Emotions ran high during the Great Depression. Often,
ordinary Americans didn't know where their next meal was coming from during the
eleven years that marked this devastating period in our nation's history.
Anyone that lived through that overwhelming time will tell you that it was one
of, if not the worst times of their life.
It did, however, hone their survival skills, help to shape their views
on unnecessary spending, and develop an understanding of what was truly
important in life. There's nothing that comes close to a comparison with it in
today's world. The United States would rebound around the start of World War II
and, eventually, prosperity as we now know it would return.
The question, however, is precisely how do you define prosperity? Most people would say that it is defined as success in business or an opulent lifestyle, the good life, or living in the lap of luxury. That was certainly the definition before the Great Depression, and in many cases …that's still how it's defined.
The roaring twenties, it was called, was known for its rapid growth, both economically and through the many advances made in manufacturing. But what exactly made them 'roar'? After World War I, manufacturing's focus shifted from the needs of the military to those of the consumer. The war was over, and people were ready and willing to receive all of the innovations that we take for granted today. Items like radios, phonographs, refrigerators, and vacuum cleaners were now all within reach.
Henry Ford's American auto company…Ford Motor Company, flourished. Automobiles were mass-produced on moving assembly lines, which helped increase production and reduce costs. By 1927, Ford had produced the last Model T and the first Model A automobile.[1]
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| Uncle Carl & friends out stylin' in their Model T - 1927 |
The philosophy of the day was to "live now…pay later." Any American that had a job was now able to purchase these modern marvels on easy credit plans, and they quickly took advantage of that philosophy much to their later regret. No one knew then that the bottom would drop out by the end of the decade.[2]
The U.S. economy, highly influenced by legislation, introduced reduced taxes on the wealthy and the businesses in America, encouraging growth and sparking an economic boom along with the rise in stock market investments. It is based upon the belief that if the government did what it could to foster private business, prosperity would ultimately include most of the rest of the population. Unfortunately, the over-production of goods eclipsed product demands. European countries imposing taxes on American exports made them too expensive to buy in Europe. [3]
In hindsight, it's evident that this was a house of cards that wouldn't or couldn't sustain itself for long. Over-production of these items and the inability to move them off the shelves because of the excessive taxes would lead to factory closings and layoffs. People were now living above their means and couldn't pay back the money they borrowed and used to purchase many of these luxury items.
Bank closures left thousands of Americans without money. The death-knell came with the stock market crash of October 1929, which wiped out the paper value of common stock. By the time 1932 rolled around, just about one in every four Americans was unemployed.
It would take many years before I fully comprehended all that ordinary Americans, the backbone of this country went through during that time. I cannot un-hear the stories of what it was like to grow up during the Depression…children, having to get a job to help support the family. Adults doing without so that their children could eat. Proud people that would never imagine having to take handouts or eat in a soup kitchen but were now thankful that they existed. If history has taught us anything, it's that placing too much stock in material things can have disastrous results.
In keeping with that thought, I am revising the definition of prosperity. It is not in the intrinsic value of one's possessions. It is found in the pride felt by helping others and knowing that you've made a difference in their lives. It's in loving one's family and having that love reciprocated. It's in giving up the only way of life that you've ever known to make a better one for your family the way our ancestors did and knowing that it is appreciated...this is real prosperity.
NOTE: I have attached a YouTube video below of the song “Brother, Can You Spare a Dime,” sung by Bing Crosby in 1932. It includes photos from that era. Enjoy!
https://youtu.be/ovndTa7hQDE
Resources
[1]
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ford_Motor_Company
[2] http://www.american-historama.org/1913-1928-ww1-prohibition-era/roaring-twenties.htm
[2] http://www.american-historama.org/1913-1928-ww1-prohibition-era/roaring-twenties.htm
Well said !
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sandi!
DeleteSome times it is good luck rather than good management - no point in being wealthy if in poor health. I agree it is particularly important to be loved and valued.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely. Thanks, Anne!
DeleteGreat Post! I totally agree.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet!
DeleteThat is a wonderful photo. Thanks for sharing on Sepia Saturday.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Wendy!
DeleteAn excellent reminder of the real meaning of life and success! Especially now when we can see for ourselves how sudden something can come along to wreak havoc in our daily lives! And the picture of your Uncle Carl & his friends sitting on the running board of the Model T with a store in the background is a perfect match to the prompt. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Gail!
DeleteI have tried to live by a similar value system most of my life. What we value is that which is most precious to us. Thanks for reminding me that my parents grew into adults during the depression.
ReplyDeleteYes, my parents too. It was a tough life for them. Thanks for your comment, Barbara!
DeleteBoth my mother and father were born at the start of the depression and through them I learned about how their parents, my grandparents, struggled to provide for them. The challenges we Americans face in our present time are nothing compared to what they endured. But the real difference is that this time the entire world's people are connected. Perhaps this strange period of isolation will inspire more reflection like yours as to what is truly valuable in life. Love, friendship, selflessness, and charity towards all. Did you notice the sign, American Family, in the background of your photo?
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comment, Mike! Yes, I did notice the American Family sign in the background. It might have been advertising soap, but no less prophetic.
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