Great Depression Help?

Question

What factors made the Great Depression hard for African Americans?

I know they weren't paid as much as whites, and that fifty percent of the black population was unemployed in 1933 as opposed to 25 percent of whites. I also know that racial discrimination was present even in the military. What other factors were there?

Answer 1

Immediately after the Civil War, many newly freed blacks migrated north to the cities looking for work in factories.  They were uneducated and if they were hired at all, were given minimal responsibilities and low pay.

In the south, those who stayed on and worked the land (agriculturally based economy) had to deal with the violence of the KKK and lived in extreme poverty.  Like those in the north, they too were not well educated.

At the time of the Great Depression, those working in the factories - and living in company owned housing, were usually let go first.  This also meant that they had to leave their homes.  With no money and no prospects for work, life became even harder.

In the south, those that managed to hang on to what little farm land they owned generally found themselves deep in dept to the banks and the feed stores.  Life was not easy or good.

Answer 2

Well, you're right. Rascism was a big factor that attacked African Americans, and it continued during the Great Depression.  Unfortunately, white people got paid more for doing the same job simply because they were white.  In addition, with such high rates of unemployment during the time, many thought that African Americans & women should not be allowed to work when there are not enough jobs for white men.  (It's not fair, but that's what it was.)   Racism was also very prevalent in the military - both World Wars saw more and more African American soldiers, which is good, but the rascism never stopped.  Generally, for the most part, Afircan American troops were led by a white officer.  But all in all, African Americans made quite an impact on the war efforts, and were rewarded for their service.

Interesting question.  Hope that helps!

Answer 3

most african americans did not own homes because of the situation they had just come out of.  most were sharecroppers, they paid the owner of the land to be able to work a portion of the land.  this in essence put them in a bigger and deeper debt as the years passed on.  they had to borrow the tools and seed and then pay for the land they were going to till and the food they were going to need to eat and clothes etc and at the end of the yr when they harvested crops once interest and what not was added they usually owed more than they were worth.  

also, most african americans did not have any type of savings because most did not get paid enough to save anything, if they actually got paid at all.  

african americans had to live in certain areas, segregation, and the rent was usually very high and the apts in bad condition in these areas because the owners knew they could not live anywhere else.