How did unemployed workers and farmers respond to the deepening depression?
Unemployed workers and farmers responded to the deepening depression in various ways:
1. Unemployed workers formed protest movements like the Bonus Army, which was made up of World War I veterans demanding early payment of their bonuses. They organized marches and occupied vacant buildings, putting pressure on the government to provide them with relief and jobs.
2. Unemployed workers also joined labor unions to fight for better wages and working conditions. They participated in strikes and boycotts to express their grievances and demand fair treatment from employers. The most notable example was the Flint Sit-Down Strike of 1936-1937, where autoworkers occupied several General Motors plants for weeks, ultimately leading to the recognition of the United Auto Workers union.
3. Farmers faced severe economic hardships due to falling crop prices and widespread drought. Many small-scale farmers were forced to abandon their farms as they were unable to pay their debts. A significant number of them migrated to cities in search of employment. Some organized themselves into farmer-led movements like the Farmers' Holiday Association, which called for a withholding of agricultural products from the market in an attempt to raise prices.
4. Farmers also benefited from various New Deal programs aimed at assisting them. The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) provided subsidies to farmers who agreed to reduce production to stabilize prices. The Rural Electrification Administration (REA) brought electricity to rural areas, improving the productivity and quality of life for farmers.
5. The unemployed and farmers actively supported political candidates who promised relief measures and economic reforms. They played a crucial role in electing Franklin D. Roosevelt as president in 1932, as he presented himself as a champion of workers and farmers.
Overall, unemployed workers and farmers responded to the deepening depression through direct action, organizing protests and strikes, joining labor unions, migrating to cities, and supporting political candidates who pledged to address their concerns.