The Great Depression

The Great Depression started in 1929. It was the worst economic time in modern history. Banks closed, and people lost their savings. Many could not find jobs or afford food. It lasted about 10 years before things got better.

How It Started

The Depression began when the stock market crashed in October 1929. This is called Black Tuesday. People lost lots of money very quickly. Businesses closed, and workers lost their jobs across the country.

A shop offers free soup to people who lost their jobs.
A shop offers free soup to people who lost their jobs. (Unknown authorUnknown author or not provided / Wikimedia Commons)

Life During Hard Times

Families had very little food and money. Many stood in long lines for free bread and soup. A terrible dust storm called the Dust Bowl also hit farms. President Franklin D. Roosevelt started programs called the New Deal to help people.

Fun Facts

  • About 25 percent of American workers lost their jobs during the Depression.
  • Some people made clothes from empty flour sacks to save money.
  • The New Deal created jobs building roads, parks, and bridges we still use today.

Did You Know?

The Great Depression ended when World War II started and created many new jobs.