The Great Depression

During the 1930s, much of the world faced one of the harshest economic conditions we have ever known. This period is commonly known as the Great Depression. It began in the United States following the Wall Street Crash in 1929 (often referred to as the Great Crash), but quickly spread throughout the world. Many people remained starving, out of work, or homeless as the economy tried to get back on its feet. The advent of World War Two finally mobilized the economy as millions of men and women joined the armed forces and jobs were created in the defense sector. This guide will explore examples of how the Great Depression has been portrayed on stage, looking at both contemporary and modern plays and musicals. Although we focus predominantly on American productions, we will also consider the impact of the crash on Europe.

Terminology

• Wall Street Crash: A major American stock market crash that occurred in the autumn of 1929.
• New Deal: A series of programs, public work projects, financial reforms, and regulations enacted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in the United States between 1933 and 1939.
• World War Two: The war between the Axis and the Allies, beginning on September 1, 1939, with the German invasion of Poland and ending with the surrender of Germany on May 8, 1945, and of Japan on August 14, 1945.
• Dust Bowl: A term coined in 1935 to describe the drought-affected south central United States in the aftermath of horrific dust storms.

Key Dates & Events

• 1929 - Share prices began to plummet as people rushed to sell their shares. By October 29, the stock market had completely crashed.
• 1932 - Approximately 6 million Germans were unemployed in a nation of around 60 million people.
• 1932 - The Nazi Party became the largest party in Germany’s Reichstag as they benefited from economic and social chaos.
• 1932 - Herbert Hoover lost the presidential election to incoming president Franklin D. Roosevelt.
• 1933 - Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated his first New Deal program. The second, more progressive initiative ran from 1935-1936.
• 1939 - World War Two broke out after Germany invaded Poland.