Unit+7+1920-1939

=1. What impact did the booming economy have on achievement of the American Dream?= -Some people found that their personal system of beliefs or their heritage had more of an impact on their ability to secure the American Dream rather than the booming economy. Immigrants were heavily restricted in their ability to even come here, heightened KKK activity, and fundamentalism all were factors coming to play here. Yet some did achieve despite the frustrations, an example being the Harlem Renaissance. (mr. E) - The booming economy, although it did help groups such as the KKK thrive, and restricted some immigrants from coming here, did help some people acheive the American Dream. It gave people a sense of opportunity as well as hope. When people saw the economy thriving, it inspired them to do the same. (A.McB)

=2. What factors contributed ( and how did they contribute to) the booming economy?= -The arrival of more women in the workplace created more work and more output from the various companies that hired them. The more goods on the market the more people bought and sold thus creating a more 'booming' economy. (BBKD) -We had a quiz question that indicated that the status of women in the work place did not change. Is it possible that adding women to the work place can explain the growth that took place in the economy after 1923? (mr. E) -Some other factors that contributed to the booming economy was the ability to buy appliances with a credit card and installment plans so people would spend more because they could pay it back over time.(cdc)

=3. What impact did the collapse of the economy have on achievement of the American Dream?= -Obviously the collapse of the economy did not help to achieve the American Dream. In results of the stock market crash, businesses were not able to stay in business. Many people were out of employment and could no longer make money to support their families. (AD) -The collaspe of the economy helped the achievement of the American Dream and also hindered it as well. it hindered the American Dream because with the stock market crach business suffered, and people were out of jobs. also the great depression arose and that effected everyone from every class. it helped the achievemnt because now with this history and knowledge, if the stock market crashed or if we ever were to have another Great Depression, we would appoach it in a different view.(T.T) -The collapse of the economy hindered the achievement of the American Dream greatly. It left people unemployed and also closed many once booming industries. One industry in particular was the banking industry. The closing of these businesses not only left people without jobs but it also hurt the member of that bank. With money not being insured it was lost as soon as the bank closed. So life savings that people relied on just disappeared, leaving people with nothing. (A.McP) -An interesting idea that we can learn to do things differently from an economic tragedy. This will be the theme for the 1932 campaign and in fact is the theme for the 2008 campaign- What do we want to do, who should be responsible for doing it how to we want to pay for it?(mr. E.) -Though Hoover did more than any previous president to alleviate suffering during an economic depression, the public saw his efforts as having failed. The results are seen in the vote totals for the election of 1932. What is not seen is whether those Roosevelt votes are votes "for" him or actually are votes "against" Hoover. (mr. E.)

=4. What factors contributed (and how did they contribute to) the collapse of the economy?= - One major factor that contributed to the collapse of the economy was crime. For example, bootleggers illegally sold alcohol to people for a profit, and they set up speakeasies which were illegal bars. There were also gangsters that took part in illegal activities such as gambling, prostitution, and racketeering. The KKK was also revived and they committed crimes against African Americans. All of this violence and crime caused the economy to fall in the 1920s. (R.G.) -I agree that crime and violence are a blight on the economy in any time period. However, what other factors may have actually played an even greater role in causing the collapse of the economy? You should be able to make a list and explain each item. (mr. E.)

=5. What was the governmental role in responding to the collapsed economy and to what degree was it successful?= Social Security was one of the ideas produced by FDR. He saw this as an answer to our economic problems. He gave regular payments to families unable to meet our standards of life. Not looked at as a positive from the republican party but he still went threw with passing this act. (A.McP)