thesis statement for the great depression

• Great Depression Essays

The Great Depression Essay

The recession of the American economy led to the greatest depression that has never been experienced in the American economic history. The Great Depression, experienced between 1929 and 1932, was a period of extreme hardship in America as it forced Americans to experience an economic crisis which left many jobless and hopeless. It was the worst and longest difficult situation in the country’s economic history that threw many hardworking people into poverty. People lost their homes, farms as well as their businesses (Gunderson 4). The Great Depression led to economic stagnation and widespread unemployment and also the depression was experienced in virtually all in every major industrialized country (Hall and Ferguson 2). The impact of the Great Depression was devastating as many individuals lost their homes because they had no work and a steady income and as a result, most of them were forced to live in makeshift dwellings with poor condition and sanitation. Many children dropped out of school and married women were forced to carry a greater domestic burden. More so, the depression widened the gap between the rich and the poor (Freedman 14) because many poor individuals suffered the hardships during this period while the rich remained unaffected. This paper discusses the period of Great Depression and it covers the life during this time and how the city dwellers, farmers, children and minority groups were affected. The Great Depression started following the occurrence of the Wall Street crash and rapidly spread in different parts of the world; however, some have argued that it was triggered by mistakes in monetary policy and poor government policy (Evans 15). Different hardships and challenges were experience by individuals in different parts of the world with many people left with no work. More so, individuals especially farmers suffered from poverty and low profits, deflation and they had no opportunity for personal and economic growth. Notably, different people were affected differently, for instance, unemployment affected men and they were desperate for work while children were forced to leave school and search for something to do so as to earn money for their family. Farmers were greatly affected because this period led to decrease in price in the prices of their crops and livestock and they still worked hard to produce more so as to pay their debts, taxes and living expenses. The period before this economic crisis, farmers were already losing money due to industrialization in cities and so most of them were renting their land and machinery. When the depression started, prices on food produced by farmers deflated leaving them incapable of making profit and so they stopped selling their farm products and this in turn affected the city dwellers that were unable to produce their own food. Undoubtedly, after the stock market crash, many firms declined and many workers were forced out of their jobs because there were really no jobs. Moreover, many people had no money to purchase commodities and so the consumer demand for manufactured goods reduced significantly. Sadly, individuals had to learn to do without new clothing. The prices dropped significantly leaving farmers bankrupt and as a result most of them lost their farms. Some farmers were angry and desperate proposing that the government should intervene and ensure that farm families remain in their respective homes. But again, farmers were better off than city dwellers because they could produce much of their own food. Many farm families had large gardens with enough food crops and in some families, women made clothes from flour and feed sacks and generally, these farm families learned how to survive with what they have and little money.

Struggling with your HW?

Get your assignments done by real pros. Save your precious time and boost your marks with ease. Just fill in your HW requirements and you can count on us!

• Customer data protection
• 100% Plagiarism Free

Furthermore, the town and cities suffered too, for instance, as the factories were shutting down following the depression many industrial workers were left jobless. The life in the city was not easy as many individuals lived in overcrowded and unheated houses with poor sanitation. In addition, many firms closed and many individuals lost their jobs and had to deal with the reality of living in poverty. Town families were unable to produce their own food and so many city dwellers often went hungry during this period. During winter, they had hard times overcoming the cold because they had no money to buy coal to warm their houses. During the depression, the known role of women was homemaking because they had a difficult time finding jobs and so the only thing they were supposedly good at was preparing meals for their families and keeping their families together. Some women who managed to have jobs supported their families in overcoming this difficult time. Accordingly, many children were deprived their right to have access to quality education because many societies had to close down their schools due to lack of money. Some of them managed to be in schools but majority dropped out. More so, they suffered from malnutrition and those in rural areas were worse off because with the family’s low income, they were unable to purchase adequate nutritional food for all family members. Many children and even adults died from diseases and malnutrition (Gunderson 4). The minority groups in America especially the African American population who lived in rural areas working on the farms of white owners. Even though they lived in poverty, the Depression made the situation worse as their lived changed completely and remained extremely poor because the farmers they were working for had lost their land. All in all, many families struggled to leave on low incomes or no jobs with many children starving; lacked shelter and clothing as well as medical attention (Freedman 4).

In conclusion, the Great Depression was a tragic time in American history that left many people poor, unemployed or little pay, and children forced to work at a younger age. The Great Depression affected everyone from children to adults, farmers to city dwellers and so everyone’s lives changed drastically by the events experienced during this period. Many individuals were unemployed and remained desperate searching for better lives. In addition, children had no access to quality education as most of them left school and sadly they accompanied their mothers to look for work and search for a new life. However, some people particularly the employers and the wealthy were not affected during this period because they were protected from the depression with their position in the society.

Works Cited

Evans, Paul. “What Caused the Great Depression in the United States?” Managerial Finance 23.2 (1997): 15-24.

Used our essay samples for inspiration ?

For more help, tap into our pool of professional writers and get expert essay editing services!

Freedman, Russell. Children of the Great Depression. New York: Clarion Books, 2005. Print.

Gunderson, Cory G. The Great Depression. Edina, Minn: ABDO Pub, 2004. Internet resource.

Hall, Thomas E, and Ferguson J D. The Great Depression: An International Disaster of Perverse Economic Policies. Ann Arbor: University of Michigan Press, 1998. Internet resource.

Related Essays

Find Free Essays

We provide you with original essay samples, perfect formatting and styling

Request must contain at least 2 characters

Popular Topics

Samples by Essay Type

Cite this page

About our services

Topic Great Depression

Level High School

This sample is NOT ORIGINAL. Get 100% unique essay written under your req

• Only $11 per page
• Free revisions included

Studyfy uses cookies to deliver the best experience possible. Read more.

Studyfy uses secured cookies. Read more.

Home — Essay Samples — History — History of the United States — Great Depression

Essays on Great Depression

Great depression essay topic examples, argumentative essays.

Argumentative essays on the Great Depression require you to take a stance on a specific aspect of this historical event and provide evidence to support your viewpoint. Consider these topic examples:

• 1. Argue for the primary causes of the Great Depression, emphasizing the role of economic policies, banking practices, and global factors in triggering the crisis.
• 2. Debate the effectiveness of New Deal programs in alleviating the suffering of Americans during the Great Depression, discussing their long-term impact on the nation's economy and social fabric.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Great Depression Essay: The Great Depression remains a defining moment in American history, marked by economic turmoil and widespread suffering. In this argumentative essay, we will examine the primary causes of the Great Depression, focusing on economic policies, banking practices, and global factors that contributed to this devastating crisis.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Great Depression Essay: In conclusion, the analysis of the Great Depression's causes underscores the complexity of this historical event. As we reflect on the lessons learned from this era, we are reminded of the importance of sound economic policies and vigilant oversight in preventing future economic crises.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays on the Great Depression involve analyzing the similarities and differences between various aspects of the era, such as its impact on different countries or the approaches taken to address the crisis. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the effects of the Great Depression on the United States and Germany, examining the economic, social, and political consequences in both nations.
• 2. Analyze and contrast the approaches taken by Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal and Adolf Hitler's economic policies in response to the Great Depression, exploring their divergent ideologies and outcomes.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Great Depression Essay: The Great Depression had a global impact, affecting nations differently and prompting diverse responses. In this compare and contrast essay, we will explore the effects of the Great Depression on the United States and Germany, examining the economic, social, and political consequences in both countries.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Great Depression Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of the Great Depression's effects on the United States and Germany reveal the profound and lasting consequences of economic crises. As we study these different experiences, we gain insights into the resilience of nations facing adversity.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays on the Great Depression allow you to provide detailed accounts and analysis of specific aspects, events, or individuals during this period. Here are some topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the everyday life of a typical American family during the Great Depression, detailing their struggles, coping mechanisms, and aspirations for a better future.
• 2. Paint a vivid picture of a significant event from the Great Depression era, such as the Dust Bowl or a famous protest, discussing its impact on society and the lessons learned.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Great Depression Essay: The Great Depression left an indelible mark on the lives of ordinary Americans, shaping their daily experiences and aspirations. In this descriptive essay, we will delve into the everyday life of a typical American family during this challenging period, exploring their struggles and hopes for a brighter future.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Great Depression Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive exploration of a typical American family's life during the Great Depression reminds us of the resilience and determination of individuals in the face of adversity. As we reflect on their experiences, we are inspired by their unwavering spirit.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays on the Great Depression involve advocating for specific actions, policies, or changes related to economic recovery, social welfare, or preventing future economic crises. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your audience of the importance of implementing social safety net programs to prevent another Great Depression-like economic catastrophe, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of such initiatives.
• 2. Advocate for increased financial literacy education in schools as a means to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills to make informed financial decisions, potentially preventing future economic crises.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Great Depression Essay: The lessons of the Great Depression continue to shape economic and social policies today. In this persuasive essay, I will make a compelling case for the implementation of social safety net programs aimed at preventing future economic catastrophes like the Great Depression, emphasizing the potential benefits and challenges of such initiatives.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Great Depression Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument for social safety net programs underscores the importance of proactive measures to safeguard against economic crises. As we advocate for change, we contribute to a more resilient and equitable society.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays on the Great Depression allow you to share personal stories, experiences, or observations related to this historical period, your family's history during the era, or the impact of the Great Depression on your community. Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a family story or anecdote passed down through generations about how your family coped with the challenges of the Great Depression, highlighting the resilience and resourcefulness of your ancestors.
• 2. Share a personal narrative of how the Great Depression era shaped the values and principles of your community, discussing the lasting impact on your town or neighborhood.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Great Depression Essay: The Great Depression was not just a historical event; it was a period that defined the experiences and values of countless individuals and communities. In this narrative essay, I will share a family story that has been passed down through generations, illustrating how my family coped with the challenges of this era and the lasting impact on our values.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Great Depression Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my family's experience during the Great Depression serves as a reminder of the resilience and resourcefulness that emerged during this challenging period. As we reflect on our history, we find inspiration in the strength of those who came before us.

Lonely Character of Curleys Wife

Social issues in cinderella man, made-to-order essay as fast as you need it.

Each essay is customized to cater to your unique preferences

+ experts online

Grapes of Wrath Intercalary Chapter Summary

The major causes and effects of the great depression in the united states, the great depression: hoover's and roosevelt's approaches, the start and end of the great depression in america, let us write you an essay from scratch.

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

New Deal Programs During The Great Depression

Impact and causes of the great depression, an analysis of the causes of the great depression, the great depression and its negative effects on the united states, get a personalized essay in under 3 hours.

Expert-written essays crafted with your exact needs in mind

The Great Depression in The USA

The great depression: america's biggest financial collapse in economic history, john steinbeck's involvement in the great depression and vietnam war, the great depression in the us: causes and solutions applied, impact of the great depression on women, the causes and effects of the great depression, the factors of the end of the great depression, relief, recovery and reform programs in the usa: the new deal, the culture of poverty in america during the great depression, the current american economic system: a direct result of the roaring twenties and the great depression, the objectives of franklin roosevelt's new deal program after the great depression, the great depression and the new deal, investigation of 1929 stock market crash, the factors that opened the door for the united states to deal with the great depression at the start of world war ii, the great depression in ottawa, migrant mother by dorothea lange – a picture worth a thousand words, analysis of the effects of the wall street crash of 1929, the great depression as the important factor in nazis empowerment in 1933, analysis of the wall street crash of 1929 as a cause of the great depression in america, depiction of poverty in eugenia collier’s marigolds and thomas hart benton’s cotton pickers.

1929 - c. 1939

Europe, United States

Franklin D. Roosevelt: As the President of the United States from 1933 to 1945, Roosevelt implemented the New Deal, a series of economic and social programs aimed at alleviating the effects of the Great Depression. John Steinbeck: An influential American author, Steinbeck wrote novels such as "The Grapes of Wrath" (1939), which depicted the plight of migrant workers during the Great Depression. His work shed light on the social and economic injustices faced by many Americans during that time. Dorothea Lange: A renowned documentary photographer, Lange captured powerful images of individuals and families affected by the Great Depression. Her iconic photograph "Migrant Mother" became a symbol of the hardships faced by ordinary Americans. Eleanor Roosevelt: The wife of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, Eleanor Roosevelt was a prominent advocate for social and economic reform. She played an active role in promoting the New Deal policies and was a strong voice for marginalized communities during the Great Depression.

