struggling families.

New rules for banks and markets to prevent future crises.

Funding roads and bridges to boost hiring and business activity.

Construction jobs building bridges, schools, and dams.

Mortgage-related jobs supporting lenders and helping families buy homes.

Engineering jobs building dams and power plants to provide electricity.

Outdoor conservation jobs planting trees and preventing soil erosion.

Jobs for writers, artists, actors, and construction workers building public works.

Lines where people receive free food during widespread poverty.

Makeshift shantytowns built by homeless people during the Great Depression.

Provides retirement pensions, unemployment insurance, and aid to children and the disabled.

Radio talks by President Roosevelt delivered in a calm, conversational style.

Moves from place to place to find seasonal work, often harvesting crops.

FDIC insures deposits so people don't lose savings.

Relief programs offer food, shelter, and jobs.

SEC regulates markets to prevent fraud.

TVA builds dams and power plants in the Tennessee Valley.

CCC plants trees and builds trails to conserve resources.