Economic Effects of Depression

Question 1

What was the Gross National Product (GNP) in 1933 compared to 1929?

Answer 1

The GNP in 1933 was half that of 1929.

Question 2

How much did unemployment soar during the Depression?

Answer 2

Unemployment soared from 3.2% of the labor force to 25.2% by 1933.

Question 3

How many people were officially out of work during the Depression?

Answer 3

Official figures show that 12,830,000 people were out of work during the Depression.

Question 4

Was the number of unemployed people underestimated or overestimated?

Answer 4

The number of unemployed people was thought to be underestimated and closer to 17 million.

Question 5

Did unemployment and underemployment spread evenly throughout the USA during the Depression?

Answer 5

No, unemployment and underemployment spread unevenly throughout the USA.

Question 6

How many unemployed people were there in New York State compared to Toledo?

Answer 6

New York State had one million unemployed people compared to 80% of the workforce in Toledo.

Question 7

What delayed the onset of depression in some areas due to employment opportunities?

Answer 7

Military bases and universities delayed the onset of depression in some areas due to employment opportunities.

Question 8

Which group suffered the most during the Depression?

Answer 8

Minorities suffered the most during the Depression.

Question 9

What was the unemployment rate for black Americans compared to white Americans in 1931?

Answer 9

The Nation reported in April 1931 that the number of unemployed black Americans was 4-6 times higher than white Americans.

Question 10

How were employment opportuities changed by depression

Answer 10

Jobs usually reserved for Black American’s (degrading, low paid) were offered to white people

Question 11

What was the unemployment rate for black Americans compared to white Americans in 1933?

Answer 11

In 1933, 50% of black Americans were unemployed compared to 25% of white Americans.

Question 12

Why are Native Americans among the poorest all Americans?

Answer 12

Native Americans are among the poorest all Americans due to the destruction of native culture caused by the 1887 Dawes Severalty Act, which left them listless and apathetic.

Question 13

How much land owned by Native Americans had fallen out of their hands by 1932?

Answer 13

By 1932, 90 million acres of the original 138 million acres owned by Native Americans had fallen out of their hands due to unsuitable land given to them for productive farming.

Question 14

Did anything get done to alleviate the disaster caused by the Dawes Severalty Act?

Answer 14

No, nothing was done to alleviate the disaster caused by the Dawes Severalty Act even after it was confirmed as a disaster in 1926.

Question 15

What act addressed issues in the Native American population

Answer 15

President Roosevelt’s 1934 Indian Reorganization Act

Question 16

How did women, particularly working-class women, suffer during the Great Depression?

Answer 16

Women, particularly those in unskilled jobs and domestic services, were likely to be laid off before men. Many women were also dismissed from their jobs and replaced by men. In addition, over 75% of American school authorities refused to employ married women in 1930, and 24 states banned the employment of married women altogether.

Question 17

What new innovations were introduced during the 1930s?

Answer 17

The 1930s saw the introduction of air conditioning, airline travel, colour film and supermarkets

Question 18

How did the coal industry fare during the Great Depression?

Answer 18

The coal industry was hit hard by the Great Depression. Production was at its lowest in 1932 and the workforce fell by 300,000. Many workers were only able to find part-time work and wages were as low as $2.50.

Question 19

What percentage of textile firms lost money during the Great Depression?

Answer 19

75%

Question 20

How much did iron and steel production fall during the Great Depression?

Answer 20

59%

Question 21

By how much did car sales fall during the Great Depression?

Answer 21

By 1/4 or 25%

Question 22

Did the construction industry see any increase in newly built residential units during the Great Depression?

Answer 22

No, they saw a decline of 82% from 1929-32.