Georgia During the Great Depression by Anita Davis

Georgia During the Great Depression: A Documentary Portrait of a Decade is a book written by Anita Price Davis. This book provides an in-depth look at the state of Georgia during the Great Depression, a period of economic hardship that lasted from 1929 to 1939. The book is divided into three sections: an introduction to the Great Depression, a look at how it affected Georgia, and a conclusion.

The introduction provides an overview of the Great Depression, including its causes, effects, and the government’s response. It also examines the impact of the New Deal, a series of programs designed to help Americans recover from the economic crisis. The second section focuses on how the Great Depression affected Georgia, including the rise of poverty, unemployment, and homelessness. It also looks at the role of women in the workforce and the impact of the New Deal on the state. The final section provides a conclusion, summarizing the main themes of the book and offering useful takeaways.

The main themes of the book include the devastating effects of the Great Depression, the importance of government intervention, and the resilience of the people of Georgia.

Useful takeaways include:

• The Great Depression had a profound impact on the people of Georgia, leading to poverty, unemployment, and homelessness.
• Government intervention was essential in helping the people of Georgia recover from the economic crisis.
• Women played an important role in the workforce during the Great Depression.
• Despite the hardships, the people of Georgia showed remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

What I Liked

This book really shows just how backward an poor Georgia (and the rest of the South was) in the pre-War era. The South was basically a developing country within the United States that did not fully industrialize and develop until the 1950s. It’s really remarkable to see the world that my grandparents were born into – and the change that they saw in their lifetimes.

What I Did Not Like

The book can border on academic, so the writing is not lively or engaging. But that’s ok because the photos are amazing.