This paper focuses on two major economic movements that took place in the U.S. during the Depressionera between the years 1929-1941 and their impact on the American people and the economy.
Abstract This paper examines author Robert McElvaine's book "The Great Depression: America 1929-1941," which centers on two specific economic movements: Progressivism and the New Deal. Progressivism was, in effect, an expansive ideal about what the U.S. should be to its own citizens and to the impending globalization. The New Deal was a desirable strategy for most Americans to combat the effects of the Depression. This paper details the similarities of both movements which favored the ideas and ideals of American values. The writer also compares the present status of the U.S. government and economy to that of the depressionera.
Table of Contents:
Progressivism
The New Deal
Progressivism and the New Deal: Comparisons and Differences
Works Cited
From the Paper "Both movements favored the ideas and ideals of some sort of American values. Just as the progressives movement was founded not only with both moral and economic values as guide posts, and saw World War I as "the last and greatest example of the progressive spirit of sacrifice, so the New Deal began with individuals having to (mostly gladly) sacrifice some of their individualism for government-run and controlled works and policies determined to avoid sinking further into an economic sinkhole. We can also see similarities in the fact that the values and the eventual legislation formed a trickle-down philosophy, from the upper middle and upper classes to benefit the less-fortunate. We have to remember that President Wilson as well as FDR were "patricians"- in the best sense of the word, and their aim was to protect the citizens of this nation from war and from economic disaster, even if it meant a sacrifice and even an attempt to undo the Constitutional balance of power."
Tags: history, economics, franklin, delano, roosevelt, depression, government
Abstract By 1933 at the peak of the Depression, nearly 25% of all Americans were unemployed. Under the leadership of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the country struggled to recover from the recession that became known as The Great Depression. The paper explains that as part of his New Deal program, President Roosevelt enacted many domestic policies and projects to try to rebuild America. Several particular endeavors were designed to keep painters, sculptors, and photographers employed. Because of these projects, artists created many works throughout the Depression. The paper shows that while artist reaction to the New Deal was varied, the works of art that were created expressed individual attitudes about the Depression and left a lasting mark on American art. The paper includes several reproductions of works of art from the era.
From the Paper "As America sank deeper into the Depression, artists quickly found themselves unemployed. Consequently, they questioned the effectiveness of a capitalist society. In comparing the United States to the Soviet Union, many of the artists came to believe that maybe a socialist system was a better option. They joined many left-winged organizations like the Artists? Union with the common goal of obtaining state-sponsored art initiatives. The group published its own journal, Art Front, which proved to be quite influential. Letters were sent to Public Works officials asserting, "the State can eliminate once and for all the unfortunate dependence of American artists upon the caprice of private patronage" (Pohl 365)."
This paper examines how the Great Depression is portrayed in three different literary works: "The Company She Keeps," "Native Son" and "The Grapes of Wrath."
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the portrayal of Depression-era society in three diverse literary works. Georgia Durante's, "The Company She Keeps," is an autobiographical look at how the Depression affected the world of organized crime through as seen through the eyes of a mafia wife. John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" looks at human relationships and how they were affected through the portrayal of the life of the migrant worker. Richard Wright's "Native Son," discusses the role that segregation and racism played in the struggles of blacks to survive the 1930s. The author compares the three different novels and feels that the "Grapes of Wrath" is the most comprehensive portrayal of Depression-era life in America.
From the Paper "The Grapes of Wrath also explores multiple facets of the effects of the Great Depression on the general public. Not only does it examine the way families were affected by the economic hardships of the times, it also shows what happened when people were forced to move to find work, what life was like in migrant camps, and how people began to band together to promote the rights of the workers and to engage in collectivist action. Human relationships are also a big part of this book. The Great Depression naturally affected the way that people related to each other, and The Grapes of Wrath explores how family relationships as well as relationships with friends, neighbors, and strangers were all changed by the economic crisis. A reading of The Grapes of Wrath makes one feel as if one actually understands on many levels the pressures and deprivations of the times, because it explores so many areas of the Depression experience. The Grapes of Wrath is a holistic book while Native Son and The Company She Keeps are specialists."