The Great Depression, one of the most severe economic crises in history, occurred during the 1930s. It started in the United States with the stock market crash of 1929, often referred to as "Black Tuesday." This event led to a chain reaction of economic downturns worldwide, resulting in high unemployment rates, widespread poverty, and a significant decline in industrial production. The effects of the Great Depression were felt across various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, and banking.

The Great Depression was preceded by a series of factors that set the stage for its occurrence. In the aftermath of World War I, the global economy experienced a period of instability and rapid growth known as the Roaring Twenties. However, beneath the surface of apparent prosperity, there were underlying vulnerabilities. One of the key factors contributing to the Great Depression was the rampant speculation in the stock market, fueled by easy credit and speculative investments. This speculative bubble eventually burst in October 1929, triggering the stock market crash and initiating a chain reaction of economic collapse. Additionally, international economic imbalances played a role in exacerbating the crisis. Protectionist trade policies, war reparations, and a decline in global trade contributed to a decline in industrial production and widespread unemployment. The collapse of the banking system further deepened the crisis, as bank failures wiped out people's savings and caused a severe liquidity crisis.

Stock Market Crash: On October 29, 1929, known as Black Tuesday, the stock market experienced a catastrophic crash, signaling the start of the Great Depression. This event led to a massive loss of wealth and investor confidence. Dust Bowl: In the early 1930s, severe drought and poor farming practices led to the Dust Bowl in the Great Plains region of the United States. Dust storms ravaged the land, causing agricultural devastation and mass migration of farmers to seek better opportunities elsewhere. New Deal: In response to the crisis, President Franklin D. Roosevelt implemented the New Deal, a series of programs and reforms aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform. This included measures such as the creation of jobs, financial regulations, and social welfare initiatives.

Economic Collapse: The Great Depression plunged the global economy into a severe downturn. Industries faced widespread bankruptcies, trade declined, and unemployment soared. Poverty levels skyrocketed, leaving many families without basic necessities. Social Unrest: The economic hardship led to increased social unrest. Breadlines, shantytowns, and soup kitchens became common sights as people struggled to survive. Homelessness and hunger became prevalent, straining social structures. Global Impact: The Great Depression had a global reach, affecting countries around the world. International trade declined, leading to a sharp decline in exports and imports. This interconnectedness contributed to a worldwide economic slowdown. Political Shifts: The economic crisis paved the way for significant political shifts. Governments faced pressure to address the crisis, resulting in the rise of interventionist policies and increased government involvement in the economy. This gave birth to the concept of the welfare state. Cultural and Artistic Expression: The Great Depression influenced art, literature, and music, reflecting the hardships and struggles of the era. Artists and writers depicted the human suffering and the search for hope amid despair.

Literature: John Steinbeck's novel "The Grapes of Wrath" (1939) is a powerful depiction of the Great Depression's impact on migrant workers in the United States. It follows the Joad family as they face poverty, displacement, and exploitation while searching for a better life. The book explores themes of resilience, social injustice, and the human spirit in the face of adversity. Photography: The Farm Security Administration (FSA) hired photographers, including Dorothea Lange and Walker Evans, to document the effects of the Great Depression. Their iconic photographs, such as Lange's "Migrant Mother," captured the hardships faced by rural communities, evoking empathy and raising awareness about the human toll of the economic crisis. Films: Movies like "The Grapes of Wrath" (1940) and "It's a Wonderful Life" (1946) depicted the struggles and resilience of individuals and communities during the Great Depression. These films offered social commentary, showcased the impact of economic hardship, and explored themes of hope, perseverance, and the importance of human connections. Music: Artists like Woody Guthrie composed folk songs that reflected the experiences of those affected by the Great Depression. Guthrie's "This Land Is Your Land" and "Dust Bowl Blues" expressed the struggles of the working class and the desire for a more equitable society. Art: Painters such as Grant Wood and Thomas Hart Benton created works that captured the hardships and rural landscapes of the Great Depression. Wood's painting "American Gothic" became an iconic representation of the era, symbolizing the resilience and determination of the American people.

1. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the United States dropped by approximately 30% during the Great Depression. 2. Between 1929 and 1932, over 9,000 banks in the United States failed, causing immense financial instability. 3. The poverty rate in the United States surged during the Great Depression. By 1933, around 15 million Americans, representing approximately 30% of the population at that time, were living below the poverty line.

The topic of the Great Depression holds significant importance as it marks a critical period in global history that profoundly impacted economies, societies, and individuals worldwide. Exploring this topic in an essay provides valuable insights into the causes, consequences, and responses to one of the most severe economic downturns in modern times. Understanding the Great Depression is essential to grasp the complexities of economic cycles, financial systems, and government policies. It allows us to reflect on the vulnerabilities of economies and the potential ramifications of economic crises. Moreover, studying the Great Depression enables us to analyze the various social, political, and cultural transformations that took place during that era, including the rise of social welfare programs, labor movements, and governmental interventions. By delving into this topic, we gain valuable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the role of leadership during challenging times. Exploring the experiences of individuals and communities during the Great Depression also helps us empathize with their struggles and appreciate the importance of collective efforts to overcome adversity.

1. Bernanke, B. S. (1983). Nonmonetary effects of the financial crisis in the propagation of the Great Depression. The American Economic Review, 73(3), 257-276. 2. Eichengreen, B. (1992). Golden fetters: The gold standard and the Great Depression, 1919-1939. Oxford University Press. 3. McElvaine, R. S. (1993). The Great Depression: America, 1929-1941. Times Books. 4. Rothbard, M. N. (2000). America's Great Depression. Ludwig von Mises Institute. 5. Badger, A. J. (2014). The Great Depression as a revolution. The Journal of Interdisciplinary History, 44(2), 156-174. 6. Temin, P. (2010). The Great Depression: Lessons for macroeconomic policy today. MIT Press. 7. Kennedy, D. M. (1999). Freedom from fear: The American people in depression and war, 1929-1945. Oxford University Press. 8. Leuchtenburg, W. E. (2015). The FDR years: On Roosevelt and his legacy. Columbia University Press. 9. Roth, B. (2017). The causes and consequences of the Great Depression. OpenStax. 10. Galbraith, J. K. (1997). The Great Crash, 1929. Houghton Mifflin.

Relevant topics

• Industrial Revolution
• Westward Expansion
• Pearl Harbor
• Civil Rights Movement
• Manifest Destiny
• American Revolution
• Frederick Douglass

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

The Great Depression - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that took place during the 1930s, profoundly affecting many countries. Essays on the Great Depression could explore its causes, such as the stock market crash of 1929, its impact on people’s lives, and the political and social repercussions. Moreover, discussions might extend to the measures taken to alleviate the depression and the lessons learned in economic policy and financial regulation, comparing it to other economic downturns. We have collected a large number of free essay examples about The Great Depression you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Why was Herbert Hoover Blamed for the Great Depression?

President Herbert Hoover is often blamed for the great depression for many reasons, he had ideas put into place that were meant to aid the problems in the economy but hurt it instead. Pro-labour policies made by President Hoover after the stock market crash of 1929 caused the majority of the nation's gross domestic product to decline over the next two years. This made what could have been a bad recession turn into the Great Depression. There were many reasons […]

How the Great Depression Affected African Americans

In the 1920s, African Americans were looked upon as lower class individuals and as a result, had very low paying jobs. Now, just imagine an economic crisis in such a situation. It will be chaotic. Unfortunately, an economic crisis did hit, and many African Americans lost their jobs, to leave the jobs for the white Americans. This economic crisis, plus the racial inequality African Americans faced caused a great depression amongst African Americans, which affected them till 1960. During this […]

Great Depression Vs. Great Recession

Both the Great Depression and the Great Recession were major events that have occurred in the United States economy that have had lasting effects on the country and other countries around the world. But these events were necessarily good ones. They were two of the greatest crises in American economic history. The Great Depression was first, occurring from 1929 to1939. The Great Recession happened many decades in the future, starting in late 2007 and ending in early 2010. Comparison of […]

We will write an essay sample crafted to your needs.

What was the Great Depression?

The Great Depression was a dramatic shift in the US economy leaving people homeless and people didn't have a way to make a living. .This made the government create new programs called the New Deal it however failed to stop the Great Depression and these programs wasted a lot of money..The Great Depression started in 1929 it was the biggest economic downfall in US History it left a lot people without jobs and banks started going out of business all […]

Causes of the Great Depression (1929-1939)

During the Great Depression, Franklin D.Roosevelt stated, "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself." As World War I ended and the 1920's boom in the industry deteriorated, the Great Depression developed and the result was dreadful. The crash affected millions of people and lasted for about a decade. United States was in a state of despair, as banking systems failed, many people were unemployed, and prices drastically fell. War-producing factories shut down, farms/homes were lost to possession […]

Hitler’s Rise to Power in History

After Germany’s defeat in World War 1, the powerful countries of, the United States, Great Britain, France and other allies created the Treaty of Versailles, which forced hard terms on Germany. Being under the risk of invasion, Germany had no choice but to sign the treaty, taking full responsibility for the war and accepting the terms which included, large reparations, limited military, and giving up territory to neighboring countries. Restrictions would lead Germany into an economic crisis that would only […]

Effects of the Great Depression on Life of Americans

The Great Depression is a major event in American history impacted the lives of many Americans and others around the World. Following World War I, the Great Depression brought pain, confusion, and suffering to a countless amount of Americans lives. Any hope Americans had at the time was lost because of this tragic event. Unfortunately, all workers at this time no longer could feel comfortable with the economy around them. Essentially, the economy was ruined and created chaos across America. […]

What Ended the Great Depression?

The Great Depression had a devastating impact on the nation, spreading across the countryside and bringing hardship to big cities and small towns. No social, racial, or economic class was excluded. At the depth of the depression, in 1933: 13 million people were unemployed, 50% percent of the banks had foreclosed, national income fell by 42% and one million people were homeless. There were multiple reasons the depression occurred. The series of factors that caused this event were the 1929 […]

The Aftermath and Effects of World War II on the United States

Despite the overall ending of World War II, the effects of the war brought both positive and negative changes to the United States. These changes included different economic, political, and social aspects that transformed America into all that it is today, and whether or not these changes where positive or negative, both are truly important to the history of the United States of America. According to the textbook, some of the positive changes that World War II brought to the […]

Government Response to the Great Depression

Black Tuesday was the start of the depression. Also, Herbert Hoover did not want to give the people federal money. He thought they had to get themselves out of the problem. This made many people go homeless and plus the Dust Bowl which also destroyed people's homes. The Great Depression was defined as a dark age in the 1930's. Although, there are causes that made the Great Depression happen, like the farm industry failing, low income families, and lastly World […]

What was the Great Depression and why did it Start in the USA

There are many significant events that have shaped America’s history. Some were infamous, some scandalous and some we choose to overlook..According to the PBS film “The Great Depression”, The Great Depression was one of the most traumatic and gut wrenching event throughout history. This film outline the events leading up to the great depression and highlights some of the significant events during this time period. The Great Depression was an economic downturn that began in 1929 while president Herbert Hoover […]

Great Depression: what Happened, Causes, how it Ended

During the 1930s. America went through one of the worst economic declines in world history, The Great Depression. Many believe it was sole because of the stock market crash, however other factors played a huge role in causing the Great Depression to occur. Bank failures, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff in the 1930s, and weather conditions from the Dust Bowl all played a critical factor in influencing this economic depression within America. Throughout America's history, much examination has been placed in the […]

The Great Depression and John Steinbeck

John Steinbeck is one of Americans best selling author. Steinbeck has wrote over 25 books throughout his writing career. Steinbeck traveled around the world to get ideas for his books. He mainly wrote about what it was like to live in the Great Depression and about American life in the 20’s. He wrote about his personal life and the life around him during the Dust Bowl and one of the worst times in American history. The Great Depression started right […]

