The Great Depression: Interesting Facts & Trivia
The economic crisis of the 1930s is one of the most studied periods of American history, and
facts about the Great Depression are interesting to read.
Here are some interesting facts about the Great Depression.
Some say the Great Depression peaked between 1932 and 1933, while others say it was 1934.
Herbert Hoover, a Democrat turned Republican, was president when the Great Depression
began. He infamously declared in March 1930 that the U.S. had “passed the worst” and argued
that the economy would sort itself out. The worst, however, had just begun and would last until
the outbreak of World War II in 1941. President Herbert Hoover's name became synonymous
with the hardships faced by many. People who lost their homes often lived in shantytowns
made of cardboard and sheets were called "Hoovervilles." Soup from soup-kitchens was called
"Hoover Stew," newspapers that served as blankets were called "Hoover Blankets," a "Hoover
Hogs" was a jack rabbit that was caught for food, and broken cars that were pulled by mules
were called "Hoover Wagons". One of the largest Hoovervilles in the nation was built in 1930 in
St. Louis. It had its own mayor, churches and social institutions. The shantytown was funded by
private donors and existed until 1936.
During the Great Depression, many people tried apple selling to avoid the shame of
panhandling. In New York City alone, there were as many as 6,000 apple sellers. Some 6,000
street vendors walked the streets of New York City in 1930 trying to sell apples for 5 cents
each.
Democrat Franklin Delano Roosevelt (1882-1945) became president in March 1933 and
promised a “New Deal for the American people.” During his first hundred days, he attempted
to create jobs by establishing federal organizations that were nicknamed “Alphabet Agencies,”
such as the TVA, NRA, CCC, and WPA. Six out of eight of the major New Deal initiatives put
forth by President Roosevelt were found to be unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court.
Forty-three "alphabet agencies" were created during the New Deal. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s
New Deal programs employed hundreds of thousands of workers, many who were
unskilled. One of the most famous New Deal programs was the Civilian Conservation Corps
(CCC), and these workers are credited improving dozens of US National Parks.