what group of americans may have had it the toughest during the great depression

Answer 1

During the Great Depression, several groups of Americans faced particularly severe hardships:

1. Farmers: Many farmers struggled due to falling crop prices, severe droughts (particularly in the Dust Bowl region), and the burden of debt. The economic collapse led to widespread foreclosures and loss of farmlands.

2. Industrial Workers: Many factory jobs were lost as businesses shut down or cut back. Workers in industries such as steel, textiles, and automobiles faced unemployment, wage cuts, and poor working conditions.

3. African Americans: This group faced disproportionate levels of unemployment and discrimination, with many working in low-paying, unstable jobs. The economic crisis exacerbated existing racial inequalities.

4. Native Americans: The Great Depression severely impacted Native American communities, which often already lived in poverty. They had limited access to resources, and many found their traditional means of support disrupted.

5. Unemployed and the Homeless: Millions of people found themselves without jobs or homes, leading to homelessness. Shantytowns, known as "Hoovervilles," emerged as people sought shelter in makeshift homes.

6. Women: While women often took on new roles during the Depression, they frequently faced discrimination and were expected to earn less than men for the same work.

Each of these groups experienced unique challenges and social injustices that compounded the struggles of the Great Depression.