The+Great+Depression(The+Hard+Times)

In the election of 1928, Herbert Hoover won by a landslide. But during his term came one of the toughest events that the United States had ever experienced. No one could escape the effect of the Great Depression. It started with the Great Crash of the stock market. On October 29th the stock market crashed, this was known as "Black Tuesday." One of the key causes of the Great Depression was overproduction from factories and companies. There was too much product in stock and not enough buyers to purchase the overproduced goods. Although it was dangerous some used the installment plan. The living conditions during this time were horrible. Hunger and homelessness was severe. Some people were so devastated that they would not be seeing a penny of their life savings, that they committed suicide. Being named after Herbert Hoover, Hoovervilles were little towns built by the homeless people. The towns consisted of little shacks and were filled with hobos and broke people. Although they weren't affected by the stock market crash as badly, the midwest farmers were caught in the middle of the dust bowl. This was a terrible drought that hit the great plains that literally made it look like a dust bowl. There were huge windstorms that picked up the dirt and top soil making it impossible to plant crops. These farmers packed all their belongings and retreated to California. During these times, the only way to escape the Great Depression was the entertainment. Walt Disney came out with the first full-length movie which was Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. Also during this time superheroes were made, the most popular being Superman and Batman. While America was suffering and constantly questioning Hoover about their situation, he responded to America saying, "Pull yourself up by the bootstraps." Which simply meant get back on your own feet. Hoover opposed the federal government relief and didn't see it necessary. Hoover simply did too little too late and his actions mad him quite unpopular while he attempted to run for a second term. America was so against him that whoever the Democrats put in to run for president would win. The angry nation started hunger marches and they chanted - feed the hungry/tax the rich. They were also angry because creditors were foreclosing their farms. The Bonus Army was also a part of these strikes. They were promised 1,000 dollars for fighting in the war and wanted the money. It wasn't granted to them and they brought the strike to the capitol building. Hoover ordered the soldiers to force back the veterans using guns, flamethrowers and gas. The result of this ended with 2 veterans and 1 infant killed.