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The Great Depression
Economic crisis beginning with the stock market crash in 1929 and continuing through the 1930s that saw widespread poverty and unemployment in the U.S. -
Hooverville
Unplanned slum development on the outskirts of cities, dominated by crude dwellings and shelters made mostly of scrap wood, iron, and even pieces of cardboard. -
Dust Bowl
Region of the Great Plains that experienced a drought in 1930 lasting for a decade, leaving many farmers without work or substantial wages. -
Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act
Legislation passed in 1930 under President Hoover that established very high tariffs (taxes on imports). Its objective was to reduce foreign imports and stimulate the domestic economy, but it only angered other countries and drastically weakened international trade. -
100,000 banks have failed
Widespread panic in which great numbers of people try to withdraw all their money from banks at one time
