Notes on the Great Depression and Pretty Boy Floyd
Overview of the Great Depression
Hoover Era: The period was marked by economic disaster.
Crop failures: Farmers faced significant losses; crop prices plummeted (e.g., broom corn cut for 72 cents an hour).
Foreclosures: Many farmers lost their farms, including those owned by relatives of the speaker who was a banker.
Law and Order: Crime rates rose, exemplified by figures like Pretty Boy Floyd.
Pretty Boy Floyd: The Outlaw
Image: Became a cultural hero during the Great Depression, seen as a Robin Hood figure.
Background: Son of tenant farmers, turned to crime after prison in 1929 due to economic hardship.
Crimes: Engaged in robberies but was also known for helping the poor by paying off mortgages.
Public Perception: Farmers and the poor often supported or admired him despite his criminal activities.
Economic Hardships faced by Farmers
Agricultural Crisis: The 1920s saw an expansion in farming leading to debt which became unsustainable.
Drought of 1930: Contributed to severe crop failures leading to poverty and hunger.
Relief efforts: Red Cross distributed seeds to help families grow food but faced challenges in getting aid to those in need.
Government Response
Hoover’s Approach: Relied on private charity and was resistant to direct federal aid.
Red Cross: Played a critical role in relief efforts, but resources were insufficient.
Political Climate: Many in Congress opposed direct aid to individuals, reflecting Hoover's policies.
The Bonus Army
Formation: A movement of WWI veterans seeking early payment of a promised bonus for their service.
March to Washington: Thousands of veterans marched to the capital, leading to confrontations with authorities.
Government Response: Hoover was pressured to act; military force was eventually used against the veterans.
The Eviction of the Bonus Army
Confrontation: MacArthur led troops to remove veterans from their encampments, resulting in violence.
Aftermath: The brutal eviction damaged Hoover's reputation and contributed to his loss in the subsequent election.
Public Reaction: The use of military force against veterans was seen as a betrayal.
Conclusion
Transition of Power: The discontent during Hoover's presidency paved the way for Franklin Roosevelt's election and the New Deal policies aimed at economic recovery.
Cultural Legacy: Figures like Pretty Boy Floyd became symbols of desperation and resistance against the economic turmoil of the era.