History

Fear Itself Depressions Life
1. Identify and discuss the authors thesis Were you convinced by the authors argument
In the article, Fear Itself Depression Life by Robert S. McElvaine gives an insider look as to the fears and feelings associated with the working class during the Depression Era of the 1930s.  The main focus is not just the Depression Era, but the way in which it affected all levels of life, across social boundaries and racial boundaries.  Not only does it lend itself to the frustration and shame and guilt of those unemployed and poor of the day, but it also discusses the advancements made during this time such as the New Deal and the beginning of racial equality and the civil rights movement.

The first part of the article tells of the overwhelming change in the society between the successes of the 1920s and the failures of the 1930s.  McElvaine states that the basis of the 1920s success was believed to be on the individual as chosen by the divine to succeed.  Therefore, when the bust of the 1930s arrived, the first emotion was shame and guilt along with the ideal of being worthless.  The individual that lost his job, his house, and had a hungry family was an individual that was not chosen to succeed.  This feeling lent itself to many of the people during that time.  It made them embarrassed to ask for help, but eventually when the need was desperate, they would break down and get the help they needed from the relief office a concept created by F.D. Roosevelt and his New Deal.

However, the relief office was not the only help many unemployed received. McElvaine explains that at this time the concept of work relief came into play, and allowed the Work Progress Administration to give work to those receiving relief as part of the relief package.  This may not seem like a major deal, the emotional and mental welfare of society needed this to feel useful and wanted again.  It also led the way for the African Americans of the time to be able to have better housing, get representation in the government, as well as the beginnings of the equal employment laws on pay and anti-discrimination.  It was only the beginning, but with the backing of FDR and Eleanor Roosevelt, the cause was under way.

In the end, the article drew the idea that a major undoing was required for the needed relief for all citizens, not just the poor or the black, but all citizen to be obtained.  The prosperity of the 1920s set the country up for the fall of the 1930s.  It was this fall that showed the country, and the world that things needed to be changed.  The world was changing and the views of the 1920s had to be re-evaluated and restructured for the new America.

2. Discuss the most important new information you learned about American history from the article.
The most important information that I learned was the way in which the NAACP and other liberal leaders in the government used this time of restructuring to include the African American plight.  I saw the civil rights movement as something that began in the 1950s, but this article showed that the movement was in a long process that was built up over many years.  With the energy and momentum of the cause of the 1930s nothing was going to stop it.  Even the few back steps only led to trying to gain more ground, and winning each step slowly, but confidently.

3. Describe how the article reinforced or challenged ideas about American history that you have learned from the textbook and other readings assignments.
The article reinforced the belief in the government and the New Deal was actually trying to work with the citizens in their time of need.  While I do not believe that the New Deal was the end all, and do believe that it was just the spring board for other more significant programs, it did do a lot during the Depression Era and a lot to help the country get back on its feet and regain its superpower role.