Abstract The writer of this in-depth paper addresses specific issues and problems that existed in Canada prior to the Great Depression, such as the effects of the social and agricultural situation. This paper examines how the depression altered previously established perceptions of Canada's economy as well as the role of the state. The writer delves into the various external causes of the depression and the inadequate and ineffective government policy at the time which led to and increased the severity of the situation. This paper analyzes Canada's economy before, during and after America's depressionera. This paper provides relevant data and statistics pertaining to this particular topic, including the fact that in 1933 Canada was suffering from large-scale unemployment in which 30% of the labor force was out of work.
Table of Contents:
Outline
Introduction
General Causes of the Great Depression Canada
Conclusion
Bibliography
From the Paper "An essential economic aspect that is crucial in understanding the causes and effects of the Depression in Canada was that the country derived 33 percent of its Gross National Income form exports. Therefore the country was particularly affected by the reduction in world trade. This had a severe effect on the Western Canadian provinces as they depended almost exclusively on exports of primary products. Another aspect was that there had been crop failures prior to the Depression. Saskatchewan for example has been plagued by crop failures and a very low what price. Within two years "provincial income plummeted by 90 percent." "This had the result of forcing more than 60 percent of the population onto social relief."
A paper which shows how John Steinbeck's "The Grapes of Wrath" and the article "Steinbeck, Guthrie and Popular Culture" by Elaine S. Apthorp, depict California's Dust Bowl era.
Abstract The paper shows how the era of the Dust Bowl was an era of mass migration as thousands moved from the region where drought and other factors had ruined the farmland to California, believed to be the land of milk and honey and opportunity. The paper explores how the Dust Bowl and the mass migration it fostered are well illustrated in the novel "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck, and both the novel and the era it depicts are further illuminated by the article "Steinbeck, Guthrie and Popular Culture" by Elaine S. Apthorp. The paper further shows how the novel and the article complement one another and contribute to our understanding of the era and of the way Steinbeck shaped that era into an artistic statement in his novel.
From the Paper "The didactic chapters referred to by Apthorp are the interchapters where Steinbeck performs the analytical task of reporting on the state of America during the Depression, the plight of the people, and other information included with a journalistic eye for what is most telling. In these interchapters, Steinbeck seems to step back from the story to examine the larger picture, but in truth, the author never forgets the reality faced by his characters. For instance, the different members of the family have characteristics which add to their problems and which also reflect larger forces at the same time. Grandpa Joad, for instance, is senile, and this symbolizes the vulnerability of the entire family."
Tags: migrant, workers, Great, Depression, Joad, family
Abstract The paper discusses movies such as Frank Capra's 1936 "Mr. Deeds Goes to Town" and 1937 "Lost Horizon" that capture Hollywood's idealistic theme of escaping reality during the Great Depression. The paper shows how Hollywood opened up the opportunity of distraction from the tragic reality of life and began a new tradition in film where audiences could be taken into the mystical silver screen of Hollywood. The paper relates that although the tragedy of the Great Depression has since long passed, this tradition continues to help mold films even today.
From the Paper "After the market crashed in 1929, the entire nation was lunged into a bleak and tumultuous existence in the era known as The Great Depression. Millions of Americans lost their jobs, making the country's unemployment percentages reach record numbers. Banks lost millions of dollars of every day citizen's dollars; many more lost their homes and were forced to live a life on the street. The overall standard of living plummeted, bringing down the nation's morale right along with it. Even the seemingly invincible Hollywood Studios suffered from the conditions of the Depression suffering a deficit of around $410 million dollars in debt, (Digital History, 2008). How then, were the Studios to make money if the entire nation was in turmoil? Hollywood adapted to the needs of Americans during the Depression era. After an initial push of movies to go against the established order in the beginning of the Depression which actually decreased attendance, studios developed a trend of escapism in their most popular films."
This paper studies the causes and effects of the great depression which took place in 1929 in the United States, describing the unemployment, hardship, hunger and despair of that time.
Abstract This paper studies the political, social, and economic factors that brought on the great depression in 1929 in the United States. It gives a historical overview of the situation before the outbreak of the great depression and the part that World War I played in causing it. The author feels that many people believe that the stock market crash of 1929 caused the great depression, but this is not true. He also finds that many people believed that President Roosevelt's New Deal ended the great depression, but this is also not completely factual. According to the author, historical facts show that the stock market crash was the beginning of the great depression but that political, social, and economic problems were the real causes. Also, historical evidence shows that The New Deal helped the recovery but that the United States' entry into World War II was the main reason that the great depression ended.
