The Great Depression

Hoovervilles were named after President Herbert Hoover. During the Great Depression in the 1930s, many Americans lost their homes and were forced to live in makeshift communities of shacks and tents. These communities became known as Hoovervilles as a way to express frustration and blame towards President Hoover for his perceived failure to address the economic crisis. This term became widely used to symbolize the hardships and suffering experienced by the American people during that time.

During the Great Depression, farmers on the Great Plains experienced a devastating drought. This prolonged period of little to no rainfall caused the soil to dry up, leading to the loss of crops. Without sufficient moisture, the plants were unable to grow and thrive, resulting in a significant decrease in agricultural productivity. The lack of water also contributed to the depletion of nutrients in the soil, further exacerbating the crop loss.

During the Great Depression, farmers faced numerous challenges such as foreclosure, sinking crop prices, and drought on the Great Plains. However, singing old war songs to get more money after World War I does not relate to farmers during this time. This answer choice is unrelated because it does not address any specific issue or challenge that farmers faced during the Great Depression.

The correct answer is investors began to sell their stock. This is because when investors start selling their stock, it creates a higher supply of stocks in the market, which leads to a decrease in their prices. This decline in stock prices can be a result of various factors such as economic uncertainty, negative news about the company, or a general lack of confidence in the market. In the context of the late 1929 stock market crash, it is widely known that a large number of investors selling their stocks contributed to the decline in stock prices and the subsequent market crash.

John Steinbeck is the correct answer because he is the author of the novel "The Grapes of Wrath." Vivien Leigh was an actress, Douglas MacArthur was a general, and Groucho Marx was a comedian, none of whom wrote the book. Therefore, John Steinbeck is the only option that fits the statement correctly.

The correct answer is "rode the rails." This is because hobos were known for traveling by hopping onto freight trains and riding them to different destinations. This method of transportation allowed them to move around the country in search of work or a better life.

Overproduction refers to a situation where the production of goods and services exceeds the demand for them in the market. In the context of the Great Crash, it is believed that overproduction played a significant role in causing the economic downturn. During the 1920s, there was a rapid increase in industrial production and agricultural output, leading to a surplus of goods. However, the demand for these goods did not match the supply, resulting in a decline in prices and profits. This imbalance eventually led to a collapse in the stock market and the onset of the Great Depression.

A long period of rising stock prices is known as a bull market. This term is used to describe a market where investor confidence is high, leading to increased buying and higher stock prices. During a bull market, there is typically a positive economic outlook and optimism among investors, resulting in a sustained upward trend in stock prices. This is in contrast to a bear market, which refers to a period of declining stock prices and pessimism among investors.

The Great Crash of 1929 was primarily caused by overproduction, overspeculation, and an uneven distribution of wealth. Government spending is not typically considered a significant factor in causing the crash. Instead, it was the lack of government intervention and regulation that contributed to the economic downturn.

When the US government raised tariffs on imported goods, other countries responded by increasing their tariffs. This is a logical outcome as countries often retaliate against protectionist measures implemented by other nations. By increasing their own tariffs, these countries aim to protect their own domestic industries and reduce their reliance on foreign goods. This response can lead to a trade war, where countries engage in a cycle of escalating tariffs, ultimately harming global trade and economic growth.

The correct answer is "public assistance for impoverished families." Federal relief refers to the aid provided by the government to financially support and assist families who are living in poverty. This assistance can include various forms of support such as financial aid, food stamps, housing assistance, and healthcare benefits. It aims to alleviate the economic hardships faced by impoverished families and help them meet their basic needs.

Before the late 1920s, stock prices generally reflected the stocks' true value. This means that the prices of stocks were in line with their actual worth or intrinsic value. This suggests that the stock market was functioning efficiently and accurately pricing stocks based on their underlying fundamentals. However, this situation changed with the stock market crash of 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression, which led to a significant decrease in stock prices and a realization that stock prices were not always reflective of their true value.

During the Great Depression, thousands of World War I veterans marched to Washington to demand the early payment of their promised bonus. The veterans were facing economic hardship and believed that receiving their bonus early would provide immediate relief. They lobbied Congress to pass legislation that would grant them their bonus ahead of schedule. This answer accurately reflects the main objective of the veterans' lobbying efforts.

President Hoover opposed direct federal relief to the unemployed because he believed that only state and city governments should hand out relief. He believed in the principle of limited government intervention and felt that it was the responsibility of local governments to provide assistance to those in need. Hoover believed that federal relief would undermine the authority and effectiveness of state and city governments in addressing the issue of unemployment.

Soap operas were programs that allowed Americans to escape from their worries. Soap operas are a form of serialized drama that often focuses on the personal lives and relationships of the characters. These shows were popular during the mid-20th century and provided an escape from the daily stresses and concerns of viewers. The term "soap opera" originated from the fact that these shows were often sponsored by soap manufacturers.