HIS 386LEC—The Great Depression and the New Deal

When the bottom dropped out of the economy and huge dust storms blew across the prairies in the 1930s, it seemed as if the social world and nature alike had turned against Americans. But the country fought back against depression and drought in this creative and conflict-filled period. In this course we will explore the ferment of experimentation in politics and culture that marked this era, when ordinary people as well as national leaders forged new directions for American life that continue to affect our lives today. We will consider the implications of the “New Deal coalition,” the rise of a strong national government, the development of the Social Security system, the construction of public works, the impact of protest movements and massive strike waves, and the response of artists, writers, and the commercial entertainment industry. USH