Unemployment during the Great Depression

The stock market crash all started on black tuesday on october 24, 1929. During Black Tuesday 16,410,030 shares on the New York stock were traded in a single day. Billions of dollars were lost, wiping out thousands of investors. Tons of machines controlling the trades were shut down due to the tremendous amounts of share trades. Due to Black Tuesday, America as well as the industrial world to spiral down into what is known as the Great Depression. After this […]

Male Workers during the Great Depression

When the crisis broke out in 1929 the men's labor movement does not have solid organizations that allow it to react quickly to the effects of the financial crack and pay the consequences. It will be from 1933 that the lethargy of the male working class breaks down and a stage of great strikes and struggles begins. This resuscitation coincides, in part, with the sanction of the National Recovery Act. It contained a clause that recognized male workers' right to […]

Economic Recovery in the Great Depression

The Nineteen Twenties proved to be a great decade for America. The end of the Great War marked the end of many world powers and weakened many other countries. However, amidst of this chaos, the stage was set for America to become a superpower and prosper greatly throughout the decade"just to break down and enter a longest-lasting economic downturn the country has ever seen. This would affect the lives of a lot of people as unemployment, suicide rates and death […]

Great Depression: Causes and Definition

The Great Depression was the worst economic problem in the history of the world, from 1929 to 1939. It caused many problem and difficulty like, Overproduction, Big crash, weak banking systems, and buying on margins. The Great Depression made everyone forget about the wealth, growth and prosperity of last period of ten years and face new economically unfair conditions of business and living in a bad situation. The government should’ve involve more in the Great Depression to help people and […]

Causes of the Great Depression and the Lasting Impacts

Abstract This paper discusses the causes of the Great Depression and the lasting impacts it had on the U.S. Many people attribute the sole cause of the Great of Depression to the stock market crash of 1929 but there are actually multiple contributing factor. The stock market crash propelled the Great Depression forward but many other causes contributed to the length and depth. Keywords: Great Depression, Stock Market The 1920's were a time of low unemployment, mass production of goods, […]

Roosevelt, the Great Depression, and the Economics of Recovery

The Great Depression hit America like a whirlwind during the 1930'. It hit with a force like no other. Its' impact was nothing short of devastating in all aspects of American life. This was a time of extreme poverty, unemployment, homelessness and overall social unrest. Every American in every town and city was greatly impacted by the crash of the stock market which in turn led to a complete nose dive of the economy. This prompted an increased number of […]

The History of the Great Depression

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression starting in 1929 ending in 1941. The Great Depression started with numerous types of things. The economic conditions that led to the Great Depression began in the early 1920s, this was said by, Jennifer Croft in her article called, "Facts About The Great Depression." It started by the crash of stock markets, drought (The Dust Bowl), overproduction of goods, bank failures, Stock speculation, and consumer debt. After this lasting for about […]

Effects the Great Depression on African Americans

From the economic crisis in the 1930s to now, our country has developed greatly in medicine, technology, art, military weapons, and laws. However, since then prejudices are still apparent and people’s mindsets have stayed relatively the same from those of 100 years ago and are not open-minded like the development of medicine and weapons. The Great Depression impacted African Americans immensely in comparison to the white working class and farmers. Middle and lower class women being paid less compared to […]

Great Depression in the United States

The Great depression was a time when America could not see the future and felt doubtful about the future to come. This was the worst economic downfall in the history of the United States. The Depression started in 1929 and happened to end in the end of 1930. More than a third of the nation's banks had failed and this caused the major stock market to come crashing down. The Great Depression was horrifying for many Americans because of its […]

Gender Roles during the Great Depression and the Cold War

A role or behavior learned by a person as appropriate to their gender which is determined by the prevailing cultural norms is called a gender role. Both men and women have been told how to behave, dress, and even present themselves to the public. An example of gender roles in society is women are supposed to be feminine, graceful, polite, nurturing, emotional, take care of kids, cook, clean; while men are supposed to be muscular, aggressive, tall, take care of […]

How could the Great Depression been Pre Tive

The Great Depression started in 1929 and lasted through 1939, where over a short period of time drastic changes occurred not just to the United States but also other countries that were involved in the United Nations. Even though the economy suffered, unemployment increased and the stock market fell this could have been prevented looking back at it now. The start of the Depression was caused by the engagement of the government decision over the nation's economy and also the […]

Argentina and the Great Depression

From 1860 to 1930, Argentina was viewed as one of the wealthiest nations on the planet. Argentina had an enormous residential which shaped a ton of speculations and enabled the economy to be modernized with the advancement of nearby industries. During this time, Argentina's economy was firmly tied with the British economy in view of Argentina fares and imports of fine yields. A portion of their enterprises was; sustenance preparing, meat pressing, flour processing, and calfskin tanning everything that helped […]

The Economy of the Great Depression

The United States has faced quite a few depressions every 20 or so years. At the end of the 1920’s the United States had a thriving economy until the Great Depression hit in 1929. The Great Depression was the most severe and longest ever experienced by the industrialized western world. This depression occurred between 1929 and 1939 resulting from a time of major economic decline, bank failures, reduction in purchasing, and the drought conditions. Before the depression, profits for businesses […]

America’s Great Depression and Roosevelt’s New Deal

The Great Depression led to one of the greatest economic downfalls in United States history and some of the economic causes that led to the Great Depression included bank failures, the Stock Market Crash of 1929, and the Dust Bowl. A total of 56,670 banks failed from the years 1930-1932. The number of bank failures decreased as the years went on. Most of these banks were smaller side (Chapter 21). During this time, customers lost most if not all of […]

The Causes of the Great Depression

Imagine losing all your money in a blink of an eye after it being flowing into your pocket rapidly in the last period and then you either have to depend on others or sell what you have and stand in long lines for food. This is what happened to average families during the greatest economic downturn in the history of the U.S. Before the great depression the U.S was advancing exponentially during what was called the Roaring Twenties(Ellen Parson,2002). The […]

Herbert Hoover’s Presidency: Navigating through the Storm of the Great Depression

Herbert Hoover, the 31st President of the United States, often finds himself eclipsed by the significant impact of the Great Depression. The current era of unparalleled economic upheaval has significantly influenced the course of history. Herbert Hoover, a professional engineer and successful entrepreneur, became the presidency in 1929 during the economic turmoil that plagued the United States. The scholarly community has engaged in extensive historical discourse over his reaction to the Great Depression. A comprehensive comprehension of Hoover's actions necessitates […]

How did the Great Depression Lead to WW2

Imagine a world gripped by economic despair, where hope seems like a distant dream and the common man struggles to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The 1920s, often glamorized as the age of jazz and prosperity, suddenly gave way to the harsh realities of the 1930s: The Great Depression. As families across the globe grappled with unemployment and hunger, a more sinister wave was taking shape in the form of political upheavals and rising dictatorships. But […]

Additional Example Essays

• Research Paper #1 – The Trail of Tears
• Rosa Parks Vs. Harriet Tubman
• History: The Fall of the Roman Empire
• Booker T. Washington and W.E.B. Du Bois
• Events that Influenced on Declaration of Independence
• Was Slavery the Cause of the Civil War Essay
• The Importance of Professional Bearing in the Military
• “Allegory of the Cave”
• Drunk Driving
• History of Mummification
• The pyramids of Egypt
• Christianity in the Byzantine Empire

How To Write an Essay About The Great Depression

Understanding the great depression.

Before starting an essay on the Great Depression, it is essential to have a comprehensive understanding of this significant historical event. The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that took place during the 1930s. It began after the stock market crash of October 1929, which sent Wall Street into panic and wiped out millions of investors. The depression had devastating effects in countries both rich and poor. Begin your essay by outlining the key events that led to the Great Depression, including the stock market crash, bank failures, and reduction in purchasing across the board. Additionally, discuss the global impact of the depression, as it was not limited to the United States but affected economies worldwide.

Developing a Thesis Statement

A strong essay on the Great Depression should be centered around a clear, concise thesis statement. This statement should present a specific viewpoint or argument about the Great Depression. For instance, you might analyze the causes of the Great Depression, its impact on a particular sector of society, or the effectiveness of the responses by governments. Your thesis will guide the direction of your essay and ensure a structured and coherent analysis.

Gathering Historical Evidence

To support your thesis, gather historical evidence from credible sources. This may include economic data, personal accounts, government policies, and historical analyses. For example, if discussing the impact on agriculture, you might use statistics about farm foreclosures or personal narratives from farmers. Analyze this evidence critically, considering the context and the source's reliability.

Analyzing the Impact of The Great Depression

Dedicate a section of your essay to analyzing the impact of the Great Depression. Discuss the widespread unemployment, the collapse of financial institutions, and the human toll it took on society. Consider the long-term effects, such as changes in government policy, shifts in economic theory, and how it shaped subsequent generations' attitudes toward money and banking.

Concluding the Essay

Conclude your essay by summarizing the main points of your discussion and restating your thesis in light of the evidence presented. Your conclusion should tie together your analysis and emphasize the significance of understanding the Great Depression in the context of both historical and modern economic understanding. You might also want to reflect on the lessons learned from the Great Depression and their relevance to contemporary economic challenges.

Reviewing and Refining Your Essay

After completing your essay, take the time to review and refine it. Ensure that your arguments are clearly articulated and supported by evidence. Check for grammatical accuracy and ensure that your essay flows logically from one point to the next. Consider seeking feedback from peers, teachers, or historians to further refine your essay. A well-written essay on the Great Depression will not only demonstrate your understanding of this pivotal period in history but also your ability to engage critically with economic and historical narratives.

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Great Depression Research Paper Topics

In this comprehensive guide on Great Depression research paper topics , we delve into the fascinating world of one of the most significant economic crises in history. As students studying history and assigned to write a research paper, it is essential to explore a wide range of engaging and thought-provoking topics related to the Great Depression. This page offers a comprehensive list of Great Depression research paper topics, an article on the Great Depression and its impact, expert advice on topic selection, tips on writing an effective research paper, and information about iResearchNet’s writing services. By following this guide, you will gain valuable insights and resources to unleash your potential and excel in your Great Depression research papers.

100 Great Depression Research Paper Topics

The Great Depression was a period of immense economic turmoil that gripped the world in the 1930s. It left a profound impact on various aspects of society and shaped the course of history. As a student of history, delving into the depths of this significant era provides a multitude of research opportunities. In this section, we present a comprehensive list of Great Depression research paper topics, divided into ten categories. These topics encompass a wide range of subjects and perspectives, allowing you to explore different facets of this transformative period.

Academic Writing, Editing, Proofreading, And Problem Solving Services

Get 10% off with 24start discount code.

