Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, marked by massive unemployment, bank failures, and a drastic decline in industrial production. This period deeply influenced various forms of artistic expression, including documentary photography, as photographers sought to capture the struggles and resilience of everyday people amidst economic hardship.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stock market crash of October 1929 is often cited as the starting point of the Great Depression, leading to widespread financial panic and bank closures.
2. Unemployment rates soared during the Great Depression, reaching as high as 25% in the United States, drastically affecting families and communities.
3. Documentary photography gained prominence during this time as a means to raise awareness about social issues and human suffering caused by the economic crisis.
4. Famous photographers like Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans produced powerful images that depicted the realities of life during the Great Depression, influencing public perception and policy.
5. The Great Depression had global repercussions, impacting economies around the world and leading to significant changes in government policy regarding economic intervention and social welfare.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence the evolution of documentary photography during the early 20th century?
  • The Great Depression led to a surge in documentary photography as artists sought to highlight the struggles faced by ordinary people. Photographers aimed to capture raw emotions and stark realities, using their work as a tool for social change and awareness. This era saw a shift toward more socially engaged photography, focusing on documenting poverty, unemployment, and resilience in communities affected by economic hardship.
• Discuss how influential photographers during the Great Depression used their work to address social issues and impact public perception.
  • Influential photographers like Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans used their lenses to document the plight of those suffering during the Great Depression. Their images often conveyed deep empathy and human connection, prompting viewers to recognize the severity of economic struggles. By capturing candid moments of hardship, these photographers not only raised awareness but also influenced public opinion, ultimately contributing to policy changes like those seen in Roosevelt's New Deal.
• Evaluate the long-term effects of documentary projects from the Great Depression on contemporary photography and its role in social advocacy.
  • The documentary projects from the Great Depression established a foundation for contemporary photography as a powerful medium for social advocacy. The impactful work done by FSA photographers created a legacy that continues to inspire modern photographers to use their craft for activism and awareness. Today, documentary photography remains crucial in highlighting social injustices, as seen in movements addressing poverty, inequality, and other pressing issues, reflecting how visual storytelling can drive change across generations.

Related terms

New Deal: A series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression, aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

Dust Bowl:

A severe drought that affected the Great Plains during the 1930s, exacerbating the economic struggles of farmers and contributing to mass migrations.

FSA (Farm Security Administration): A government agency created in 1937 that employed photographers to document rural poverty and the effects of the Great Depression, producing iconic images that highlighted social issues.