The Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 until the late 1930s, characterized by high unemployment rates, plummeting stock markets, and widespread poverty. This period fundamentally altered social, economic, and cultural landscapes, leading to significant changes in art and literature as creators sought to express the trauma and disillusionment of the era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Depression began with the Stock Market Crash of 1929, which caused investors to lose billions and led to a domino effect on banks and businesses.
2. Unemployment rates soared during this time, reaching about 25% in the United States at its peak, leaving millions without jobs or means of support.
3. The effects of the Great Depression were felt worldwide, causing economic distress in many countries and contributing to political instability.
4. Cultural movements like Modernism were influenced by the Great Depression, prompting writers and artists to explore themes of despair, alienation, and social criticism in their work.
5. The era led to significant changes in government policies and public attitudes toward welfare and economic intervention as societies sought solutions to unprecedented economic challenges.

Review Questions

• How did the Great Depression influence the themes explored in modernist drama?
  • The Great Depression deeply influenced modernist drama by prompting playwrights to focus on themes of disillusionment, existential despair, and social critique. Many works from this period examined the struggles of individuals against societal and economic collapse, reflecting a sense of hopelessness and questioning traditional values. The emphasis on fragmented narratives and non-linear storytelling also mirrored the chaotic experiences of people during this turbulent time.
• What role did government intervention play during the Great Depression, and how did this reflect changing societal views on responsibility for economic well-being?
  • During the Great Depression, government intervention became a central feature in addressing economic crises through initiatives like the New Deal. This shift reflected changing societal views as people began to expect greater responsibility from the government for ensuring economic stability and providing social safety nets. The acceptance of these measures marked a departure from previous notions of limited government involvement in economic affairs, demonstrating a collective demand for proactive solutions to widespread suffering.
• In what ways did the cultural responses to the Great Depression shape postwar trauma and disillusionment in literature and art?
  • Cultural responses to the Great Depression laid the groundwork for postwar trauma and disillusionment by establishing a narrative of crisis that continued into later decades. The emotional scars left by economic hardship influenced writers and artists who depicted a world rife with uncertainty and moral ambiguity after World War II. Themes of alienation, skepticism toward authority, and disillusionment with the American Dream became prevalent in postwar literature and art, echoing the struggles faced during the Great Depression and reflecting a lasting impact on society's consciousness.

Related terms

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

Dust Bowl: A severe drought in the 1930s that exacerbated the economic hardships of the Great Depression, particularly impacting agriculture in the Great Plains.

Stock Market Crash of 1929: The dramatic decline in stock prices that marked the beginning of the Great Depression, leading to widespread bank failures and loss of savings.