From the Paper "This is one of the most famous songs of The Great Depression, a time beginning in 1929 and lasting until 1940. This was a time of unemployment, hardship, hunger, and despair. Many people believe that the stock market crash of 1929 caused the Great Depression, but this is not true. Many people also believe that President Roosevelt's New Deal ended the Great Depression, but this is also not completely factual. The historical facts show that the stock market crash was the beginning of the Great Depression but that political, social, and economic problems were the real causes. Also, historical evidence shows that The New Deal helped the recovery but that the United States entering into World War II was the main reason that the Great Depression ended."
Argues that the nursing profession should provide instruction about the causes of depression and its treatment so that nurses can better assist in the depressed patient's cure.
2,400 words (approx. 9.6 pages), 8 sources, 2002, $ 89.95
Abstract The questions about what causes depression are not so important as complicating the theories about depression. This necessary complication of theory is essential for understanding the depressed person as a complex person, and for generating kinds of intervention therapies that can ease the symptoms of depression. Because there is no specific cure, as yet, for depression, it is crucial that people in the health care professions have greater theoretical resources for understanding the relations between the environment and the person. Nurses in particular need to participate more with the work of theorizing, because they mediate the relations between the client, or patient, and the larger medical institution that effects their care.
This paper provides a scholarly review of the relevant literature and the summarized results of a series of interviews with yogic practitioners to determine the efficacy of this alternative medicine approach to the alleviation of depression.
Abstract This study examines the relationship between Jungian psychotherapy, yoga, and alleviation of depression. Specific questions addressed include: 1. What is the overall incidence of depression in the United States today? 2. What are the factors that contribute to the onset of depressive episodes, and what can be done to mitigate or avoid such onset? 3. Are there cultural and gender considerations that serve to exacerbate depressive episodes? 4. What are the mainstream medical approaches to the treatment of depressive episodes?
From the Paper "Depression is a serious condition which affects millions of people in the United States today. Further, the majority of people in America will experience some form of depression at some point in their lives. People who experience major depressive disorder episodes are more likely to experience future episodes as well. This aspect of depression management is important because the incidence of relapse has been clearly linked to the number of episodes of depression that have been already been experienced (Klerman, Weissmann, Rounsaville, & Chevron, 1999). Clinicians may be overlooking the importance of yoga as both an alternative as well as an adjunct to existing treatment modalities. It is the predicted outcome of this research project that yoga techniques will prove to be an efficacious treatment modality for patients either by themselves in or combination with various psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic approaches."
Abstract A study of William Styron, a recovering alcoholic who slid into a deep and complicated depression. The author tries to diagnose Styron who meets the criteria for a major depressive episode. For the bulk of Styron's battle with depression, he was on medication, Halcion. With a situation as serious as William Styron's he will have to spend a long time working on the causes of his depression that may still be buried.
From the Paper "William Styron's condition began to take over his life by late 1985. He states that it was present for several months, but it did not become apparent how serious it was until this time. It was in 1985 when he first thought that he might die due to his condition (Styron 1990). By December of 1985, Styron was thinking about suicide, but even before that, he could not function socially or in his career. He could not sleep, was disinterested in sex, had slowed speech, had a depressed mood for most or all of the day, was fatigued from lack of sleep, and could not concentrate on regular tasks (American Psychological Association, 1994; Styron 1990). His wife was concerned and encouraged him to seek help, but his friends tried not to bring it up too often (Styron 1990). At this time, and with this type of person ? upper class, "socialite" ? it was not "good manners" for friends to bring up personal problems. (Styron 1990). "
Tags: darkness, depression, dsm, iv, psychology, Styron, visible, William, manners, personal
Abstract Postpartum depression is depression that appears shortly before to shortly after a woman has given birth. It can have negative effects on the woman's marriage and in fact on the entire family. Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious, common, and treatable condition seen frequently in the primary care setting. This paper defines postpartum depression, discusses the causes behind it, details the range of symptoms, its diagnosis, treatment, and ways to help prevent it.
From the Paper "Researchers and doctors know that women develop symptoms of depression about twice as often as men. It is believed that female hormones contribute to this in some way, as mood swings have been tied to variations in the menstrual cycle, pregnancy and birth, and the onset of menopause. Some experts also believe that the extra pressures in many women's lives as they juggle both jobs and home responsibilities, single motherhood, or caring for aged parents may contribute. It's very common for new mothers to experience mild and transient feelings of sadness, irritability or moodiness right after giving birth. When these symptoms are short-lived and not severe, they?re often referred to as the ?baby blues,? and considered a normal variation in mood. "Baby blues" pass quickly and cause no significant problem for either the new mother or her family.