Economic Causes and Effects:

• The Stock Market Crash of 1929: Causes, Consequences, and Lessons Learned
• Banking Failures and the Collapse of the Financial System during the Great Depression
• Unemployment and its Social and Economic Implications during the Great Depression
• The Role of Government Policies in Shaping the Economic Landscape of the Great Depression
• The Impact of International Trade and Protectionism on the Global Economy during the Great Depression
• Changes in Monetary and Fiscal Policy Approaches in Response to the Great Depression
• Economic Inequality and the Great Depression: Examining the Disparities
• The Role of Consumer Spending and Investment Patterns in Shaping the Great Depression
• Economic Recovery Efforts and the Effectiveness of New Deal Programs
• Comparative Analysis of the Great Depression with Other Economic Crises

Social Impact and Cultural Changes:

• Poverty and Homelessness in the Great Depression: Causes, Experiences, and Responses
• Gender Roles and Women’s Experiences during the Great Depression
• African Americans and the Great Depression: Struggles, Activism, and Cultural Expression
• Art and Literature as Responses to the Great Depression: Depictions of Hardships and Resilience
• Social Movements and Labor Unions during the Great Depression: Strikes, Protests, and Reforms
• The Role of Education and Intellectual Life during the Great Depression
• Migration and Mobility during the Great Depression: Impact on Communities and Culture
• The Influence of Music and Entertainment on Society during the Great Depression
• Changes in Family Dynamics and Relationships during the Great Depression
• Public Health and Social Welfare Systems during the Great Depression: Challenges and Reforms

Government Interventions and Policies:

• Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal: Analyzing its Objectives, Implementation, and Results
• Role of the Federal Reserve in the Great Depression: Monetary Policy and Regulation
• Social Security Act of 1935: Origins, Implementation, and Long-Term Impact
• Agricultural Adjustment Act and its Effects on the Farming Community
• The National Industrial Recovery Act: Assessing its Goals, Strategies, and Legacy
• The Works Progress Administration (WPA): Job Creation and Infrastructure Projects
• The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC): Environmental Conservation during the Great Depression
• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC): Regulating Financial Markets after the Crash
• The Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA): Providing Relief to the Needy
• The Role of International Organizations and Agreements in Addressing the Global Effects of the Great Depression

Global Perspectives:

• The Global Spread and Impact of the Great Depression: Comparative Analysis
• The Great Depression in Europe: Causes, Effects, and Recovery Strategies
• The Great Depression and the Rise of Fascism: Examining the Interconnections
• Latin America’s Experience of the Great Depression: Economic Challenges and Political Shifts
• The Great Depression in Asia: Exploring Economic, Social, and Political Transformations
• The Role of International Financial Institutions in Mitigating the Global Effects of the Great Depression
• The Impact of Colonialism and Imperialism on Economic Vulnerability during the Great Depression
• The Great Depression and International Relations: Shifting Power Dynamics and Diplomatic Challenges
• Lessons Learned from the Great Depression: Policy Recommendations for Future Economic Crises
• Historical Comparisons: Assessing the Great Depression in Relation to Other Global Economic Downturns

Psychological and Social Welfare:

• Psychological Impact of the Great Depression on Individuals and Communities
• Mental Health Services and the Understanding of Mental Illness during the Great Depression
• The Role of Charity and Philanthropy in Assisting those Affected by the Great Depression
• Social Welfare Programs and Relief Efforts: Examining their Design and Effectiveness
• The Influence of Social Work and Social Workers during the Great Depression
• The Role of Religion and Faith-Based Organizations in Providing Support during the Great Depression
• The Impact of Childhood Experiences during the Great Depression: Long-Term Effects
• Social Assistance and Relief Programs: Comparing Strategies and Approaches
• Social Movements and Grassroots Activism for Social Justice during the Great Depression
• The Influence of Public Opinion and Mass Media on Social Welfare Policies

Impact on Specific Industries:

• The Automobile Industry during the Great Depression: Challenges, Innovations, and Recovery
• Impact of the Great Depression on the Banking and Financial Sector
• Film Industry during the Great Depression: Entertainment and Escapism in Troubled Times
• The Construction Industry during the Great Depression: Infrastructure Development and Public Works Projects
• The Impact of the Great Depression on the Textile and Manufacturing Industries
• Changes in the Agricultural Sector during the Great Depression: Farming Practices and Government Interventions
• Mining and Natural Resource Industries during the Great Depression: Challenges and Adaptations
• The Role of Labor Unions in Protecting Workers’ Rights during the Great Depression
• Impact of the Great Depression on the Shipping and Maritime Industry
• The Aviation Industry during the Great Depression: Technological Advances and Commercial Aviation Expansion

Political Climate and Leadership:

• Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Leadership during the Great Depression: Policies and Legacy
• Opposition and Criticisms of New Deal Programs: Political Debates and Alternative Proposals
• Role of Political Parties and Electoral Shifts during the Great Depression
• Populist Movements and Responses to Economic Hardships: The Influence of Radical Politics
• The Role of Women in Politics during the Great Depression: Activism and Reform Efforts
• The Impact of the Great Depression on the Presidency and the Executive Branch
• Socialism, Communism, and the Great Depression: Ideological Shifts and Debates
• The Role of the Supreme Court in Shaping New Deal Policies and their Constitutionality
• The Influence of International Relations and Geopolitics on National Responses to the Great Depression
• Political Movements and Grassroots Activism during the Great Depression: Lessons for Today

Cultural and Artistic Responses:

• Literature of the Great Depression: Themes, Styles, and Authors
• Visual Arts during the Great Depression: Depictions of Hardship and Social Commentary
• Music and the Great Depression: Exploring Jazz, Blues, and Folk Music Movements
• Theatre and Performance Arts during the Great Depression: Escapism and Social Critique
• Photography and Documentary Projects: Capturing the Realities of the Great Depression
• Radio and Broadcasting during the Great Depression: Entertainment and News Dissemination
• The Influence of Hollywood Films on Popular Culture during the Great Depression
• Dance and Dance Halls during the Great Depression: Cultural Expression and Social Gathering
• Sports and Athletics during the Great Depression: Resilience and National Identity
• Fashion and Popular Culture Trends during the Great Depression: Reflections of Social Change

Regional Perspectives:

• The Great Depression in the United States: Regional Variations and Local Impacts
• The Great Depression in Rural Communities: Challenges and Agricultural Adjustments
• Urban Areas during the Great Depression: Impact on Cities, Migration, and Community Dynamics
• The Great Depression in Europe: Regional Responses and Recovery Strategies
• The Great Depression in Asia: Regional Economic Shifts and Political Unrest
• Latin America’s Experience of the Great Depression: Economic Policies and Social Transformations
• The Great Depression in Africa: Colonial Economies and Indigenous Responses
• The Impact of the Great Depression on the Caribbean: Trade, Tourism, and Political Instability
• The Great Depression in the Middle East: Oil, Colonialism, and Economic Resilience
• The Great Depression in Oceania: Impacts on Indigenous Communities and Trade Relations

Lessons Learned and Legacy:

• Economic Policies and Regulations Implemented Post-Great Depression: Analysis and Evaluation
• The Great Depression’s Influence on Modern Economic Thought and Macroeconomic Theory
• The Great Depression and the Formation of International Financial Institutions
• Comparative Analysis of the Great Depression with Subsequent Economic Crises
• The Long-Term Social and Economic Consequences of the Great Depression
• Historical Reflections on the Lasting Impact of the Great Depression: Lessons for Today
• The Great Depression’s Influence on Government Intervention and Social Welfare Programs
• The Role of Economic Forecasting and Risk Management in Post-Great Depression Policies
• The Great Depression and Changes in Economic Theory and Policy Approaches
• Evaluating the Successes and Failures of Recovery Efforts during the Great Depression

This comprehensive list of Great Depression research paper topics offers a diverse array of subjects for exploration and analysis. Whether you are interested in the economic, social, cultural, political, or regional aspects of this era, there is a topic to suit your research interests. By selecting a topic from this list, you can delve into the complexities of the Great Depression, uncovering its causes, effects, and the lessons it holds for the present and future.

The Great Depression: Exploring its Impact and Historical Significance

The Great Depression stands as one of the most transformative periods in modern history, leaving an indelible mark on societies around the world. This 2000-word article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the Great Depression, its historical context, and its profound significance. By delving into the range of Great Depression research paper topics, we can gain valuable insights into the causes and effects of the economic collapse, its social impact, and the government responses that shaped the path to recovery. Through the study of the Great Depression, we can better understand the complexities of economic systems, social inequality, and the role of government intervention in times of crisis.

• The Historical Context : The article begins by setting the stage for the Great Depression, exploring the economic prosperity of the 1920s, the underlying factors that contributed to the collapse, and the global context in which it unfolded. It highlights the interconnectedness of economies and the far-reaching consequences of the financial downturn.
• The Causes of the Great Depression : This section delves into the causes of the Great Depression, examining factors such as the stock market crash of 1929, the unsustainable economic practices of the time, and the impact of international events. It explores the intricate web of circumstances that led to the onset of the devastating economic downturn.
• The Effects of the Great Depression : Here, we explore the wide-ranging effects of the Great Depression on individuals, families, businesses, and entire nations. We discuss the soaring unemployment rates, widespread poverty, loss of homes and farms, and the resulting social and psychological impact on affected communities. The section also highlights the global ramifications, including a decline in international trade, financial instability, and political shifts.
• Social Impact and Cultural Changes : The Great Depression had a profound impact on society, reshaping social norms, cultural attitudes, and the fabric of communities. This section explores the challenges faced by various social groups, such as women, minorities, and workers. It discusses the emergence of social movements, the role of art and literature as responses to the crisis, and the cultural shifts that took place during this period.
• Government Responses and Policies : The government responses to the Great Depression played a critical role in shaping the trajectory of recovery. This section examines the policies implemented by governments around the world, focusing on notable initiatives such as Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal in the United States. It analyzes the effectiveness of these policies, their impact on the economy and society, and the enduring legacy of government intervention.
• Economic Systems and Lessons Learned : The Great Depression prompted a reevaluation of economic systems and theories. This section explores the debates surrounding capitalism, socialism, and the role of government regulation. It discusses the long-term implications of the Great Depression on economic thought, policy approaches, and the establishment of social safety nets.
• Social Inequality and Social Justice : Studying the Great Depression provides an opportunity to examine the deep-rooted issues of social inequality and the pursuit of social justice. This section explores the unequal distribution of wealth and resources during the period, the impact on marginalized communities, and the subsequent efforts to address systemic inequalities. It also examines the role of labor unions and their fight for worker rights during this tumultuous time.
• Government Intervention and the Role of Institutions : The Great Depression led to a significant expansion of government intervention and the establishment of new institutions. This section examines the role of institutions such as the Federal Reserve, the creation of social welfare programs, and the impact of regulatory bodies. It evaluates the lasting effects of these interventions on economic stability, social welfare, and the relationship between the government and the private sector.
• Global Impact and International Relations : The Great Depression had a profound effect on the global stage, reshaping international relations and sparking geopolitical shifts. This section explores how different countries were affected by the economic downturn and how it influenced their foreign policies. It also examines the efforts to address the global economic crisis through international cooperation and the establishment of institutions like the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund.
• Lessons Learned and Legacy : In this final section, we reflect on the lessons learned from the Great Depression and its enduring legacy. It discusses the reforms and regulations implemented to prevent a similar economic catastrophe in the future, the importance of financial regulation, and the significance of social safety nets. It also examines the long-term impact on economic policies, the role of the government in managing economic crises, and the relevance of studying the Great Depression in the modern world.

The Great Depression stands as a defining moment in history, with profound implications for economic, social, and political systems. By studying the causes, effects, social impact, and government responses of this period, we gain valuable insights into the complexities of economic systems, social inequality, and the role of government intervention. Exploring the range of Great Depression research paper topics allows us to deepen our understanding of this transformative era and its relevance to contemporary society.

How to Choose Great Depression Research Paper Topics

Selecting an engaging and meaningful research topic is crucial when delving into the realm of Great Depression studies. This section provides valuable guidance on how to choose the most suitable research paper topic that aligns with your interests, academic goals, and the significance of this historical period. By following these ten tips, you can navigate through the vast array of potential Great Depression research paper topics and identify a research question that allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Great Depression.

