The Bay of Pigs Invasion: A Failed U.S. Mission The Bay of Pigs Invasion was a major event during the Cold War that took place in 1961. It was a failed attempt by the United States to overthrow Cuba’s communist leader, Fidel Castro. The invasion embarrassed the U.S. and made tensions with the Soviet Union …
The Arms Race: A Cold War Competition The Arms Race was a dangerous competition between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War (1945–1991). Both nations tried to build the most powerful weapons, especially nuclear weapons. This race led to fear, tension, and the constant threat of war. But what caused the …
What Was the Dust Bowl? The Dust Bowl was a severe environmental disaster that affected the Great Plains region of the United States during the 1930s. Massive dust storms swept across states like Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, and New Mexico, turning fertile farmland into dry, barren land. The Dust Bowl made life very difficult for …
Who Was Herbert Hoover? Herbert Hoover was the 31st President of the United States, serving from 1929 to 1933. He is often remembered for being president when the Great Depression began. Before his presidency, Hoover was a successful businessman and humanitarian. However, his response to the economic crisis damaged his reputation, and many blamed him …
Who Were the Bonus Army? The Bonus Army was a group of World War I veterans who protested in Washington, D.C., during the Great Depression. These veterans were demanding early payment of a cash bonus that the government had promised them for their service. The protest began peacefully but ended in conflict, damaging President Herbert …
What Were FDR’s Fireside Chats? FDR’s Fireside Chats were a series of radio speeches given by President Franklin D. Roosevelt during the Great Depression and World War II. These chats were meant to inform and reassure the American people during times of crisis. A reporter named Harry Butcher coined the term “Fireside Chats” (“coined” means …
Who Was FDR, and What Was the New Deal? Franklin D. Roosevelt, often called FDR, was the 32nd President of the United States. He led the country during two major crises: the Great Depression and World War II. To help America recover from the Great Depression, FDR introduced a series of programs and policies known …
What Were Hoovervilles? During the Great Depression, many Americans lost their jobs, homes, and savings. With nowhere to live, thousands of families built small communities of shacks and tents. These settlements were called Hoovervilles, named after President Herbert Hoover, who many blamed for the country’s economic troubles. People used the name to criticize Hoover because …
What Were the Causes of the Great Depression? The Great Depression was the worst economic crisis in American history, lasting from 1929 to the early 1940s. Millions of people lost their jobs, homes, and savings. Businesses closed, and families struggled to survive. But what caused this devastating event? The Great Depression didn’t happen overnight; it …
What Is the Great Depression? The Great Depression was a time of severe economic (related to money and resources) hardship that affected millions of people in the United States and around the world. It lasted from 1929 to the early 1940s. A depression is a long period of economic struggle, where many people lose jobs, …