The Great Depression of the 1930s

By Dean McCleland in Historical 0 Comment

The Great Depression lasted from 1929 to 1939, and was the worst economic downturn in the history of the industrialized world. It began after the stock market crash of October 1929, which sent Wall Street into a panic and wiped out millions of investors. Over the next several years, consumer spending and investment dropped, causing steep declines in industrial output and employment as failing companies laid off workers. By 1933, when the Great Depression reached its lowest point, some 15 million Americans were unemployed and nearly half the country’s banks had failed.

The motto of the era was “Use it up — wear it out, — make it do or do without!” 

This photographic depiction of the era vividly highlights the devastation that it left in its wake in America.

 

Main picture: Amongst the countless millions reduced to penury
Continue reading

The Great World Depression in Pictures

By Dean McCleland in Historical 1 Comment

This series of pictures highlight what it was like living through the Great Depression during the 1930s

WE THINK WE HAVE GOT IT BAD! This was a mere 80 years ago. It makes complaining about no cell service, high petrol prices, not enough DSTV channels, seem a bit ludicrous. No credit cards to buy what you want, but don’t need! Forward this to remind our kids and others of what really tough times are like.

They don’t have a clue. If you don’t know what the Great Depression was, here’s the motto: “Use it up — wear it out”, make it do or do without! This reminds me to be grateful for what I do have. Start each day with a smile and gratitude. Then pass it on “Yesterday is history, Tomorrow is a mystery.   And Today?

Today is a gift. That’s why we call it the present.”

Continue reading