Problems of the Great Problems of the Great DepressionDepression

12.5 - 15 million unemployed by 193212.5 - 15 million unemployed by 1932 unemployment rate 23.6 by 1932unemployment rate 23.6 by 1932 1/6 of the unemployed out of work for 2 1/6 of the unemployed out of work for 2

yrs.yrs. Family income $1500/yr. (1932)Family income $1500/yr. (1932) Reduction in marriages and birthrates.Reduction in marriages and birthrates. 1/6 of families “doubled up” to save 1/6 of families “doubled up” to save

expenses.expenses.

Making ends meet…Making ends meet… Lifestyles changed due to the depressionLifestyles changed due to the depression 1. Planting gardens1. Planting gardens 2. Canning food2. Canning food 3. Making clothes3. Making clothes 4. Baking bread4. Baking bread 5. Second Jobs (mowing lawns, baby 5. Second Jobs (mowing lawns, baby

sitting, collecting bottles 2cents)sitting, collecting bottles 2cents)

Minorities and the DepressionMinorities and the Depression

70% of Chicago’s blacks less than 70% of Chicago’s blacks less than $1,000/yr.$1,000/yr.

1/3 earned less than $5001/3 earned less than $500 Fatherless homes due to unemployment Fatherless homes due to unemployment

rates and desertionsrates and desertions African-Americans were “last hired and African-Americans were “last hired and

first fired” when times got tough.first fired” when times got tough.