APUSH Period 7 Great Depression Causes
44 flashcards covering APUSH Period 7 Great Depression Causes for the AP-US-HISTORY Period 7 (1890–1945) section.
The causes of the Great Depression are a critical component of AP United States History, particularly within Period 7 (1890–1945) as outlined by the College Board's APUSH curriculum framework. This period examines the economic, social, and political factors that contributed to the onset of the Great Depression, including stock market speculation, bank failures, and international economic instability. Understanding these causes is essential for grasping the broader implications of this era on American society and governance.
On practice exams, questions about the Great Depression often require students to analyze primary sources, interpret data, or evaluate the impact of specific events. Common traps include confusing short-term economic fluctuations with the deeper structural issues that led to the Depression, such as income inequality and unsustainable financial practices. Students might also overlook the significance of government policies that both contributed to and attempted to mitigate the crisis. A practical tip is to focus on the interconnectedness of economic factors, as this holistic view can clarify complex relationships and enhance your analysis.
Terms (44)
- 01
What economic factor contributed to the onset of the Great Depression?
The stock market crash of 1929 significantly contributed to the onset of the Great Depression, as it led to a loss of confidence in the economy and reduced consumer spending (College Board AP CED).
- 02
How did bank failures impact the Great Depression?
Bank failures during the Great Depression resulted in a loss of savings for individuals and businesses, leading to decreased consumer spending and further economic decline (College Board AP CED).
- 03
What role did overproduction play in the Great Depression?
Overproduction in agriculture and industry led to falling prices and reduced profits, causing widespread layoffs and contributing to the economic downturn (College Board AP CED).
- 04
How did the Federal Reserve's policies contribute to the Great Depression?
The Federal Reserve's tight monetary policy in the late 1920s restricted the money supply, exacerbating deflation and economic contraction during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 05
What was the impact of the Dust Bowl on the Great Depression?
The Dust Bowl exacerbated the economic struggles of the Great Depression by displacing thousands of farming families and reducing agricultural output (College Board AP CED).
- 06
How did consumer debt factor into the Great Depression?
High levels of consumer debt in the 1920s led to reduced spending and increased defaults, contributing to the economic collapse during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 07
What was the significance of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff in the context of the Great Depression?
The Smoot-Hawley Tariff raised import duties, leading to retaliatory tariffs from other countries and a decline in international trade, worsening the economic situation during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 08
What was the effect of unemployment during the Great Depression?
Unemployment rates soared during the Great Depression, reaching approximately 25%, leading to widespread poverty and social unrest (College Board AP CED).
- 09
How did international economic conditions contribute to the Great Depression?
International economic instability, including the effects of World War I reparations and global trade imbalances, contributed to the onset of the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 10
What was the relationship between speculation and the Great Depression?
Speculation in the stock market created an unsustainable economic bubble that burst in 1929, triggering the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 11
What role did the agricultural sector play in the Great Depression?
The agricultural sector faced severe challenges due to falling prices and overproduction, leading to farm bankruptcies and contributing to the overall economic downturn (College Board AP CED).
- 12
How did the wealth distribution in the 1920s affect the Great Depression?
The unequal distribution of wealth in the 1920s meant that a small percentage of the population held a large portion of the wealth, limiting consumer spending and contributing to the economic collapse (College Board AP CED).
- 13
What was the impact of the Great Depression on American families?
The Great Depression resulted in widespread hardship for American families, with many facing unemployment, homelessness, and food insecurity (College Board AP CED).
- 14
How did government policies in the 1920s contribute to the Great Depression?
Laissez-faire economic policies and insufficient regulation of the banking and stock markets in the 1920s contributed to the financial instability that led to the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 15
What was the significance of the 1929 stock market crash?
The 1929 stock market crash marked the beginning of the Great Depression, leading to a severe economic downturn and widespread financial panic (College Board AP CED).
- 16
How did the decline of consumer confidence affect the Great Depression?
A decline in consumer confidence led to reduced spending and investment, further deepening the economic crisis during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 17
What was the effect of the Great Depression on urban areas?
Urban areas experienced significant unemployment and poverty during the Great Depression, leading to increased migration and social challenges (College Board AP CED).
- 18
How did the Great Depression affect the role of government in the economy?
The Great Depression led to an increased role of the federal government in the economy, as it implemented programs aimed at recovery and reform (College Board AP CED).
