History of North America

Why did people build shantytowns and stand in bread lines during the great depression?

Shantytowns

During the Great Depression, millions of Americans lost their jobs and their homes. Many of these people were forced to live in shantytowns, which were makeshift communities built from scrap materials. Shantytowns were often located on the outskirts of cities, and they were often overcrowded and unsanitary. The people who lived in shantytowns were often called "hobos" or "bums," and they were often looked down upon by the rest of society.

Bread lines

Bread lines were another common sight during the Great Depression. Bread lines were long lines of people who were waiting to receive free food from soup kitchens or other charities. The people who stood in bread lines were often hungry and desperate, and they were often willing to wait for hours for a chance to get some food.

Causes of the Great Depression

The Great Depression was caused by a number of factors, including:

* The stock market crash of 1929

* The failure of banks

* The decline in consumer spending

* The drought in the Midwest

The Great Depression and the New Deal

The Great Depression had a devastating impact on the United States. The economy was in ruins, and millions of Americans were unemployed. In response to the crisis, President Franklin Roosevelt launched the New Deal, a series of programs designed to help the country recover from the Depression. The New Deal had some success in helping the country recover, but the Depression did not end until the United States entered World War II.