THE GREAT DEPRESSION

Unemployed men vying for jobs at the American Legion Employment Bureau in Los Angeles during the Great Depression.


THE GREAT DEPRESSION

My name is Jack Anderson. I am in the crowd of people looking for job at the American Legion Employment Bureau in los Angeles. I used to be a car salesman before the Great Depression. My life was like any other wealthy American, late in the 1920s. However, it all changed on October 29, 1929. Now the election of 1932 is coming soon, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt is the only salvation for my country.

My life, as a car salesman was a comfortabled job. Late in the 1920s, the business of cars was a boom. I never had to worry about bills, personal debt or being able to buy extra luxury goods.I was like any other American. I had a great job, a family with four kids, and a house. Every month, I had a big check and I went out with my family to spend.My wife and I loved family vacations, most likely twice a year out of the country. My kids were at privated schools, I have 4 kids between 4 and 6 years old. My wife didn't work, because I prefer her at home helping them. Those were good times, were I had everything and all my family together.

It was 1929, and overspeculators brought people to buy more stocks. On March, stocks had been risen up, and up. I hear most people were getting rich. Unfortunaly, a broker convinced me to bought on margin. When the stock market closed on Wednesday, October 23, it was unbelievable. Business and political leaders told the country not to worry. I didn't knew what to do, take my money out, or trust the country. On October 29, I lost all my money I had invested and saved for years. Caos everywhere, people walking around not knowing what to do, was the Great Depression.
After the black Tuesday of 1929. I lost my job and beign to look for something else with thoundsands of men like me. My wife as a tailor, my kids fixing stuff, and me with littler jobs depending on what people need. Everybody in my house work.
After 2 years trying to survive. The country was worse than I had ever imaged. However, the elections of 1932 is going to be a big decision for everybody. In my opinion, my vote is for FDR. His New Deal will change the country and benefit the poor, me.