The Great Depression began after a period of prosperity in the 1920s known as the Roaring Twenties. When many Americans could no longer pay back loans for the items they purchased on credit, banks began to fail which led to widespread unemployment. Nearly 25% of Americans were jobless and forced to live in shanty towns. However, American involvement in World War II through the manufacturing of weapons and supplies helped create jobs and pull the country out of the depression.

1. The Great Depression By: Matt Weckwerth

2. Prosperity The 1920’s were known as The Roaring Twenties where American life was at a highpoint. Many lavish parties and materialistic belongings were shown during this time period. Americans bought a majority of items on credit.

3. A Turn For The Worse Many items bought on credit could not be paid back to the bank. Banks became bankrupt as there was no physical cash to give back to the people. Banks began to close and people began to panic about losing their money They withdrew all their money, which led to complete bank failures. October 29, 1929 marked the day of the Stock Market crash, Black Tuesday, thus beginning The Great Depression.

4. Unemployment The effect of no money led to the closure of many jobs. Nearly 25% of all America was unemployed. People could not afford to feed their families, and were forced to live in shanty houses during the time of President Herbert Hoover, which became known as Hoovervilles.

5. A Change For The Better The attack on Pearl Harbor forced Americans to protect their country, and thus began the manufacturing of weapons for warfare. Remarkably, this created jobs for many Americans, and started to bring the country out of its depression. Germany’s defeat of France led to America being more involved with manufacturing of weaponry for their allies. This snapped the country out of its depression and back into a successful economic society.