why is it sometimes said that some rural Georgians never realized there was a great depression that occurred during the last 1920s and 1930s
One reason why it is sometimes said that some rural Georgians never realized there was a Great Depression during the 1920s and 1930s is because of the limited impact it had on their daily lives. Here are a few factors that contributed to this perception:
1. Agricultural Economy: Rural Georgians were largely employed in agriculture, which provided a level of self-sufficiency. They often grew their own food and had small-scale farming practices. Although the agricultural sector was affected by falling crop prices, droughts, and other challenges, the depression's impact on subsistence farmers was relatively limited compared to industrial workers in urban areas.
2. Isolation and Lack of Communication: Rural areas had limited access to newspapers, radios, and other sources of information compared to urban centers. This isolation meant that news of the economic crisis spreading across the nation was less likely to reach rural communities promptly or accurately.
3. Existing Poverty: Many rural communities in Georgia were already impoverished before the Great Depression. These areas had been struggling economically for years due to factors such as low crop prices, soil depletion, and sharecropping. Consequently, the downturn in the economy during the depression might not have been as starkly noticeable in these communities.
4. Community Networks and Barter System: Rural Georgians often relied on close-knit community networks for support. These networks would share resources, provide assistance, and exchange goods through a barter system. Such communities were often better equipped to cope with economic hardships collectively, which could have led to a perception that the Depression was not as severe as it was in other areas.
It is important to note that while some rural Georgians may not have been as directly affected by the Great Depression, this was not the case for everyone. There were undoubtedly rural communities that experienced significant hardships during this time, particularly those heavily dependent on cash-crop agriculture, industries, or financial institutions.