• Reflect on Personal Interests : Begin by considering your personal interests within the broader context of the Great Depression. Reflect on aspects such as social history, economic policies, cultural impact, or political responses. Exploring Great Depression research paper topics that resonate with your passion will ensure a deeper engagement and motivation throughout the research process.
• Conduct Preliminary Research : Engage in preliminary research to familiarize yourself with the existing scholarship on the Great Depression. This will help you identify gaps in the literature and uncover potential avenues for further investigation. Consult academic journals, books, and reputable online sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the current scholarly discourse.
• Focus on Specific Regions or Time Periods : The Great Depression had a global impact, affecting different regions in unique ways. Consider narrowing your research focus to a specific country, region, or even a particular community. This allows for a more nuanced analysis and provides an opportunity to examine localized experiences and responses to the economic crisis.
• Analyze Primary and Secondary Sources : Utilize both primary and secondary sources to gather evidence and support your research. Primary sources, such as letters, diaries, government records, and newspapers from the period, offer firsthand accounts and insights. Secondary sources, including scholarly articles and books, provide critical analysis and interpretations of the Great Depression.
• Explore Different Aspects of the Great Depression : The Great Depression is a multi-faceted historical event that impacted various spheres of life. Consider exploring different aspects, such as the economic causes, social consequences, political responses, cultural expressions, or international relations. By delving into different dimensions, you can gain a comprehensive understanding of the era.
• Examine the Impact on Different Social Groups : The Great Depression affected people from all walks of life differently. Explore the experiences of various social groups, such as women, racial and ethnic minorities, farmers, workers, and the urban poor. Investigate how these groups navigated through the economic crisis and the impact it had on their lives.
• Analyze Government Policies and Programs : Government responses played a significant role in addressing the Great Depression. Choose a research topic that focuses on specific government policies, programs, or initiatives implemented during this time. Analyze their effectiveness, impact on the economy and society, and the long-term consequences of these interventions.
• Investigate Cultural Responses and Artistic Expressions : The Great Depression fostered a wealth of cultural responses, including literature, music, photography, and visual arts. Explore the cultural expressions of the era and their reflection of the social and economic climate. Analyze the works of artists, writers, and musicians to understand how they captured the experiences and emotions of the time.
• Consider Comparative Analysis : Comparative analysis allows for a deeper understanding of the Great Depression by examining similarities and differences between different countries, regions, or time periods. Compare the economic, social, and political responses of multiple nations or explore the impact of the Great Depression on different continents.
• Engage with Historiographical Debates : The study of the Great Depression is dynamic, with ongoing debates and reinterpretations of historical events and their significance. Choose a research topic that engages with these historiographical debates and contributes to the scholarly discourse. By exploring conflicting interpretations, you can develop a nuanced understanding of the complexities surrounding the Great Depression.

Choosing a research topic on the Great Depression requires careful consideration and a thoughtful approach. By reflecting on personal interests, conducting preliminary research, focusing on specific regions or time periods, analyzing primary and secondary sources, and exploring various aspects and social groups, you can identify a research question that aligns with your interests and academic goals. Engaging with government policies, cultural expressions, and comparative analysis provides further avenues for exploration. Remember to contribute to historiographical debates and approach your research with critical thinking and analytical skills. By following these ten tips, you will be well-equipped to embark on a successful research journey into the depths of the Great Depression.

How to Write a Great Depression Research Paper

Writing a research paper on the Great Depression requires careful planning, thorough research, and effective communication of your findings. This section provides valuable guidance on how to structure and write a successful research paper that showcases your understanding of this significant historical period. By following these ten tips, you can craft a compelling and insightful paper on the Great Depression.

• Formulate a Clear Thesis Statement : Start your research paper with a clear and concise thesis statement that articulates the main argument or focus of your study. The thesis statement should guide your research and provide a roadmap for your paper, ensuring coherence and direction throughout.
• Conduct In-Depth Research : Engage in thorough research to gather relevant and reliable sources that support your thesis statement. Utilize primary and secondary sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Great Depression, its causes, impact, and historical context. Take notes and organize your research material for easy reference.
• Analyze Primary and Secondary Sources : Carefully analyze the primary and secondary sources you have collected. Critically evaluate the credibility, biases, and limitations of each source. Extract key information and evidence that supports your thesis and provides a robust foundation for your arguments.
• Outline Your Paper : Create a clear and detailed outline that serves as a roadmap for your research paper. Organize your main points, arguments, and supporting evidence in a logical and coherent manner. The outline will help you maintain focus, structure your paper, and ensure a smooth flow of ideas.
• Develop a Strong Introduction : Craft an engaging introduction that captures the reader’s attention and provides context for your research. Clearly state your thesis statement and provide a brief overview of the main points you will discuss in your paper. Set the tone for your research and highlight the significance of studying the Great Depression.
• Present a Coherent Argument : Structure your paper around a well-developed argument that supports your thesis statement. Present your main points in a logical sequence, providing evidence and analysis to support each claim. Ensure that your arguments flow smoothly and are interconnected, building a coherent narrative throughout your paper.
• Analyze Primary and Secondary Sources : Integrate your analysis of primary and secondary sources into your research paper. Use direct quotes, paraphrasing, and summarization techniques to incorporate evidence from your sources. Analyze the sources critically, demonstrating your ability to interpret and evaluate historical material.
• Provide Historical Context : Situate your research within the historical context of the Great Depression. Provide background information, discuss relevant events, policies, and social conditions that influenced the period. Help your readers understand the broader significance of your research and its relationship to the historical context.
• Use Clear and Concise Language : Write in a clear and concise manner, avoiding unnecessary jargon or complex language. Ensure that your ideas are easily understandable and your arguments are well-articulated. Use proper grammar, punctuation, and sentence structure to enhance the clarity and readability of your paper.
• Conclude with a Strong Summary : End your research paper with a strong and concise summary that restates your thesis statement and highlights the key findings of your study. Emphasize the significance of your research and its contribution to the understanding of the Great Depression. Reflect on the implications and broader lessons that can be drawn from your analysis.

Writing a research paper on the Great Depression requires careful planning, thorough research, and effective communication of your findings. By formulating a clear thesis statement, conducting in-depth research, and analyzing primary and secondary sources, you can develop a strong foundation for your paper. Organizing your thoughts with a well-structured outline, crafting an engaging introduction, and presenting a coherent argument will ensure a compelling and insightful research paper. Remember to provide historical context, use clear and concise language, and conclude with a strong summary that highlights the significance of your research. By following these ten tips, you will be well-prepared to write a comprehensive and impactful research paper on the Great Depression.

iResearchNet’s Writing Services

At iResearchNet, we understand the challenges that students face when it comes to writing research papers on complex historical topics like the Great Depression research paper topics. That’s why we offer our professional writing services as your trusted partner in crafting outstanding research papers. With our team of expert writers and a range of valuable features, we are committed to ensuring your success in your Great Depression research paper.

• Expert Degree-Holding Writers : Our writing team consists of experienced and knowledgeable writers who hold advanced degrees in history and related fields. They have a deep understanding of the Great Depression and can deliver well-researched and insightful papers that meet your academic requirements.
• Custom Written Works : We provide custom-written research papers tailored to your specific instructions and guidelines. Our writers start from scratch, ensuring originality and authenticity in every paper. You can trust that your Great Depression research paper will be unique and plagiarism-free.
• In-Depth Research : Our writers are skilled in conducting thorough and comprehensive research on the Great Depression. They have access to a wide range of reputable sources and scholarly databases to gather the most relevant and up-to-date information for your research paper.
• Custom Formatting : We understand the importance of adhering to specific formatting styles in academic writing. Whether you require APA, MLA, Chicago/Turabian, or Harvard formatting, our writers are well-versed in these styles and will ensure that your paper follows the required guidelines.
• Top Quality : We are committed to delivering top-quality research papers that meet the highest academic standards. Our writers pay attention to detail, ensuring accuracy, coherence, and clarity in your Great Depression research paper. We strive for excellence in every aspect of our work.
• Customized Solutions : We recognize that every research paper is unique, and we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Our writers work closely with you to understand your research objectives, topic preferences, and any specific requirements you may have. This personalized approach ensures that your research paper aligns with your academic goals.
• Flexible Pricing : We offer flexible pricing options to accommodate students’ budgets. We understand the financial constraints that students often face and aim to provide affordable pricing without compromising on the quality of our services. We offer competitive rates that reflect the expertise and effort put into crafting your research paper.
• Short Deadlines : We are well-equipped to handle short deadlines, including those as tight as three hours. Our writers are skilled in working efficiently without compromising the quality of the research paper. You can rely on us to deliver your Great Depression research paper on time, even if you have limited time available.
• Timely Delivery : We understand the importance of meeting deadlines. With our commitment to timely delivery, you can be confident that your research paper will be completed and delivered within the specified timeframe. We value your time and prioritize punctuality.
• 24/7 Support : Our customer support team is available 24/7 to assist you with any queries or concerns you may have. Whether you need clarification on your order, want to provide additional instructions, or have any other questions, our friendly and responsive support staff are here to help.
• Absolute Privacy : We prioritize the privacy and confidentiality of our clients. When you choose iResearchNet, you can be assured that your personal information and the details of your research paper will be handled with the utmost confidentiality. We adhere to strict privacy policies to protect your data.
• Easy Order Tracking : Our user-friendly platform allows you to easily track the progress of your research paper. You can stay informed about the status of your order, communicate with your writer, and receive updates throughout the writing process. Our streamlined system ensures a hassle-free experience.
• Money Back Guarantee : We are committed to your satisfaction. In the rare instance that you are not fully satisfied with the quality of your research paper, we offer a money-back guarantee. Your investment in our services is protected, and we strive to address any concerns and ensure your satisfaction.

When it comes to writing a research paper on the Great Depression, iResearchNet is your trusted partner. With our team of expert writers, custom-written works, in-depth research, and adherence to formatting guidelines, we are dedicated to delivering top-quality research papers tailored to your needs. Our flexible pricing, commitment to timely delivery, 24/7 support, and absolute privacy ensure a seamless and reliable experience. Trust us to unleash your potential in your Great Depression research paper and achieve academic success.

Unlock the Door to Academic Excellence

Are you ready to take your Great Depression research paper to the next level? Look no further than iResearchNet’s professional writing services. Our team of expert writers, commitment to quality, and comprehensive range of features make us the ideal partner for your academic success. Don’t let the challenges of writing a research paper on the Great Depression hold you back. With iResearchNet, you can unleash your potential and achieve outstanding results.

Unleash your potential today by placing an order with iResearchNet. Our user-friendly platform makes it easy to submit your requirements, communicate with your writer, and track the progress of your research paper. You can relax knowing that our expert writers are working diligently to deliver a custom-written, well-researched, and thought-provoking Great Depression research paper that will leave a lasting impact on your academic journey.

Unlock your academic potential and achieve excellence in your Great Depression research paper. Place your order with iResearchNet today and experience the difference our professional writing services can make. Trust our team of expert writers, benefit from our comprehensive features, and embark on a journey towards academic success. Visit our website now and unleash your potential!

ORDER HIGH QUALITY CUSTOM PAPER

If you're seeing this message, it means we're having trouble loading external resources on our website.

If you're behind a web filter, please make sure that the domains *.kastatic.org and *.kasandbox.org are unblocked.

To log in and use all the features of Khan Academy, please enable JavaScript in your browser.

Course: US history   >   Unit 7

• The presidency of Herbert Hoover

The Great Depression

• FDR and the Great Depression
• The New Deal
• The Great Depression was the worst economic downturn in US history. It began in 1929 and did not abate until the end of the 1930s.
• The stock market crash of October 1929 signaled the beginning of the Great Depression. By 1933, unemployment was at 25 percent and more than 5,000 banks had gone out of business.
• Although President Herbert Hoover attempted to spark growth in the economy through measures like the Reconstruction Finance Corporation, these measures did little to solve the crisis.
• Franklin Roosevelt was elected president in November 1932. Inaugurated as president in March 1933, Roosevelt’s New Deal offered a new approach to the Great Depression.

The stock market crash of 1929

Hoover's response to the crisis, what do you think.

• David M. Kennedy, Freedom from Fear: The American People in Depression and War, 1929-1945 (New York: Oxford University Press, 1999), 37-41, 49-50.
• T.H. Watkins, The Hungry Years: A Narrative History of the Great Depression in America (New York: Henry Holt, 1999), 44-45; Kennedy, Freedom from Fear , 87.
• Louise Armstrong, We Too Are the People (Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1938), 10.
• On bank failures, see Kennedy, Freedom from Fear , 65.
• See Kennedy, Freedom from Fear , 87, 208; Robert S. McElvaine, ed., Down and Out in the Great Depression: Letters from the “Forgotten Man” (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press, 1983), 81-94.
• John A. Garraty, The Great Depression: An Inquiry into the Causes, Course, and Consequences of the Worldwide Depression of the Nineteen-Thirties, as Seen by Contemporaries and in the Light of History (New York: Doubleday, 1987).
• Kennedy, Freedom from Fear , 83-85.
• On Hoovervilles and Hoover flags, Kennedy, Freedom from Fear , 91.

Want to join the conversation?

• Upvote Button navigates to signup page
• Downvote Button navigates to signup page
• Flag Button navigates to signup page

Thesis Statements

What this handout is about.

