Historical Events
By: Krista Peninger and Abby Robinson
Stock Market Crashes/Great Depression
The American economy entered recession during the summer of 1929, as the consumer spending became an all time low and unsold goods began to pile up, slowing production. At the same time as the economy began to decrease stock prices continued to increase. On October 24, 1929 the stock market crashed. A record 12.9 million shares were traded that day, now known as "Black Tuesday." A couple of causes for the Great Depression were speculation and buying on the margin. Millions of shares ended up worthless and those investors who had bought stocks "on margin" were wiped out completely. Companies went bankrupt, all of the banks closed.
Prohibition
The ratification of the 18th Amendment to the United States Constitution which banned the transportation, manufacturing, and sale of intoxicating liquors. The widespread temperance movement overall was difficult to enforce. Speakeasies were created which were illegal drinking spots. Bootlegging also came to effect which were the illegal production of sale of liquor.
World War II
The Second World War was the most widespread and deadliest war in history. Involving more than 30 countries and more than 50 million military and civilian deaths. World War II was sparked by Adolf Hitler's invasion of Poland in 1939. Pearl Harbor, D-Day, Battle of Iwo Jima, Battle of Stalingrad, and the Battle of the Bulge were separate battles involved in WWI. The war was dragged on for six years until the final Allied defeat of both Nazi Germany and Japan in 1945.
Works Cited
"1920s: The Great Depression." Ushistorycom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2016.
History.com Staff. "Prohibition." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 01 Jan. 2009. Web. 06 May 2016.
"Prohibition." Prohibitionclt.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 6 May 2016.
"Eyewitness to World War II: Unforgettable Stories and Photographs From History's Greatest Conflict Hardcover – October 30, 2012." Eyewitness to World War II: Unforgettable Stories and Photographs From History's Greatest Conflict: Stephen Hyslop, Neil Kagan: 9781426209703: Amazon.com: Books. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 May 2016.
**A lot of our descriptions came from out American History II notes**