Depression Era (1929-1939)

The United States and may countries around the world were affected by The Great Depression (1929–1939). The Great Depression caused drastic declines in output, severe unemployment and acute deflation in almost every country of the world. The most devastating impact of the Great Depression was human suffering. The letters in these collections provide a glimpse into the daily struggles for many, as they navigate through the harsh realities of life in the 1930s. ** Please note that historical materials in these Collections may include viewpoints and values that are not consistent with the values of the California State Library or the State of California and may be considered offensive. Materials must be viewed in the context of the relevant time period but views are in no way endorsed by the State Library. The California State Library’s mission is to provide credible information services to all Californians and, as such, the content of historical materials should be transcribed as it appears in the original document.