This handout describes what a thesis statement is, how thesis statements work in your writing, and how you can craft or refine one for your draft.

Introduction

Writing in college often takes the form of persuasion—convincing others that you have an interesting, logical point of view on the subject you are studying. Persuasion is a skill you practice regularly in your daily life. You persuade your roommate to clean up, your parents to let you borrow the car, your friend to vote for your favorite candidate or policy. In college, course assignments often ask you to make a persuasive case in writing. You are asked to convince your reader of your point of view. This form of persuasion, often called academic argument, follows a predictable pattern in writing. After a brief introduction of your topic, you state your point of view on the topic directly and often in one sentence. This sentence is the thesis statement, and it serves as a summary of the argument you’ll make in the rest of your paper.

What is a thesis statement?

A thesis statement:

• tells the reader how you will interpret the significance of the subject matter under discussion.
• is a road map for the paper; in other words, it tells the reader what to expect from the rest of the paper.
• directly answers the question asked of you. A thesis is an interpretation of a question or subject, not the subject itself. The subject, or topic, of an essay might be World War II or Moby Dick; a thesis must then offer a way to understand the war or the novel.
• makes a claim that others might dispute.
• is usually a single sentence near the beginning of your paper (most often, at the end of the first paragraph) that presents your argument to the reader. The rest of the paper, the body of the essay, gathers and organizes evidence that will persuade the reader of the logic of your interpretation.

If your assignment asks you to take a position or develop a claim about a subject, you may need to convey that position or claim in a thesis statement near the beginning of your draft. The assignment may not explicitly state that you need a thesis statement because your instructor may assume you will include one. When in doubt, ask your instructor if the assignment requires a thesis statement. When an assignment asks you to analyze, to interpret, to compare and contrast, to demonstrate cause and effect, or to take a stand on an issue, it is likely that you are being asked to develop a thesis and to support it persuasively. (Check out our handout on understanding assignments for more information.)

How do I create a thesis?

A thesis is the result of a lengthy thinking process. Formulating a thesis is not the first thing you do after reading an essay assignment. Before you develop an argument on any topic, you have to collect and organize evidence, look for possible relationships between known facts (such as surprising contrasts or similarities), and think about the significance of these relationships. Once you do this thinking, you will probably have a “working thesis” that presents a basic or main idea and an argument that you think you can support with evidence. Both the argument and your thesis are likely to need adjustment along the way.

Writers use all kinds of techniques to stimulate their thinking and to help them clarify relationships or comprehend the broader significance of a topic and arrive at a thesis statement. For more ideas on how to get started, see our handout on brainstorming .

How do I know if my thesis is strong?

If there’s time, run it by your instructor or make an appointment at the Writing Center to get some feedback. Even if you do not have time to get advice elsewhere, you can do some thesis evaluation of your own. When reviewing your first draft and its working thesis, ask yourself the following :

• Do I answer the question? Re-reading the question prompt after constructing a working thesis can help you fix an argument that misses the focus of the question. If the prompt isn’t phrased as a question, try to rephrase it. For example, “Discuss the effect of X on Y” can be rephrased as “What is the effect of X on Y?”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? If your thesis simply states facts that no one would, or even could, disagree with, it’s possible that you are simply providing a summary, rather than making an argument.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? Thesis statements that are too vague often do not have a strong argument. If your thesis contains words like “good” or “successful,” see if you could be more specific: why is something “good”; what specifically makes something “successful”?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? If a reader’s first response is likely to  be “So what?” then you need to clarify, to forge a relationship, or to connect to a larger issue.
• Does my essay support my thesis specifically and without wandering? If your thesis and the body of your essay do not seem to go together, one of them has to change. It’s okay to change your working thesis to reflect things you have figured out in the course of writing your paper. Remember, always reassess and revise your writing as necessary.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? If a reader’s first response is “how?” or “why?” your thesis may be too open-ended and lack guidance for the reader. See what you can add to give the reader a better take on your position right from the beginning.

Suppose you are taking a course on contemporary communication, and the instructor hands out the following essay assignment: “Discuss the impact of social media on public awareness.” Looking back at your notes, you might start with this working thesis:

Social media impacts public awareness in both positive and negative ways.

You can use the questions above to help you revise this general statement into a stronger thesis.

• Do I answer the question? You can analyze this if you rephrase “discuss the impact” as “what is the impact?” This way, you can see that you’ve answered the question only very generally with the vague “positive and negative ways.”
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not likely. Only people who maintain that social media has a solely positive or solely negative impact could disagree.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? No. What are the positive effects? What are the negative effects?
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? No. Why are they positive? How are they positive? What are their causes? Why are they negative? How are they negative? What are their causes?
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? No. Why should anyone care about the positive and/or negative impact of social media?

After thinking about your answers to these questions, you decide to focus on the one impact you feel strongly about and have strong evidence for:

Because not every voice on social media is reliable, people have become much more critical consumers of information, and thus, more informed voters.

This version is a much stronger thesis! It answers the question, takes a specific position that others can challenge, and it gives a sense of why it matters.

Let’s try another. Suppose your literature professor hands out the following assignment in a class on the American novel: Write an analysis of some aspect of Mark Twain’s novel Huckleberry Finn. “This will be easy,” you think. “I loved Huckleberry Finn!” You grab a pad of paper and write:

Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn is a great American novel.

You begin to analyze your thesis:

• Do I answer the question? No. The prompt asks you to analyze some aspect of the novel. Your working thesis is a statement of general appreciation for the entire novel.

Think about aspects of the novel that are important to its structure or meaning—for example, the role of storytelling, the contrasting scenes between the shore and the river, or the relationships between adults and children. Now you write:

In Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain develops a contrast between life on the river and life on the shore.

• Do I answer the question? Yes!
• Have I taken a position that others might challenge or oppose? Not really. This contrast is well-known and accepted.
• Is my thesis statement specific enough? It’s getting there–you have highlighted an important aspect of the novel for investigation. However, it’s still not clear what your analysis will reveal.
• Does my thesis pass the “how and why?” test? Not yet. Compare scenes from the book and see what you discover. Free write, make lists, jot down Huck’s actions and reactions and anything else that seems interesting.
• Does my thesis pass the “So what?” test? What’s the point of this contrast? What does it signify?”

After examining the evidence and considering your own insights, you write:

Through its contrasting river and shore scenes, Twain’s Huckleberry Finn suggests that to find the true expression of American democratic ideals, one must leave “civilized” society and go back to nature.

This final thesis statement presents an interpretation of a literary work based on an analysis of its content. Of course, for the essay itself to be successful, you must now present evidence from the novel that will convince the reader of your interpretation.

Works consulted

We consulted these works while writing this handout. This is not a comprehensive list of resources on the handout’s topic, and we encourage you to do your own research to find additional publications. Please do not use this list as a model for the format of your own reference list, as it may not match the citation style you are using. For guidance on formatting citations, please see the UNC Libraries citation tutorial . We revise these tips periodically and welcome feedback.

Anson, Chris M., and Robert A. Schwegler. 2010. The Longman Handbook for Writers and Readers , 6th ed. New York: Longman.

Lunsford, Andrea A. 2015. The St. Martin’s Handbook , 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St Martin’s.

Ramage, John D., John C. Bean, and June Johnson. 2018. The Allyn & Bacon Guide to Writing , 8th ed. New York: Pearson.

Ruszkiewicz, John J., Christy Friend, Daniel Seward, and Maxine Hairston. 2010. The Scott, Foresman Handbook for Writers , 9th ed. Boston: Pearson Education.

You may reproduce it for non-commercial use if you use the entire handout and attribute the source: The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Make a Gift

Essays on the Great Depression

• Ben S. Bernanke

Before you purchase audiobooks and ebooks

Please note that audiobooks and ebooks purchased from this site must be accessed on the Princeton University Press app. After you make your purchase, you will receive an email with instructions on how to download the app. Learn more about audio and ebooks .

Support your local independent bookstore.

• United States
• United Kingdom

Economics & Finance

From the Nobel Prize–winning economist and former chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve, a landmark book that provides vital lessons for understanding financial crises and their sometimes-catastrophic economic effects

• Look Inside
• Download Cover

As chair of the U.S. Federal Reserve during the Global Financial Crisis, Ben Bernanke helped avert a greater financial disaster than the Great Depression. And he did so by drawing directly on what he had learned from years of studying the causes of the economic catastrophe of the 1930s—work for which he was later awarded the Nobel Prize. Essays on the Great Depression brings together Bernanke’s influential work on the origins and economic lessons of the Depression, and this new edition also includes his Nobel Prize lecture.

"Bernanke certainly knows the importance of well-functioning markets. In Essays on the Great Depression he wrote persuasively that runs on the banks and extensive defaults on loans reduced the efficiency of the financial sector, prevented it from doing its normal job in allocating resources, and contributed to the Depression severity. The Depression-era problems he studied are mirrored by similar issues today, and they need urgent attention."—Robert J. Shiller, New York Times

"Bernanke probably knows more about the Depression of the 1930s, about specific events and economic interpretations, than any other living person."—Michael Barone, U.S. News & World Report

"Tempting as it is to focus on President Herbert Hoover and the 1929 U.S. market crash, Bernanke explores conditions across dozens of countries—assessing where banking crises erupted, how deeply economic activity plummeted and which central banks made the right calls."—Carlos Lozada, Washington Post

"Having devoted much of his career to studying the causes of the Great Depression, Bernanke was the academic expert on how to prevent financial crises from spinning out of control and threatening the general economy. One line from his Essays on the Great Depression sounds especially prescient today: 'To the extent that bank panics interfere with normal flows of credit, they may affect the performance of the real economy.'"—Roger Lowenstein, New York Times Magazine

"Fortunately, before he became entangled in these restrictions [Bernanke] did edit and help write a book, Essays on the Great Depression . . . . Bernanke's motive was that understanding the depression would provide important clues to what can go wrong with capitalist market systems."—Samuel Brittan, Financial Times

"The financial crisis has made Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke's book Essays on the Great Depression a hot seller. . . . Bernanke, a former Princeton University economist, is considered the pre-eminent living scholar of the Great Depression. He is practicing today what he preached in his book: Flood the system with money to avoid a depression."—Dennis Cauchon, USA Today

"When Ben Bernanke arrived at the Federal Reserve in February 2006 as the new chairman of the central bank, he had a copy of his 2001 book, Inflation Targeting: Lessons from the International Experience , tucked under his arm. Not literally, of course. He was hoping to convince his colleagues on the Federal Open Market Committee of the value of an explicit inflation target. Little did he know that less than two years later he'd be shelving Inflation Targeting and turning to Essays on the Great Depression , another of his books, for guidance. In his book of essays, Bernanke calls the Great Depression the 'Holy Grail of macroeconomics.' He writes that 'the experience of the 1930s continues to influence macroeconomists' beliefs, policy recommendations, and research agendas.'"—Caroline Baum, Bloomberg.com

"With some observers saying that the ongoing financial crisis could be the worst since the Great Depression, the greatest living expert on that period is getting the chance to apply its economic lessons. . . . In Essays on the Great Depression . . . [Bernanke] notes that understanding that period is the 'holy grail of macroeconomics.'"—Spencer Jakab, Dow Jones Newswires

"Bernanke is the master of applied microeconomics. Not only is he technically proficient but his ability to place his results in a larger macroeconomic context is unparalleled."—Mark Toma, Financial History Review

"This influential body of work is a significant contribution to our understanding the depth and persistence of the Great Depression. . . . This book will become a standard reference in the field of business cycle research."—Randall Kroszner, University of Chicago

"Bernanke's work has had a powerful impact on the economics profession, alerting macroeconomists to the advantages of historical analysis, and a number of important figures (James Hamilton, Steve Cecchetti, for example), inspired by his work, have followed him into the field. The nine essays form a remarkably coherent whole."—Barry Eichengreen, University of California, Berkeley, and author of Globalizing Capital: A History of the International Monetary System

"Collecting these essays together will provide a single source for students to find Bernanke's substantial contributions. . . . His papers demonstrate conclusively that the international view of the Great Depression has impressive explanatory power."—Peter Temin, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Stay connected for new books and special offers. Subscribe to receive a welcome discount for your next order. 

