Depression Era America Depression Era America Depression Era

Depression Era America

Depression Era America

Depression Era America

Depression Era America

Depression Era America

Depression Era America

Depression Era America

The Great Depression • Lasted 12 years (1929 -1941) • 50% of American children did not have enough food/clothes/shelter/clean water. • The first week, the stock market lost $30 billion, more than was spent in WWII. • 750, 000 farmers declared bankruptcy. • Nation-wide unemployment reached 25%. Ohio reached 80%. • WWII created jobs, which pulled US out of depression.

Essential Question: How did people living during Depression-Era American keep their spirits up?

Answer: • Many didn’t, but those who did made it through by depending on their friends and families, and through music. • Delta blues • Sophisticated Swing • Reflected a turbulent time, but many songs promoted a positive message.

Example: “Keep on the Sunny Side” There's a dark & a troubled side of life There's a bright, there's a sunny side, too Tho' we meet with the darkness and strife The sunny side we also may view [cho: ] Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side, Keep on the sunny side of life It will help us ev'ry day, it will brighten all the way If we'll keep on the sunny side of life The storm and its fury broke today, Crushing hopes that we cherish so dear; Clouds and storms will, in time, pass away The sun again will shine bright and clear. Let us greet with the song of hope each day Tho' the moment be cloudy or fair Let us trust in our Saviour away Who keepeth everyone in His care

Viewing Oh Brother, Where Art Thou? • Essential Question: Using Oh Brother Where Art Thou as a portrayal of Depression-Era America, what role did music play in helping Americans get through this difficult time? • Task- notes on the movie about the different types of music that show up in the movie- all are authentic reproductions of American songs from this time period. – Each time you hear a song, write it down, as well as what is going on while it is playing, and what it might mean. – How does it reflect the action in the story? – What message does it send?

OBWAT? Fun Facts • Nominated for Golden Globe- Best Motion Picture. Did not win, but George Clooney won GG award for Best Male Performance. Comedy. • George Clooney is not really singing when we hear him sing- producers/directors liked it, but he didn’t. • Takes place in Mississippi • Based on The Odyssey by Homer

OBWAT? Goofs • In the back of the movie theater, you can see a modern EXIT sign. • When Delmar runs to be baptized, he cuts in front of a bald man at the front of the left-hand line. The shot changes, and when it returns, the bald man has disappeared as Delmar is being baptized, and the two women who were second and third in line have moved to the front. • The camera is reflected in a window of the locomotive that passes in front of the three escaping convicts. • When the boys pull up to the radio station to record their song, the car is parked parallel to the building. In the following scene, when they get out of the car, it is parked facing away from the building.