Changing Economic Depression to Growth
During the Great Depression, America underwent several major set backs, as mentioned before, the Stock Market crashed, unemployment rose dramatically, and America went into a state of shock. In 1933, during this chaotic time, America elected a new president, President Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR). FDR would soon make many changes to our government and economy. One major change President Roosevelt promised was the “New Deal,” which was a system allowing the government to step in to decrease unemployment levels and offer welfare assistance. The New Deal did not lead to immediate economic recovery. However, welfare offices, along with FDR’s Fireside Chats, were able to assist the needy population long enough to keeping the country stable until permanent change could occur.
While FDR and his New Deal were influencing factors, the major influence moving America away from the Great Depression was actually the beginning of World War II (WWII). Once America became involved in the war, and more jobs were created, the unemployment rate dropped (Jones,
et. Al.). This war was a major influence in transforming America and stimulating the economy out of the Great Depression. Hence, President Roosevelt, the New Deal, and WWII were largely responsible for squelching the Great Depression of the 1930's.
REFERENCES:
Nelson, Cary. About the great depression; Modern American poetry, (website). Accessed November 10, 2010. http://www.english.illinois.edu/maps/depression/about.htm
United States History, website. Accessed November 10, 2010. http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1851.html
Jones, Wood, Borstelmann, May, Ruiz. Created Equal, Brief Edition, Volume 2, 3/e, eBook. Part Eight. Accessed November 8, 2010.
Photo: FDR's Fireside Chats; President Franklin Delano Roosevelt is shown delivering his first fireside chat to the nation via radio on the subject of banking.
http://www.picturehistory.com/product/id/562