• ebook & Audiobook Cart

Educator Resources

FDR's First Inaugural Address Declaring 'War' on the Great Depression

Declaring "war" on the great depression.

By late winter 1933, the nation had already endured more than three years of economic depression. Statistics revealing the depth of the Great Depression were staggering. More than 11,000 of 24,000 banks had failed, destroying the savings of depositors. Millions of people were out of work and seeking jobs; additional millions were working at jobs that barely provided subsistence. Currency values dropped as the deflationary spiral continued to tighten and farm markets continued to erode.

During the previous summer the Democratic Party had unveiled a generalized plan for economic recovery in its platform. They called their platform a "contract" and set forth in it a series of provisions to remedy the economic disaster. Although frequently lacking specifics, the platform addressed a wide range of issues: among them were agricultural relief, Prohibition, unemployment, and old age insurance. While not followed very closely by Franklin Roosevelt's administration, the platform did indicate that election of the Democratic candidate would result in unprecedented governmental growth to deal with the problems pressing on the nation. Roosevelt set about to prepare the nation to accept expansion of federal power. Roosevelt recognized that the programs he was about to introduce for congressional legislative action to relieve the dire effects of the Great Depression were unprecedented in peacetime.

In his 1933 inaugural address Roosevelt stated: "Our Constitution is so simple and practical that it is possible always to meet extraordinary needs by changes in emphasis and arrangement without loss of essential form. That is why our constitutional system has proved itself the most superbly enduring political mechanism the modern world has produced. It has met every stress of vast expansion of territory, of foreign wars, of bitter internal strife, of world relations." Yet, at the same time, he was prepared to recommend measures that he knew could succeed only with strong public pressure in support of extraordinary federal powers to deal with "extraordinary needs."

The first document featured with this article is the speech given on Inauguration Day in March 1933. It is particularly memorable for its attack on the psychology of the Great Depression. Less memorable but more enduring is the justification that Roosevelt planned to use to expand the power of the federal government to achieve his legislative objectives and thereby ease the effects of the Great Depression. Woven throughout his inaugural address was his plan. He aimed to declare war on the Great Depression and needed all the executive latitude possible in order to wage that war. For in addition to his famous statement "the only thing we have to fear is fear itself," he also said "I shall ask the Congress for the one remaining instrument to meet the crisis -- broad Executive power to wage a war against the emergency, as great as the power that would be given to me if we were in fact invaded by a foreign foe."

Graham, Otis L., Jr. An Encore for Reform: The Old Progressives and the New Deal . New York: Oxford University Press, 1967.

Leuchtenburg, William. Franklin D. Roosevelt and the New Deal, 1932-1940 . New York: Harper and Row, 1963.

The Documents

View Pages: 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library First Carbon Files 1933 - 1945 National Archives Identifier: 197333

National Archives and Records Administration Records of the Tennessee Valley Authority Record Group 142 National Archives Identifier: 532776

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Public Domain Photographs 1882-1962 National Archives Identifier: 195829

National Archives and Records Administration Works Progress Administration Record Group 69 National Archives Identifier: 518269

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Public Domain Photographs 1882-1962 National Archives Identifier: 196581

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Public Domain Photographs 1882-1962 National Archives Identifier: 195824

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Public Domain Photographs 1882-1962 National Archives Identifier: 195878

Franklin D. Roosevelt Library Public Domain Photographs 1882-1962 National Archives Identifier: 197267

• Write my thesis
• Thesis writers
• Buy thesis papers
• Bachelor thesis
• Master's thesis
• Thesis editing services
• Thesis proofreading services
• Buy a thesis online
• Write my dissertation
• Dissertation proposal help
• Pay for dissertation
• Custom dissertation
• Dissertation help online
• Buy dissertation online
• Cheap dissertation
• Dissertation editing services
• Write my research paper
• Buy research paper online
• Pay for research paper
• Research paper help
• Order research paper
• Custom research paper
• Cheap research paper
• Research papers for sale
• Thesis subjects
• How It Works

What Is a Good Thesis Statement About Depression?

Do you need to compose an informative or an argumentative essay on depression? One of the vital parts of your paper is a thesis statement on depression. Note there are various types of thesis statements, and what you use depends on the type of essay you are writing. A thesis summarizes the concept that you write on your research paper or the bottom line that you will write in your essay. It should elaborate more on the depression topics for the research paper you are working on. But at times, you might have a hard time writing your thesis statement.

Good Thesis Statement about Teenage Depression

Bipolar disorder thesis statements about depression, interesting thesis statements about depression, interesting thesis statement about diagnosis and treatment of depression, thesis statement about stress and depression, free thesis statements about depression and anxiety, get help with your depression research paper.

Here is a list of thesis statements to have an easier time writing your essay. They cover different topics, making it easy to select what excites you. Here we go!

Are you writing about teenagers and how they are always overthinking about their future, and they end up getting depressed? You need to write a good thesis statement for a depression research paper. That will help your depression argumentative essay stand out. Here are some thesis statement for depression to check out.

• There is a link between depression and alcohol among teenagers and the various ways to control it.
• Teenagers dealing with mood disorders eat and sleep more than usual, getting less interested in regular activities.
• Mediation is an effective way to reach out to adolescents that show heightened symptoms of depression.
• Self-blaming attributions are social cognitive mechanisms among adolescents.
• Peer victimization causes high-stress levels among adolescents and has negative psychological consequences.

Choosing a good depression thesis statement on bipolar disorder can be hectic. Research on bipolar will require a good thesis statement for mental health. Choose a thesis statement about mental health awareness here.

• People with Bipolar depression have more difficulties getting quality sleep.
• Bipolar disorder influences every aspect of a person’s life and changes their quality of life.
• Bipolar disorder causes depressive moods or lows of mental disorder.
• Bipolar is a severe mental issue that can negatively impact your moods, self-esteem, and behavior.
• Psychological evaluations play a significant role in diagnosing bipolar disorder.

When writing your essay, ensure that the thesis statement for mental health is fascinating. You will impress your professors if you get the right depression research paper outline as your thesis statement. Here is a depression thesis statement you can use.

• The effects of human psychology are viewed in the form of depression.
• Clinical psychology can help to bring outpatients who have depression.
• Treating long-term depression in bipolar patients is possible.
• Bipolar patients are drained to the roots of depression.
• Well-established rehabilitation centers can help bring drug addicts from depression.

Are you thinking of writing a thesis on depression and how to treat it? If so, you need to have an excellent thesis statement about mental health that will impress your professor. Read this list to find a thesis you need for your research paper.

• There are different ways to diagnose and treat depression from its early stage.
• People who show signs of depression from an early stage and seek treatment are likely to recover instead of those who do not show early signs.
• After you receive treatment for depression, putting the right measure in place is one of the best and effective ways to ensure that you do not get it again for the second time.
• Anxiety can interfere with daily living, and it can get anyone from children to adults.
• Besides medication, you need a lifestyle change and acceptance to treat depression.

Is your research about stress and how it can impact mental health? Getting a thesis statement for depression research paper that impresses your examiners can be challenging. Choose a thesis statement for your mental illness research paper below.

• Although it is normal for various situations to cause stress, having constant stress can have detrimental effects.
• To survive the modern industrial society, you need to have stress management strategies.
• The challenges of understanding and adapting to the changing environment can lead to stress.
• Lack of proper stress management will lead to inefficiency in everything people do.
• Stress does not come unless there are underlying stressors in your life.

Our team of writers is well-conversant about a free thesis statement about anxiety you can use. The best anxiety thesis statement will help you get the best grades. Here is a list of statements that stands out:

• Many factors can lead to early anxiety, but the leading cause of anxiety in adolescents is directly linked to families.
• Anxiety is a severe mental disorder that can occur without any apparent triggers.
• Long-term depression and anxiety can impact your mental health, but you can recover if you seek treatment.
• Depression and anxiety are not interlinked, and it is essential to learn how to differentiate them on practical grounds.
• Society has a role to play in helping people come out of depression and anxiety.

How do you write a research paper about depression and how it affects mental health? Before choosing a thesis statement on mental health, have a clear understanding of the essay that you are writing. That will help you get the best thesis to make our essay stand out.

But don’t keep stressing out about your thesis statement for mental illness research paper. We have your work cut out because our skilled writers have compiled a list of thesis statements about mental health and depression topics for research paper writing. We will also suggest correct thesis statements for your essay homework or assignment.

If you are still unsure of the statement to use, get in touch with us today. We have a team of skilled and experienced writers that can help you with your essay or research project and ensure that you get the best grades.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Women’s Rights in the Great Depression Period Essay

Most educated people know that the 1930s in the United States are referred to as the time of the Great Depression characterized by economic recession and stagnation, Wall Street Crash, high rate of unemployment, a decline in GDP, and a massive slowdown in multiple markets and industries. This period is discussed from both economic and social perspectives. However, the latter usually explores the effect produced by the recession on the American society in general. This paper focuses specifically on the rights and roles of women during that time, exploring some of the most prominent events in terms of women’s rights.

A decade prior to the Great Depression was accompanied by multiple feminist movements that successfully fought and gained more recognition, freedom, and rights for the American women. However, the challenges of the economic recession threatened to move the feminist issues to the side while some other extremely harmful problems occurred. In order to push through more issues related to women’s rights, the feminists began to integrate into the sphere of politics which was easier due to the recently obtained right to vote. The creation of the 19 th Amendment that created sexual equality in reference to voting symbolized the women’s victory and that is why many stopped fighting being under an impression that the discrimination was over (Moran par. 9). Moreover, the majority of women remained politically passive and indifferent, so the right to vote became a pointless privilege.

Having achieved one significant change, the feminist activists and suffragists faced a challenge for identifying another common problem to battle (Moran par. 9). As a result, many of the formerly active feminist groups disintegrated and started to join the anti-war movements turning away from the gender equality concerns. At the same time, the growing rates of poverty encouraged many women to look for employment where they faced another inequality being perceived as the rule-breakers stealing the work from men whose gender role made them the suppliers of the families. The pursuit of the workplace equality and the protection of women from unfair treatment by the employers were quite unsuccessful and slow due to the major division in the opinions (Moran par. 12). In other words, the female politicians and activists shared two clashing perspectives – pro and against regular employment and careers for women.

The main gender role of a woman during the 1930s was based on wifehood and childbirth, the occupations that were deemed incompatible with career-building and ambitions of any kind. This point of view was popular among both men and women, and that is why the chances of women to obtain workplace equality or be hired at all remained lean. Regardless of their employment status and opportunities and status, women still were overloaded with all the house duties. However, compared to the jobs of their husbands, those of the housewives did not go away. In fact, keeping a harmonious home and making the ends meet became much more difficult for the women as the incomes of the families decreased during the Depression (Ware par. 3).

The major attempts to address the crisis undertaken by the political leaders resulted in a higher tension between men and women in terms of workplace equality and gender roles. This tendency occurred because the efforts of addressing unemployment were mainly directed at finding the jobs for men which often led to the displacement of women in a combination of questioning the very idea of working women. The division of occupations into “male” and “female” became sharper as men typically employed in mining or metallurgy proved to be unable to take over the jobs occupied by women (midwives, maids, clerical positions) (Ware par. 5).

Roosevelt’s New Deal programs continued to discriminate against women and supporting only the male job candidates and allowing lower wages for women workers doing the same jobs as their male colleagues. The Acts concerning labor standards failed to cover the areas where most women were employed – domestic work and agriculture (Ware par. 9).

The African-American and Mexican women, who used to dominate these fields initially, ended up in even harsher working situations as white women pressured by the dropping family incomes either refused to hire maids or started to look for domestic employment increasing the level of competition in the labor market. Overall, people of color (both men and women) were hit by the Great Depression in a much aggressive manner than the white citizens. Many of the jobs offered by the social support programs specified that they only targeted white candidates (Beach par. 5). Generally, the employment of women in the United States during the 1930s grew significantly; however these statistics only considered white women whereas the women of color continued to struggle for respect, appreciation, and tolerance.

