Based On The Book, Hard Times By Studs Terkel Hard Times

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Hard Times
The Great Depression is, no doubt, one of the most severe economic depressions in the history of the United States. It took place in the 1930s, and its timings vary from country to country. In the United States of America, for example, it started in September 1929 and had become global news when the stock market crashed in October 1929 (widely regarded as Black Tuesday). From 1929 and 1932, the gross domestic product (GDP) had fallen by up to 15 percent. It was indeed a difficult time for all countries, especially for the United Statesbecause of personal income, profits, prices, and tax revenues dropped to an extent. At the same time, the international trade plunged by over 52 percent. The rate of unemployment in the United States rose from 10 percent to 25 percent, and in other countries, it was up to 35 percent. Written by Studs Terkel, Hard Times talks about the oral history of the Great Depression (Terkel 3). The first edition of this book was published in 1970, followed by the 1986 print. Studs Terkel presented its latest edition in 2005. In order to give the reader insights into the Great Depression and its consequences, the book has been divided into different chapters and sections. After reading Hard Times: An Oral History of the Great Depression, Americans can learn many lessons.
For most of the Americans, the Great Depression resulted in a significant decline in the standard of living. Its hallmarks have been described in detail in the book by Studs Terkel. The Americans were tired of the inadequatehealthcare and educational facilities available to them. At the same time, the problem of unemployment had taken a serious form. For some Americans, it was nothing more than a decline in the investment value, and for the others, it was a seriousloss of savings. It is safe to say that the Great Depression impacted the world, especially the United States of America.
Today, it is remembered as a time when Americans were forced to do work for cents as they had no other option to raise their families. Their survival became difficult when they got to know that health care services would cost them higher than ever. The spending power of most Americans decreased to an extent. As a result, the collapse of banks was noticed. Furthermore, the liquidity issue that was the primary cause of the Great Depression had deepened. Males and females had to work for low wages, and it led them to develop anxiety, stress, depression and other psychological problem. Gradually, it became difficult for people to buy food to satisfy their hunger and water to quench their thirst. They were also not able to buy utensils, clothing and other items needed to survive on a daily basis.
Similarly, various children left their school and were asked by their parents to do part-time or full-time jobs in order to earn a living and to support their fami...