Though Most Americans Are Aware Of The Great Depression Of 1929, Which

Though most Americans are aware of the Great Depression of 1929, which may well be "the most serious problem facing our free enterprise economic system,"( ) few know of the many Americans who lost their homes, life savings and jobs. This paper briefly states the causes of the depression and summarizes the vast problems Americans faced during the eleven years of its span. This paper primarily focuses on what life was like for farmers during the time of the Depression, as portrayed in John Steinbeck's The Grapes of Wrath, and tells what the government did to end the Depression. In the 1920's, after World War 1, danger signals were apparent that a great Depression was coming. A major cause of the Depression was that the pay of workers did not increase at all. Because of this, they couldn't afford manufactured goods. While the factories were still manufacturing goods, Americans weren't able to afford them and the factories made no money (Drewry and O'connor 559). Another major cause related to farmers. Farmers weren't doing to well because they were producing more crops and farm products than could be sold at high prices. Therefore, they made a very small profit. This insufficient profit wouldn't allow the farmers to purchase new machinery and because of this they couldn't produce goods quick enough (Drewry and O'connor 559). A new plan was created called the installment plan. This plan was established because many Americans didn't have enough money to buy goods and services that were needed or wanted. The installment plan stated that people could buy products on credit and make monthly payments. The one major problem with this idea was that people soon found out that they couldn't afford to make the monthly payment(Drewry and O'connor 559). In 1929 the stock market crashed. Many Americans purchased stocks because they were certain of the economy. People started selling their stocks at a fast pace; over sixteen million stocks were sold! Numerous stock prices dropped to fraction of their value. Banks lost money from the stock market and from Americans who couldn't pay back loans. Many factories lost money and went out of business because of this great tragedy (Drewry and O'connor By the 1930's, thirteen million workers lost their jobs which is 25 percent of all workers. The blacks and unskilled workers were always the first to be fired. Farmers had no money and weren't capable of paying their mortgages. Americans traveled throughout the country looking for a place to work to support themselves and their family (Drewry and O'connor 560-561). John Steinbeck, born in 1902, grew up during the Depression near the fertile Salinas Valley and wrote many books of fiction based on his background and experiences during that time and area of the country. One of his great works would be the Grapes of Wrath In this book, Steinbeck describes the farmers plight during the Great Depression and drought. When the rains failed to come, the grass began to disappear. As the farmers watched their plants turn brown and the dirt slowly turn to dust they began to fear what was to come. In the water-cut gullies the earth dusted down in dry little streams. As the sharp sun struck day af ter day, the leaves of the young corn became less stiff and erect; then it was June and the sun shone more fiercely. The brown lines on the corn leaves widened and moved in on the central ribs. The weeds frayed and edged back toward their roots. The air was thin and the sky more pale; and every day the earth paled. (qtd. Steinbeck 2-3). The farmers worst fears were realized when their corn and other crops began to die. The dust became so bad they had to cover their mouths with handkerchiefs so they could breath (Steinbeck 3- When the drought hit the Great Plains and the soil turned to dust, many farmers moved to California because they could no longer farm their land(Drewry and O'Connor 561). The drought began to affect other parts of the country. In 1930, Virginia's belt of fertile land dried up. Ponds, streams, and springs all dried up and the great Mississippi River water level sank lower

The Best Research Paper Topics for Writing in College

The Best Research Paper Topics for Writing in College Research Paper Topics for College Students The key to success of each and every research paper is the topic chosen. Frankly speaking, it takes hours to find something worthy on the immense expands of the Internet. That is the truth for both students and professors. Creating a satisfying research paper for college differs a lot from the similar assignments received at high school. Despite the fact that the hands-on experience is of great value, academic writing at college demands more profound knowledge of the subject matter and remarkable analytical skills. Making original yet reasonable conclusions and evaluating the information are the integral parts of the academic writing assignments. If you are puzzled while opting for one of the good research paper topics, consider the following suggestions: Expanding your knowledge on the worldwide experience. The modern advances are a lucrative source of ideas. Flexibility in the writing process. Do not be afraid to change the direction of your research in the middle. Who knows, maybe you will find a more compelling topic. Keep up on the latest trends and news. Analyze the current state of affairs to produce a brilliant writing. The inspiration and ideas for college research paper topics can rise from the conversation with friends, family members, or professors. Opt for something extremely riveting for you and that kindles the spark of interest in the modern society. Remember you need to conduct the research and find sufficient data to support your argument. If you are seeking for top 10 research topics, here they are! Nonetheless, we have divided the best research paper topics into three categories according to their complexity. Find the one, which appeals to you! Easy Research Paper Topics for College Students Police and Body Worn Video: Accountability and Impact The History of Music in Bollywood: Which genre is prevailing? The Arguments for Legitimizing Cannabis in the U.S. The Situations Which Make College Students Life Untenable The Possible Explosion of the Yellowstone Volcano and Its Consequences for the U.S. The Types of Fringe Medicine Spread in the U.S. The Investigation of Energy Power Systems: Construction over the Globe The Biography of Ernest Gaines The Existence of the Xiaki Topic in the Asian Movies The Secrets of Successful Operation of the Multi-Aged Workforce The Social Features of Non-Acceptance of Islamic Notions The Difference between the Attitudes of Russia and the U.S. towards Islam Old-Aged People and Cognitive Development The Conditional Release: Advantages and Burdensome It Brings The Complication of Forced De-Boarding among Airlines Ordinary Research College Topics The Potential Independence of Catalonia: Benefits and Drawbacks Distinctive Features of All Types of Obstructive Lung Diseases The Great Divorce by C. S. Lewis: The Theological Dream Vision of Hell and Heaven Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp: The Controversy How to Accurately Estimate the Health Needs of the Community Mexico Citys Transportation Is Contaminating Air Does the U.S. Health Reform Assist or Block the Healthcare The Soviet Famine of the Early 30s: Roots and Outcomes The Implementation of Diagnostic Ultrasonography in Gynecology How Does the Pre-Election Poll Affect the Election? The Problem of Streaming Live Videos on Facebook (based on real events) Utilization of Radioactive Materials in the U.S. Why Should Muslim Migration Be Curbed? The Obligatory Qualities for Official Duties Performance: American Police Anemia and Cancer: Iron Food Additives Complicated College Research Paper Topics The Marked Characteristics between the Kofun and Asuka Periods (Japan) The Lack of Sleep and Its Aftereffect on the Adult Population The Substance Use Treatment During Pregnancy and Postnatal Period Moores Law: The Myths and the Truth What Impact Did the Copyright Law of the 20th Century Have on the Depiction of Eugenics? The Comparison of the First Two Chapters in Exodus (Old Testament) and Gospel of Matthew (New Testament) Sustained Work-Related Stress of the First responders Kidney Function and Obesity: The Interrelation and Drug Treatment The Developmental Characteristics of Chinese Music Education The Atomic Armament (based on the example of South and North Korea) The Impact of the Sunlight on the Convalescence after an Operation The Legal System of Saudi Arabia: How does it differ from the American one? The Assessment of Students in the Primary School: Pros and Cons The Reduction of Educated People in Puerto Rico As a Result of Emigration Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Assessing the Disease with Regard to Photosensitivity Hopefully, we have saved you time with above-provided research paper topics for college students.