The Great Depression
Isolationism After World War I, the United States distance themselves from European problems.
Millions of immigrants came to the U.S. to flee the corruption, injustice, misery of Europe Keep it over there!
Wilson does not get reelected. The US Senate fails to ratify the League of Nations.
The Roaring 20 s!!!
The US economy is very strong and people are gaining wealth. People are playing the stock market.
The bubble bursts!
October 24, 1929, Black Thursday, stock values fall. People panic and sell. This is the stock market crash. In one day, millions of Americans go into debt.
Causes of the Great Depression
1. The unequal distribution between rich and poor.
5% 65% 5% of the population owns 65% of wealth! Population Wealth
2. Overproduction of goods and services.
The industry can not sell because the markets are saturated
3. Debt!!! People buying on credit. The banks are asking to be repaid!! Banks go bankrupt
4. Land overuse and drought.
American Midwest suffered from severe drought and grasshopper infestation..
Years of drought ruined millions of farmers who move to cities.
5. International Tariffs- Countries raised tariffs on imports in order to protect their own economies. This lead to a reduction in trade amongst countries and hurt world economies. Tariffs
6. Inaction of governments Only socialists intervene in the economy. I am a capitalist. I believe in the free market!
Extreme capitalism flops like a house of cards.
Results of the Great Depression
1. Thousands of businesses go bankrupt
2. Millions of employees are laid off and become unemployed
3. Employment insurance is nonexistent
4. Consumption falls Farmers are not selling.
Nobody has money to buy goods.
In 1932, 15 000 000 people, 25% of the population, are unemployed!
In 1933, Democrat Franklin Delano Roosvelt is elected. The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!
Extreme capitalism is no longer working.
Roosevelt adopts Keynesian Economics Government must intervene in the economy to keep it working properly
Roosevelt announced the New Deal, a new role for government
1. Social Welfare
2. Agriculture aid
3. Help with Public Services
4. Aid for Housing
5. Help for Industry
What impact did the depression have on the rise of this leader?
Fascism promotes national and racial superiority and a centralized, autocratic government headed by a dictator. Characteristics of Fascism: 1. Extreme Nationalism: Fascist leaders demand unquestioned loyalty and service to the nation-state. A strong state, they argue, has every right to overcome a weaker state. Racial purity multiculturalism & intermarriage were seen as ways to weaken the nation. Races and cultures were separated.
2. Racial purity: Similar to extreme nationalism Belief that inter-marriage, multiculturalism weaken and corrupt the state Often pass laws that promote separation of races and cultures. In extreme situations open discrimination and racism become state policy
3. Military Strength, Violence and War: Fascism emphasized militarism. Fascists believed aggression was strength, while the desire for peace showed weakness. The military had to be strong, sizable, and well trained. Fascists used violence to intimidate and subdue political opponents Fascists felt war was inevitable, even necessary if they were to achieve greatness.
4. Devotion to the leader: Fascist parties promote the cult of the leader and absolute obedience. They condemn democracy because they believe rival political parties can destroy the unity of the state. They swear loyalty to one person who becomes the voice of the nation and represents the entire power of the nation. No dissent is tolerated.
5. Use of Scapegoats: People and groups are unjustly blamed for the nation s problems. Mussolini blamed democrats, unions and socialists Hitler blamed communists, Weimar politicians and Jews. This strategy resulted in the deaths of millions