The Great Depression began in 1929 after the stock market crashed on a day known as "Black Tuesday" lasting until 1939. It was known as one of the greatest economic disasters in American History. It caused widespread unemployment, poverty, and despair that affected nearly all men, women, and children. This devastating era did not start to fade away until after World War II. One in four American workers became unemployed. People lost their homes due to being unable to pay for them. People became scavengers for food and ran to charities for help. Because so many people were starving, charities started setting up soup kitchens to feed the needy. Some experienced being homeless, others started renting rooms to people to help pay for their homes.
