The History of the United States, 2nd Edition Season 1 Episode 65 The Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression

The Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression is the 65th episode of the first season of The History of the United States, 2nd Edition. In this episode, viewers are taken back to the early 20th century to explore the causes and impact of one of the most devastating economic disasters in American history. The episode charts the rise of Wall Street, the stock market and the excesses of the 'roaring twenties' that led to over speculation, risky investing, and a false sense of economic security.

The episode explores the impact that the Wall Street Crash had on American society. Through a series of expert interviews and archive footage, viewers learn how an error in judgment by a handful of Wall Street traders triggered a chain reaction that ultimately led to a financial cataclysm. The episode tells the story of how the stock market plummeted in just one day, wiping out fortunes and leaving thousands of investors penniless. It also delves into the impact of the crash on ordinary Americans, such as farmers, who were already struggling with drought and were now facing foreclosure.

Throughout the episode, viewers are introduced to a set of vivid characters who lived and worked through the Great Depression. These include Herbert Hoover, who was president at the time of the Wall Street Crash and the start of the Great Depression; Franklin D. Roosevelt who succeeded him and came up with a plan to save the country; and citizens of New York City and rural areas who shared their personal accounts of hardship, hunger, and homelessness during this period.

The episode also explores the government's response to the Great Depression. Viewers learn that president Hoover initially recommended a laissez-faire approach to the situation, but as the crisis deepened, his administration was forced to change course. The episode explores the New Deal, FDR's set of initiatives aimed at stimulating the economy and providing relief for those impacted by the depression. From the establishment of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) to the creation of the Works Progress Administration (WPA), viewers see how the federal government attempted to lift the country out of economic despair.

The Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression episode is a somber and thought-provoking reflection on an era of American history that continues to be relevant today. Through expert analysis, powerful archival footage, and personal accounts of those who lived through it, viewers witness how a series of events shook the country to its core. Ultimately, the episode offers a message of resilience and hope, reminding us that even in the bleakest of times, America has always managed to find a way to persevere.