Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, marked by widespread unemployment, poverty, and a significant drop in economic activity. This period profoundly influenced the arts, particularly theatre, leading to new forms of expression that reflected the struggles of the time and inspired movements focused on social change.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The stock market crash of October 1929 is often cited as the beginning of the Great Depression, which triggered a domino effect of economic decline globally.
2. During this time, unemployment rates soared, reaching as high as 25% in the United States, causing significant social unrest and hardship.
3. The Great Depression led to a rise in political movements advocating for workers' rights and social justice, influencing the creation of new forms of theatre that aimed to address these issues.
4. Innovative theatre groups emerged during this period, using performance as a tool for activism, highlighting the struggles of everyday people and advocating for societal change.
5. The legacy of the Great Depression can be seen in the works of playwrights like Arthur Miller, who explored themes related to disillusionment with the American Dream in his dramas.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence the rise of agitprop and workers' theatre movements?
  • The Great Depression created an urgent need for social commentary and advocacy through art. As unemployment soared and poverty became rampant, agitprop theatre emerged as a response to these societal challenges. Performances aimed to galvanize audiences by highlighting their struggles and calling for social change, using political messages intertwined with performance to raise awareness about workers' rights and collective action.
• In what ways did the Group Theatre contribute to the development of social realism during the Great Depression?
  • The Group Theatre played a significant role in shaping social realism by presenting plays that depicted the harsh realities faced by individuals during the Great Depression. Their productions emphasized authentic emotions and situations reflective of everyday struggles. By focusing on character-driven narratives rooted in social issues, they sought to engage audiences in meaningful discussions about economic disparity and human dignity, effectively blending art with activism.
• Evaluate how Arthur Miller's works reflect the challenges of the Great Depression while critiquing the concept of the American Dream.
  • Arthur Miller's plays, such as 'Death of a Salesman,' illustrate the disillusionment many felt during the Great Depression regarding the American Dream. He critiques the notion that hard work guarantees success by showcasing characters who struggle against economic hardship despite their efforts. Miller's exploration of personal failure against a backdrop of systemic economic issues highlights how the American Dream became unattainable for many, reflecting broader societal challenges during this tumultuous period.

Related terms

Agitprop: A combination of agitation and propaganda, agitprop refers to political art that aims to inspire social change through theatrical performances, often reflecting the experiences and struggles of the working class.

Social Realism: An artistic movement that portrays everyday life and societal issues, emphasizing realistic depictions of the struggles faced by ordinary people, particularly in relation to class and economic conditions.

American Dream:

A cultural ethos that suggests anyone can achieve success and prosperity through hard work and determination, which during the Great Depression was often challenged and redefined in light of widespread hardship.