The historical events described in this paper happened fairly recently, and this fact makes them rather unbelievable for the contemporary individuals living in the world where equal rights concerns are some of the most important social, economic, and political issues. The history of the 1930s is an illustration of the effect a crisis produces on a fragmented society making is even more disintegrated. In the US of that time, Americans seemed to neglect unity and togetherness. Instead, they preferred to stay divided into multiple communities each competing for better conditions.

Works Cited

Beach, Justin. Limits to Women’s Rights in the 1930s. 2016. Web.

Moran, Mickey. 1930s, America – Feminist Void? n. d.

Ware, Susan. Women and the Great Depression . 2016. Web.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2022, December 9). Women's Rights in the Great Depression Period. https://ivypanda.com/essays/womens-rights-in-the-great-depression-period/

"Women's Rights in the Great Depression Period." IvyPanda , 9 Dec. 2022, ivypanda.com/essays/womens-rights-in-the-great-depression-period/.

IvyPanda . (2022) 'Women's Rights in the Great Depression Period'. 9 December.

IvyPanda . 2022. "Women's Rights in the Great Depression Period." December 9, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/womens-rights-in-the-great-depression-period/.

1. IvyPanda . "Women's Rights in the Great Depression Period." December 9, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/womens-rights-in-the-great-depression-period/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Women's Rights in the Great Depression Period." December 9, 2022. https://ivypanda.com/essays/womens-rights-in-the-great-depression-period/.

• Current Distribution of Power in the International System
• The Fall of the Roman Empire in the 15th Century
• Analysis of the Movie ‘Everyone’s’ Child’
• Personal Opinion About "The Storm"
• Sticking Together: Family Relations Analysis
• Slavery and the Old South
• Rethinking Columbus, Rediscovering America: In Search for the Promised Land
• Role of Cricket in Australia During the 1930s
• Being a Part of a Bedouin Community
• The Effects of the Second World War on US
• Liberian Women’s Movement
• Women Workers in Correctional Institutions
• Women's Social Status in the 19th Century
• Global Woman by Barbara Ehrenreich
• Debate Over Women’s Rights

More From Forbes

Economics was a cause of the great depression.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Economics is a proud discipline. It has long seen itself as the premier social science and with the major natural sciences part of the core of the intellectual apparatus of modern society. It understands its methods as sound, serious, and extensive and its contribution to progress notable.

Just as income taxes were settling in good and high. (Photo by FPG/Getty Images)

Economics has been particularly proud of its record in explaining the central negative event of economic history since the industrial revolution, the Great Depression of the 1930s. Its inquiries into monetary policy, the gold standard, and “regime uncertainty” (its own term) have explained the event with dedication.

Economics almost always waves off taxation as significant among the causes of the Great Depression. When we wrote our income tax history of the United States, Taxes Have Consequences , it became apparent how problematic this oversight is. In 1912, no major nation had a significant income tax, and the corresponding size of governments was small. In 1929, every major nation had an income tax. At the margin, these were taking 25, 40, if not 50 percent of income. Then the tax rates went up. In 1932, the American top income tax rate was 63 percent.

Those with capital and a bent for investment faced keeping their business returns in whole as ever in 1912. Seventeen years later, they faced keeping much less than that. The world completely changed over the interregnum, 1912-29, concerning whether those who ordinarily would deploy capital would continue to do that. If returns after taxes are going to go from $1 on $1 to 75 cents on the dollar to 37 cents on the dollar, incredible changes will come to the deploying of capital (and therefore to employment, growth, etc. as well). The new income tax apparatuses across the major nations, in the 1920s, foretold a Great Depression unless the new normal got very small.

The United States had major tax rate cuts in the 1920s. Over 1921-28, tax policy moved in one direction, taking rates down. Every year of the period there was a federal budget surplus and a booming economy. In 1929, for reasons unclear, the government decided that that year’s tax cut would be a temporary rebate, one point off rates and announced in December even though the tax year was basically over.

Microsoft Warns Windows Users Of Ongoing Russian Hack Attack

New apple id password reset issue hitting iphone ipad and macbook users, the good bad and ugly from the green bay packers draft.

Just as the economy had boomed as tax-rate cuts were certain prior to 1929, in 1929 the economy pulled up with word of the temporary rebate. The indication was that the floor of the American rate structure had now been established, 25 percent. If there was a dynamic, it would be in one direction, up (see 1932).

Those with capital realized that the new income tax era, only sixteen years old at that point, was for real. The previous eight years, 1921-29, had given the illusion that the income tax experiment was progressively vanishing. After 1929, it was clear that tax rates at the margin would stop falling and probably grow. The directness of this issue with respect to the coming of the Great Depression is remarkable.

Enter economics. The discipline, largely confined to universities, had helped income taxes come to be. Academic economics, especially in the United States, had cut its teeth in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries on being anti-tariff. The tariff was the principal source of federal revenue prior to 1913, when the income tax began. Economists railed against the tariff, cogently, the whole while. Meanwhile the power brokers in Washington and business ignored them. At last in 1913, the drumbeat against the tariff succeeded, both because of the economists’ pressure and the nation’s exhaustion with the tariff as a headline political issue. The income tax was put in place.

Economics, in the several decades after 1900, was never anywhere near so vociferous against the income tax as it had been against the tariff. There were plenty of economists who thought a progressive income tax was sound policy. However well-argued these points may have been, the social status anxiety that economists always felt (and which is still manifested today) was never far from the surface. The political and business players in the tariff had always blown off economists as irrelevant egghead intellectuals. Economics used its antipathy to the tariff as a marker of what the inside players did not have: intellectual purity. The perfectness of their arguments about the tariff conferred to them a heady commitment to principles that the inside players could never have.

When politics flipped in 1913 and largely replaced the tariff with an income tax, economists were slow to turn their fire on the income tax, as they always had fired on the tariff, so much so that they never got around to the task. To the contrary, the discipline rolled over in acquiescing to income taxes. Income taxes with rates up to and past 25 percent became perfectly reasonable to the discipline in general.

The position was ridiculous. Tariff rates should be low to nonexistent but income tax rates can be 25 percent or higher? Economics did not realize that its position was ridiculous. Opposition to the tariff, which involved accommodation of the income tax, had brought economics into the general conversation of political economy in the United States. Tariff antipathy, was, as I have written recently, “the date that economics brought to the dance.” To have sounded off against an income tax after 1913 would have suggested that economists wanted to revive the tariff, were confused, or simply did not belong with serious policy players—conclusions which may well have been valid.

There was no effective scholarly economic opposition to income taxes, as they first established and then leapt off the 25 percent floor from the 1920s into the 1930s. The world’s investors, concerned, responded by saying that we are out. The Great Depression happened. Economists spent the next several generations rigorously identifying causes of the horrible event that were not taxes, to the point that today, the field, with its emphases on monetary causes, international transmissions, and liquidity traps, thinks its study in this area is one of its finest hours.

The most economics, across its comically large literature, comprehensively musters about taxes in this era is that they were part of “regime uncertainty,” a waffle term. It was certain after 1929 that 25-plus income taxes at the top, a completely new thing as of recently, were there to stay and then some. There was no uncertainty, but a dead certainty, that income taxes were for real. Investors and owners of capital said goodbye.

Economics was complicit in the establishment and maintenance of income taxes after 1912 and therefore was complicit some notable way in causing the Great Depression. A self-reflective field can productively rewrite the economic, policy, and indeed intellectual history of the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s by starting to get this right.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

10 New Thesis Statement about Depression & Anxiety | How to Write One?

Did you know according to the National Institute of Mental Health; it is estimated that approximately 8.4% of adults are patients of major depression in the US? Well, depression is a common illness globally that affects a lot of people. Yet, the reasons for this psychological sickness vary from person to person and numerous studies are being conducted to discover more about depression.

Therefore, college and university students are currently assigned to write research papers, dissertations, essays, and a thesis about depression. However, writing essays on such topics aims to increase the awareness of physical and mental well-being among youth and help them find solutions.

However, a lot of students find it pretty challenging to write a thesis statement about depression and seek someone to write my essay . No worries! In this article, you will learn about what is a good thesis statement about mental health and some effective methods and approaches to write a killer headline and compose an astonishing essay about depression.

5 Thesis Statement About Depression:

• “The complexity of depression, which includes biological, psychological, and environmental components, emphasizes the need for individualized treatment plans that consider each person’s particular requirements.”
• “Depression in the workplace not only affects an individual’s productivity but also carries economic implications, emphasizing the importance of fostering a mental health-friendly work environment.”
• “Alternative, holistic approaches to mental health care have the potential to be more successful as the link between creative expressions, such as art therapy, and depression management becomes more commonly recognized.”
• “It is critical to enhance geriatric mental health treatment and reduce the stigma associated with mental illness in older people since depression in senior populations is typically underdiagnosed and mistreated.”
• “The link between early childhood adversity and the risk of developing depression later in life accentuates the importance of early intervention and support systems for children exposed to adverse experiences.”

5 Thesis Statements about Anxiety & Depression :

• “Depression and anxiety Co-occurring disorders are a major concern in mental health, necessitating integrated treatment options that meet the unique challenges that co-occurring diseases provide.”
• “The utilization of technology-driven therapies, such as smartphone apps and telehealth services, is a realistic approach of addressing persons suffering from anxiety and depression, while also increasing access to mental health care.”
• “The examination of the gut-brain connection and its potential role in anxiety and depression showcases a burgeoning area of research that could lead to novel treatments emphasizing nutrition and gut health.”
• “Adolescents who experience both anxiety and depression face a serious issue that calls for comprehensive school-based mental health programs and preventative measures to promote young people’s mental health.”
• “Exploring the impact of sociocultural factors and the role of community support systems in the experience of anxiety and depression provides insights into the development of culturally sensitive mental health interventions.”

GET ACADEMIC WRITING HELP

Your assignment won’t be delivered on time: you’ll get it beforehand. Review your work immediately and ask for free revisions right away. Get extensive help in:

Follow 7 Proven Methods to Compose Thesis Statement about Depression

A thesis is the overview of the concepts and ideas that you will write in your research paper or in the essay. Yet, a thesis statement about anxiety focuses more on the stress and depression topics for the paper you’re working on, which can be written by following the tips given below.

Nonetheless, you can compose an outline by covering the points mentioned below:

1. Pick a good study topic and perform a basic reading. Look for some intriguing statistics and try to come up with creative ways to approach your subject. Examine a few articles for deficiencies in understanding.

2. Make a list of your references and jot down when you come across a noteworthy quotation. You can cite them in your paper as references. Organize all of the information you’ve acquired in one location.

3. In one phrase, state the purpose of your essay. Consider what you want to happen when other people read your article.

4. Examine your notes and construct a list of all the key things you wish to emphasize. Make use of brainstorming strategies and jot down any ideas that come to mind.

5. Review and revise the arguments and write a thesis statement for a research paper or essay about depression.

6. Organize your essay by organizing the list of points. Arrange the points in a logical sequence. Analyze all elements to ensure that they are all relevant to your goal.

7. Reread all of your statements and arrange your outline in a standard manner, such as a bulleted list.

Final Words

So, what is an ideal way to write a thesis statement about depression for your research paper or essay? We hope you have a thorough idea of the essay you’re writing before picking a thesis statement about mental well-being. That will assist you in developing the greatest thesis for our essay.

But don’t get too worked up over your thesis statement for a research paper on mental disorders. Our professional subject experts have produced a list of thesis statements about mental health and depression themes for research paper writing, so you’ve got your job cut out for you. For your essay assignments or assignments, we will also offer appropriate thesis statements.

If you’re still confused about which statement to use, contact us right away. We have a staff of highly qualified and seasoned writers who can assist you with your essay or research work and guarantee that you receive the highest possible score.

Related Posts

Can You Go to Jail for Plagiarism?

• July 17, 2023

ChatGPT Writer Extension: Boosting Your Writing Efficiency

• June 23, 2023

ChatGPT Plagiarism Detection: Ensuring Originality in AI-Generated Content

• May 29, 2023