Available:*
Material Type | Library | Call Number | Suggested Age | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Digital Video Disc | Searching... Cabell County Public Library | 973.916 G | Adult | Searching... Unknown |
| Digital Video Disc | Searching... Fort Gay Public Library | 973.916 G | Adult | Searching... Unknown |
| Digital Video Disc | Searching... Putnam Main Public Library | 973.916 G | Adult | Searching... Unknown |
| Digital Video Disc | Searching... Williamson Public Library | 973.916 G | Adult | Searching... Unknown |
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Summary
Summary
Per its title, this epic, multipart documentary miniseries from The History Channel covers the single most devastating financial crisis of the Twentieth Century: The Great Depression. Beginning with the colossal stock market crash of 1929, the United States entered an economic downturn that yielded massive, widespread unemployment, rescued both by the efforts of Franklin Roosevelt and the U.S. entry into World War II circa 1941. Part One of this program, "The Great Shake-Up," surveys the tumultuous changes undergone by the U.S. from 1929-32, including the sweeping election of FDR and the relocations of Dust Bowl farmers; Part Two, "Face the Music," discusses the way that contemporary American entertainment (such as movies and marathon dancing) evolved as a release from the difficulties of daily life thanks to the Depression. Part Three, "Striking Back," hones in on those Americans who felt let down by Roosevelt's New Deal, mostly individuals who had been driven to the point of no return by the fiscal crisis. And Part Four, "Desperate Measures," reflects on the way in which World War II permanently ended the Depression. Former New York governor Mario Cuomo narrates. ~ Nathan Southern, Rovi
Reviews (1)
Booklist Review
Ages 14-adult. The U.S. in the 1930s, without the safety nets of federal aid programs that are familiar today, was not prepared for the devastating effects of poverty, unemployment, and drought during the Depression years. With well-chosen archival footage, crisp stills, eyewitness reminiscences, and thoughtful narration, this stellar, seven-part series profiles the everyday life of those who struggled to survive the years of hardship. A Job at Henry Ford's examines the innovative industrialist's impact on the auto industry. When excessive productivity led to layoffs, Ford became the focus of angry demonstrators. The Road to Rock Bottom looks at the plight of rural America as first overproduction and then drought destroyed farm communities. News accounts of the popular folk hero Charles ("Pretty Boy") Floyd and footage of angry WWI veterans marching on the nation's capital chronicle the reaction of citizens to President Hoover's weak leadership. Vivid visuals of hungry children, slow-moving soup lines, and frustrated picketers along with the poignant memories of participants personalize these grueling times. With the same sense of immediacy and personal intimacy seen in the other well-known Blackside series Eyes on the Prize [BKL Je 1 87, Ap 1 90], this landmark series also details FDR's New Deal legislation and the resulting political unrest. ~--Candace Smith