Abstract This paper describes the history, causes, and treatment of major depressive disorder, as well as current research. It also looks at who is most often affected by the disorder, different forms of the disorder, how it is diagnosed, the biological and genetic processes behind the disorder, and areas requiring future research.
What Is Major Depressive Disorder
Dysthymia
A History of Depression Diagnosis
Causes of Depression The Biology Behind
The Genetics Behind It
Treatment
What Lies Ahead
From the Paper "One of the fastest growing diseases in the world is, ironically, not an infectious one. Major Depressive Disorder is the leading psychological disorder in the Western world, and still growing?from 1980 to 1990 alone, the number of people diagnosed with major depression tripled, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. People born after 1945 are 10 times more likely to be depressed than those born before 1945. Major depression affects all ethnicities, ages, and socioeconomic classes, and in America, in any given one-year period, almost 10 percent of the adult population, an estimated 18.8 million people, suffer from depression. Roughly 40 million Americans will eventually experience at least one major depressive episode in their lifetime, and half of them will suffer from recurrence."
Abstract This paper discusses how the early diagnosis of postpartum depression is crucial given the negative impacts depression can have on a mother and her interactions with her new infant and, if left undiagnosed, the depression experienced by the mother can equate to long-term behavior problems in the infant as he/she grows up. The research question posed in this paper is "Does early diagnosis and intervention for a mother experiencing postpartum depression, decrease the risk of behavioral or learning difficulties for the new child as he/she is growing up?"
From the Paper "The National Women's Health Information Center advises that postpartum depression is a result of the hormonal changes that occur naturally in a woman after the birth of her child (NWHIC, 2005). Other factors that can contribute towards postpartum depression can include feelings of tiredness, being overwhelmed at the responsibility of looking after a new baby, feelings of loss of identity once becoming a mother and feelings of loss of time as the new baby is so dependent and so very time consuming (NWHIC, 2005)."
Abstract This well-researched paper is a comparative analysis of the symptomatic cluster used by the DSM-IV in the establishment of an Axis I diagnosis of depression and the psychological symptoms associated with nutritional deficiencies. The writer of this in-depth paper examines numerous published studies and literature between 1995-2004 regarding deficiency symptoms of B1, B2, B3, B6, folate, magnesium and zinc and compares the findings with the psychological symptoms found in depression. While low self-esteem and suicidal tendencies were not listed in any of the texts, the writer contends that these were in fact substantiated when analyzing the studies detailed in this paper. This paper delves into the findings that prove magnesium and zinc deficiency may be involved in the psychopathology of suicide.
Table of Contents:
Abstract
Introduction
Nutritional Deficiencies and Depression Nutrition, Culture and Depression Nutrition and Rule-Out Diagnosis on DSM-IV Axis III
Review of Literature
Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)
Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid)
Magnesium (Mg)
Zinc (Zn)
Summary
References
From the Paper "Thiamin is a water-soluble vitamin with limited body storage capacities and must be replenished regularly through the diet. It acts as a coenzyme in the oxidative metabolism of glucose and partakes with niacin and riboflavin in glucose oxidation to yield useful metabolic energy in the form of adenoside-tri-phospate (ATP). The nervous tissue is dependent solely on glucose for energy and as such these tissues are very sensitive to fluctuation in thiamin levels. Thiamin's role as a cofactor in conversion of glucose to sugars may explain why a diet high in carbohydrate could deplete the thiamin reserve. Classic thiamin deficiency, beriberi, is rare, whereas Wernicke-Korskoff Syndrome, a condition often found in alcoholics, is commonly encountered as clinical manifestation of B1 deficiency."
Abstract This paper examines bipolar depression, as the down phase of bipolar disorder. The paper looks at why bipolar depression it is often misdiagnosed as unipolar disorder, and is therefore treated with wrong medications. The paper contends that bipolar depression is more prevalent and dangerous than realized. The paper cites research that indicates that bipolar depression is the most lethal psychiatric disorder, with a high risk of suicide.
From the Paper "Bipolar depression is the depressed phase of bipolar disorder, which is also known as manic-depressive disorder -- a mood disorder which results in drastic mood swings ranging from manic phases to depressive ones. In the United States almost two million people..."
