Here are 10 lessons that people should learn about the great depression, hopefully this helps!
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1. never use something just once-
"disposable" wasn't part of many people's vocabulary during the depression. even scraps could be sewed together and made into something new. nothing was ever wasted.
2. learn more than one trade-
there was no such thing as job security, so being able to adapt to different fields wherever they could find work was absolutely essential.
3. make friends with your neighbors-
communities rallied together to keep every mouth fed — and to support each other through the emotional pain that often came with trying to make ends meet, according to historian Robert McElvaine.
4. you might have to get your hands dirty-
in fact, a lot people didn't even have a choice. most families grew their own groceries right in their backyard, like the feisty little lady pictured above.
5. don’t put all your eggs in one basket-
the lesson we've all thankfully embraced in more modern times of diversifying your funds was at the core of the whole depression. that, and to save a hefty stash of tangible cash to keep around just in case.
6. learn the difference between want and need-
there's obviously an emphasis on material things and high-tech gadgets today that everybody wants. however, during the depression, even when things seemed to be at their worst, communities still found ways to entertain themselves with simple (and inexpensive) fun.
7. always keep a sharp eye for good details-
while out using what little money they had, they made sure to use it right by never settling for the first option. being savvy with coupons, haggling, and other ways to stretch their pennies kept families from going without for too long.
8. protect your family at all costs-
according to the encyclopedia, crime rates went through the roof during the depression. headlines were filled with stories ranging from bootleggers attempting to skirt the prohibition laws and outlaws like Bonnie and Clyde making their way across the country robbing any cash register they could get their hands on. families relied on each other to remain safe and protected, making the bonds between them all the more important.
9. get creative to keep you cupboards full-
you don't see many folks canning and preserving food these days, but it was at its peak when the cupboards were in danger of going completely bare throughout the depression. it might be a good idea for this to make a comeback with more families today.
10. remember to focus on what really matters-
above all the hardships that were thrown their way, one of the most important, if not the most, things that helped people find the strength to carry on: love. families spent more time together, with every member doing whatever they could to keep a smile on everyone's face.
