The Consequences of the Great Depression in the US Experienced from Children - Research Paper Example

were hit hardest by the depression. On realizing that the economic downfall will last for a period, many countries initiated plans to keep their domestic production protected through the imposition of tariffs. Others raised their existing tariffs, and quotas were set on foreign imports (Ewing, 2006). All these restrictive measured aimed at reduction of international trade volume. Over the consequent assorted number of years, the contribution from investors declined and so did the consumption rate of the customers (Rauchway, 2008).

Some economists are of the opinion that significant outcomes tot eh political sphere, with some political aspirants like Franklin D. Roosevelt of the democrat getting advantage of the economic distress. Arguably, the economic depression affected nation, consequently affecting individuals with those involved in trade getting severe effects. Though given less emphasis, the effects of the depression in children was as well diverse. This paper analyses in depth the consequences of the Great Depression in the US experienced by children.

Lack of education Education is a key factor to the success of every child. As such, it is a requirement that children are given enough of it to ensure that their future life is well constructed. However, with the prevailing tension and economic distress during the Great Depression, the opportunity to access education was at stake (Terkel, 2011). Evidently, during this period, American institutions were profoundly transformed. For instance, in the 1920s, there was erosion of crucial educational advances, resulting in the closing of schools.

The closure of these schools was instigated by the fact that funding was no more. In addition, those schools that were under construction were brought to a halt. This meant that children could not attend school any more. Notably also, the arrears for teachers and educational administrators increased. As a result, they formed unions and engaged in strikes with hope that their arrears would be cleared. The consequences were felt by children for lack of teachers and administrators meant that learning was no more (Bound & Turner, 2002).

Retrieved on March 30, 2013, from http://static.ddmcdn.com/gif/trickle-down-in-down-market-1.jpg Alteration of Family Unit structures The Great Depression altered the way of living for families and children, turning to be a challenge to every American family. The notable effects ranged from impacted financial structures and employment of the entire family unit. Further, the families lost their jobs and could not settle their mortgage debt were rendered homeless. The basic needs like food, water, and shelter became scarce.

Regardless of where one was living, be it in the city or on the farms, life was hectic for everyone. The depression forced the kids to work, made others run away from their family, and began living in the railroads. Most of the children from families that were not well off were forced to work and bring money to the family for their upkeep (Rauchway, 2008). This meant that the family structure was completely altered as every individual in the family felt the need to work add to the family income.

Working of the children was not that good since children were affected in growth due to the physical fatigue and psychological depression. Medical challenges During this period, scholars document that infant mortality rate was at its peak because there was no prenatal medical care for the pregnant