GCSE Knowledge Organiser The Great Depression and World

GCSE Knowledge Organiser: The Great Depression and World War II Key Words Key Events 1 1929 The Wall Street Crash: Caused by speculation, and untrustworthy banks and poor sales, the American economy crashes. Millions lose their jobs. 2 1931 Hoover Dam: Construction begins on the Hoover Dam. This creates some jobs. 3 1932 Bonus Army: A group of World War One veterans made jobless by the Depression, march on Washington D. C in order to claim their bonuses. Troops disperse the crowd with tear gas. 4 5 6 1932 1933 1935 Rugged Individualism The belief of Herbert Hoover and the Republicans. This laisses fare approach was the belief that anybody could improve their situations if they worked hard enough. This made him deeply unpopular with voters. A series of government programmes enacted by President Franklin D Roosevelt to improve the economy and the lives of Americans during the Great Depression. New Deal The Hundred Days begins. The first 100 days of Roosevelt’s term as president. The start of the New Deal. The Emergency Banking Act is enacted in March 1933. All untrustworthy banks are closed down. Government and Military pay is cut and Alphabet Agencies are created. Alphabet Agencies A group of organisations created for the New Deal. These dealt with Roosevelts 3 Rs. Relief, Recovery and Reform. CCC Civilian Conservation Corps. This Alphabet Agency provided low paid jobs for unemployed men based on conservation. Tasks included the planting of trees. AAA Agricultural Adjustment Agency. This Alphabet Agency set quotas for farm production in order to help the agricultural industry recover. It told farmers to destroy their produce in order to increase the demand for products. It was widely criticised and deemed illegal by the Supreme Court. NRA National Recovery Agency. This Alphabet Agency sought to improve the working conditions of America’s workers. It encouraged union membership and boosted the wages. However it’s success was limited due to it not being compulsory for businesses. Fireside Chats Radio broadcast’s conducted by President Roosevelt. This helped sooth American’s concerns by explaining his policies. This made FDR incredibly popular. Wall Street Area of New York. The New York Stock Exchange is located here. This is where shares are bought and sold. Black Tuesday October 29 th 1929. The day of the Wall Street Crash Lend Lease Sending of weapons to American allies during WWII. $10 billion of goods are sent to America’s allies. Neutrality Acts America introduces Neutrality Acts in 1935, which bans loans to countries at war and in 1937, which bans the selling of arms and munitions. 1936 Supreme Court Ruling The American Supreme Court rules that the AAA is illegal. This shows that the Alphabet Agencies were limited in their success. 8 1939 War in Europe: World War II begins in Europe. The Neutrality laws are lifted and America begins to profit by selling munitions and supplies to Britain and France and loans. 9 19301939 Popular Culture The Movie Industry once again booms during this decade. In order to take their minds off the depression many flock to cinemas, genres such as Horror, Musicals and Gangster films are particularly popular. 1 0 1941 America Enters the War: Following the Japanese attacks on Pearl Harbour the USA declares war on Japan and Germany. This increases the need for munitions and war materials. 14 million Americans find work in the factories producing war goods. Others find work in the armed forces. The Depression comes to an end. 1945 Slums created during the Great Depression. Many who had lost their homes and employment live in these Hooverville's. 1932 Presidential Election: Hoover and Roosevelt face off in a presidential elections. Roosevelt promises America a New Deal which will end the depression. He wins with a massive majority of 7 million votes. 7 1 1 Hoovervilles End of War: World War II ends. America emerges from the conflict as the most powerful and richest nation on earth. Key People Herbert Hoover The 31 st President of the United States. He took office in 1928. The Great Depression began during his term. Franklin D Roosevelt The 32 nd President of the United States. He implemented the New Deal and led the USA for most of WWII. He died in 1945. Critics of the New Deal included Republicans, the Supreme Court and the rich.