2. Write an expository essay informing readers of the various racial tensions during the 1 3. Inform readers of the various causes and effects of The Great Depression occurring in t 4. Explain how the South was different from the North regarding race in the 1930 's.

### Expository Essay on Racial Tensions in the 1930s The 1930s were a tumultuous time in American history, marked by significant racial tensions that were deeply rooted in the country's social, economic, and political fabric. This essay will explore the various racial tensions that emerged during this decade, focusing on the experiences of African Americans, Native Americans, and other minority groups, as well as the broader societal implications of these tensions. #### Racial Tensions Among African Americans One of the most prominent racial tensions during the 1930s was the struggle of African Americans against systemic racism and discrimination. The Great Depression exacerbated existing inequalities, as African Americans faced higher unemployment rates and were often the last to be hired and the first to be fired. Many were relegated to low-paying jobs, and the economic crisis intensified competition for these scarce resources. This led to increased hostility and resentment from white workers, who viewed African Americans as a threat to their livelihoods. The rise of the Jim Crow laws in the South further institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. African Americans were denied basic civil rights, including the right to vote, access to quality education, and equal treatment under the law. The violent enforcement of these laws often resulted in lynchings and other forms of racial terror, creating an atmosphere of fear and oppression. #### Native American Struggles Native Americans also faced significant racial tensions during the 1930s. The Indian Reorganization Act of 1934 aimed to reverse some of the damage caused by previous policies of assimilation and land allotment. However, many Native Americans were skeptical of the government's intentions and faced ongoing discrimination and poverty. The economic hardships of the Great Depression disproportionately affected Native communities, leading to further marginalization and loss of cultural identity. #### The Role of Labor Movements The labor movements of the 1930s also highlighted racial tensions. While unions sought to improve working conditions and wages for all workers, they often excluded African Americans and other minorities from membership. This exclusion not only perpetuated economic disparities but also reinforced racial divisions within the working class. The formation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO) in the mid-1930s marked a shift towards more inclusive labor practices, but racial tensions remained a significant barrier to solidarity among workers. #### Societal Implications The racial tensions of the 1930s had profound effects on American society. They contributed to the rise of civil rights activism, as African Americans and other minority groups began to organize and demand equal rights. The experiences of racial discrimination and economic hardship laid the groundwork for the civil rights movements of the 1950s and 1960s. In conclusion, the 1930s were marked by significant racial tensions that affected various minority groups in the United States. The interplay of economic hardship, systemic racism, and social movements created a complex landscape of struggle and resistance. Understanding these tensions is crucial for comprehending the broader narrative of American history and the ongoing fight for racial equality. --- ### Causes and Effects of The Great Depression The Great Depression, which began in 1929 and lasted throughout the 1930s, was one of the most significant economic downturns in modern history. This essay will outline the various causes of the Great Depression and its far-reaching effects on American society and the global economy. #### Causes of The Great Depression 1. **Stock Market Crash of 1929**: The most immediate cause of the Great Depression was the stock market crash that occurred in October 1929. Speculation and overvaluation of stocks led to a bubble that eventually burst, resulting in massive financial losses for investors and a loss of confidence in the economy. 2. **Bank Failures**: Following the stock market crash, thousands of banks failed as depositors rushed to withdraw their savings. The lack of federal insurance for bank deposits meant that many people lost their life savings, further exacerbating the economic crisis. 3. **Reduction in Consumer Spending**: As unemployment rose and incomes fell, consumer spending plummeted. This decline in demand led to further business failures and layoffs, creating a vicious cycle of economic decline. 4. **Global Economic Factors**: The Great Depression was not confined to the United States; it had global implications. International trade declined sharply due to protectionist policies, such as the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, which raised tariffs on imported goods and led to retaliatory measures from other countries. 5. **Drought and Agricultural Collapse**: The Dust Bowl, a severe drought that affected the Great Plains, devastated agricultural production. Farmers faced crop failures and loss of income, leading to widespread poverty in rural areas. #### Effects of The Great Depression 1. **Widespread Unemployment**: At the height of the Great Depression, unemployment rates soared to nearly 25%. Millions of Americans were left without jobs, leading to increased poverty and hardship. 2. **Social and Political Changes**: The economic crisis prompted significant changes in government policy. The New Deal, introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, aimed to provide relief, recovery, and reform through various programs and initiatives. This marked a shift towards a more active role for the federal government in the economy. 3. **Impact on Families**: The Great Depression had a profound impact on American families. Many were forced to make difficult choices, such as sending children to work or sacrificing basic needs. The psychological toll of economic hardship also led to increased rates of mental health issues and family instability. 4. **Long-term Economic Changes**: The Great Depression reshaped the American economy, leading to the establishment of social safety nets, such as Social Security, and regulatory measures to prevent future economic crises. The lessons learned from this period influenced economic policy for decades to come. In conclusion, the Great Depression was caused by a combination of factors, including the stock market crash, bank failures, and global economic issues. Its effects were felt across all aspects of society, leading to significant changes in government policy and the economy. Understanding the causes and effects of the Great Depression is essential for grasping the complexities of modern economic systems. --- ### Differences Between the South and North Regarding Race in the 1930s The 1930s were a pivotal decade in American history, particularly concerning race relations. The South and North exhibited stark differences in their treatment of race, shaped by historical, cultural, and economic factors. This essay will explore these differences, focusing on the experiences of African Americans and the broader implications for American society. #### Racial Segregation in the South In the South, racial segregation was legally enforced through Jim Crow laws, which mandated the separation of races in public spaces, schools, and transportation. African Americans faced systemic discrimination and were denied basic civil rights, including the right to vote. The social hierarchy was rigidly maintained, with white supremacy deeply ingrained in the culture. The enforcement of these laws often involved violence and intimidation, including lynchings and other forms of racial terror. #### Economic Disparities Economically, the South was largely agrarian, with many African Americans working as sharecroppers or laborers on white-owned farms. The Great Depression exacerbated existing economic inequalities, as African Americans were often the first to lose their jobs and the last to be hired. The lack of access to education and vocational training further limited their economic opportunities. #### The North's Racial Landscape In contrast, the North experienced a