|
For most people, life was very difficult and the Depression devastated many. People not just lacked adequate food, shelter and clothing, they also blamed themselves for their dire strait.
During the 1920s, America saw a lot of prosperity and people felt and believed that success went to those who deserved it. That is why when unemployment came about during the Depression, many people who lost their jobs automatically assumed that they did not deserve the merit and hence, it was their own fault for their failure. Self-blame and self-doubt was rampant during this period.
Life during the Great Depression saw the gap widening between the haves and have nots. In 1930, unemployment in America rose to 5 million and by end of 1932, employment rose to a shocking 13 million. The people in rural America suffered the most. Fathers saw children being hired for sub-standard wages while they lost their job. In 1930, around 2.25 million children aged between 10 and 18 years had left school to work in factories, canneries, farms and mines to support their families. The children ended up being providers while parents became the dependents.
The Great Depression had a more damaging effect on the minorities living in America. By 1932, 50 percent of the nation’s black workers were unemployed as they were forced to give up their jobs to make place for the employed whites.
While many middle-class families lost their homes, some still managed to hold onto their homes by taking in boarders and bartering. It was quite common to see homes without city water supply, milk delivery and disconnected gas range. Shacks and shanties provided shelter for destitute families.
More Articles :
|
