The Great Depression

Imagine you are in line with hundreds of people waiting for food and you are starving. When you get to the front of the line, you are only given a loaf of bread. How would you feel after hours of waiting?

Taylor's Answer: I would of course be upset, especially if I haven't had food in forever, but I'd also be thankful that I at least got something.

Rachel's Answer: I would feel scared because I wouldn't know if that loaf of bread would last or if I would starve. Or even if it got stolen.
Anna's Answer:

Facts:
1) The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding WWI
2) It peaked between 1932 and 1933
3) Average income of Americans dropped by 40% from 1929 to 1932. It fell from $2,300 to $1,500 per year.
4) The stock market didn't return to pre-depression levels until 1954
5) Unemployment grew to 5 million in 1930, and up to 13 million in 1932

Fun Facts:
1) The book 'Of Mice and Men' by John Steinbeck relates to the depression. The book is about 2 unemployed men, held together by an American dream, and battling against the odds in the harsh economic crisis
2) Chicago gangster Al Capone, in one of his infrequent attempts at public relations, opened a soup kitchen during this period.
3) The biggest hit song of 1932 was "Brother, Can You Spare A Dime?" by Bing Crosby
4) President Herbert Hoover's name became familiar with the hardships faced by many. Soup was called "Hoover Stew", and shantytowns (a deprived area in the outskirts of town) made of cardboard and sheets were called "Hooverilles."

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Bibliography

• http://great-depression-facts.com/
• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Depression

The Great Recession

Facts:
1) The Great Recession was a global economic decline in the late 2000s decade.
2) Officially lasted from December 2007 to June 2009
3) The U.S. labor market lost 8.4 million jobs, or 6.1% of all payroll employment.

Fun Facts:
1) In 2007, Americans spent $41.2 billion on pet products and services.
2) Many countries in Europe had a second recession
3) The Recession is a musical album by rapper Young Jeezy
4) Farming and rural areas suffered as crop prices fell by approximately 60%

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Bibliography

• http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Great_Recession