Evaluate the consequences of the Great Depression impacted the African-American community in Harlem

Question

A. Many African American farmers in Harlem packed up and moved West
B. It ended a major intellectual and cultural movement and cause people to question the existing order
C. Unemployment increased by about 25%
D. It caused the Harlem teenage Community to become Boxcar Children

Answer 1

The Great Depression had profound consequences for the African-American community in Harlem, and the best option from your list to evaluate those consequences would be:

C. Unemployment increased by about 25%

During the Great Depression, African Americans faced disproportionately high unemployment rates compared to their white counterparts. In Harlem, like in many urban areas, economic hardships led to job losses, business closures, and worsening living conditions. Harlem, known for its vibrant culture and intellectual movements during the Harlem Renaissance, experienced significant socio-economic challenges as the effects of the Depression deepened.

Here's a brief evaluation of the other options:

A. Many African American farmers in Harlem packed up and moved West - This option is misleading as Harlem is a neighborhood in New York City, and there weren't many African American farmers living there. The migration of African Americans out of the rural South to urban areas was already occurring before the Great Depression, and while some sought better opportunities, the reality was that many urban residents faced massive unemployment and poverty.

B. It ended a major intellectual and cultural movement and caused people to question the existing order - While the Great Depression certainly impacted cultural movements, the Harlem Renaissance was already declining due to a variety of factors, including the economic crisis and changing social dynamics. This statement is partially valid but does not capture the precise economic consequences of the depression.

D. It caused the Harlem teenage Community to become Boxcar Children - This is somewhat exaggerated. While many young people faced poverty and instability, the term "Boxcar Children" specifically refers to fictional characters who were homeless and traveled by boxcars, which isn't an accurate representation of the broader teenage community in Harlem during the Great Depression.

In summary, while all of these points touch on aspects of the effects of the Great Depression, option C is the most direct and impactful consequence regarding unemployment in the African-American community in Harlem.