- 19
What was the impact of the Great Depression on minority groups?
Minority groups, including African Americans and Native Americans, faced heightened discrimination and economic hardship during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 20
What was the significance of the New Deal in response to the Great Depression?
The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt aimed at providing relief, recovery, and reform during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 21
How did the Great Depression influence American culture?
The Great Depression influenced American culture, leading to new forms of art, literature, and music that reflected the struggles of the era (College Board AP CED).
- 22
What was the effect of the Great Depression on international relations?
The Great Depression strained international relations, as countries turned to protectionism and isolationist policies, impacting global cooperation (College Board AP CED).
- 23
How did the Great Depression contribute to the rise of totalitarian regimes?
The economic instability of the Great Depression contributed to the rise of totalitarian regimes in Europe, as people sought strong leadership in times of crisis (College Board AP CED).
- 24
What was the impact of the Great Depression on labor movements?
The Great Depression galvanized labor movements, leading to increased organization and demands for workers' rights and protections (College Board AP CED).
- 25
What was the significance of the Emergency Banking Act of 1933?
The Emergency Banking Act of 1933 aimed to stabilize the banking system by allowing only solvent banks to reopen, restoring public confidence (College Board AP CED).
- 26
How did the Great Depression affect education in the United States?
The Great Depression led to budget cuts in education, resulting in teacher layoffs and reduced resources for students (College Board AP CED).
- 27
What was the role of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) during the Great Depression?
The Civilian Conservation Corps provided jobs for young men in environmental projects, helping to alleviate unemployment during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 28
How did the Social Security Act address issues during the Great Depression?
The Social Security Act established a safety net for the elderly and unemployed, addressing economic insecurity during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 29
What was the significance of the National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA)?
The National Industrial Recovery Act aimed to stimulate industrial growth and improve labor conditions during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 30
How did the Great Depression influence migration patterns in the U.S.?
The Great Depression led to significant migration, including the Dust Bowl migration, as people sought work and better living conditions (College Board AP CED).
- 31
What was the impact of the Great Depression on healthcare access?
The Great Depression resulted in reduced access to healthcare for many Americans due to economic constraints and unemployment (College Board AP CED).
- 32
How did the Great Depression affect women's roles in society?
The Great Depression challenged traditional gender roles, as women increasingly entered the workforce to support their families (College Board AP CED).
- 33
What was the significance of the Works Progress Administration (WPA)?
The Works Progress Administration was a key New Deal agency that provided jobs for millions of Americans in public works projects during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 34
How did the Great Depression impact the arts in America?
The Great Depression spurred a flourishing of artistic expression, with government programs supporting artists and writers to document the era (College Board AP CED).
- 35
What was the effect of the Great Depression on housing?
The Great Depression led to widespread foreclosures and homelessness, significantly impacting the housing market and urban environments (College Board AP CED).
- 36
How did the Great Depression influence U.S. foreign policy?
The Great Depression shifted U.S. foreign policy towards isolationism, as economic concerns took precedence over international engagements (College Board AP CED).
- 37
What was the impact of the Great Depression on the banking system?
The Great Depression caused widespread bank failures, leading to reforms aimed at stabilizing and regulating the banking system (College Board AP CED).
- 38
How did the Great Depression affect the stock market?
The Great Depression resulted in prolonged stock market instability, with significant declines in stock values and investor confidence (College Board AP CED).
- 39
What was the significance of the Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)?
The Agricultural Adjustment Act aimed to raise crop prices by controlling production, addressing the economic struggles of farmers during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 40
How did the Great Depression influence public perception of government?
The Great Depression shifted public perception towards favoring a more active government role in economic and social welfare (College Board AP CED).
- 41
What was the role of the Federal Emergency Relief Administration (FERA) during the Great Depression?
The Federal Emergency Relief Administration provided direct relief and financial assistance to those in need during the Great Depression (College Board AP CED).
- 42
How did the Great Depression affect the labor force demographics?
The Great Depression altered labor force demographics, with increased participation of women and minorities in the workforce (College Board AP CED).
- 43
What was the impact of the Great Depression on mental health in America?
The Great Depression led to increased mental health issues due to economic stress, unemployment, and social instability (College Board AP CED).
- 44
How did the Great Depression shape American political ideologies?
The Great Depression contributed to a shift in American political ideologies, with increased support for government intervention in the economy (College Board AP CED).