In these uncertain economic times, many people are feeling uneasy, and it’s reminiscent of the fears that gripped society during the Great Depression. A fascinating book that illuminates that era is "The Great Depression: A Diary" by Benjamin Roth. His firsthand account paints a vivid picture of the immense hardships that people endured. By delving into Roth’s reflections, we can put into perspective the difficulties of that period, which, in terms of severity and scale, dwarfed the challenges posed by today’s issues, such as President Trump’s tariffs or even the 2008 Global Financial Crisis.
The Daunting Obstacles of the Great Depression
1. High Unemployment
Back in 1933, unemployment rates were staggering, with about 25% of Americans out of work—essentially one in every four individuals. This is quite staggering when you compare it to the highest unemployment rate during the 2008 crisis, which peaked at roughly 10% in the United States—certainly significant, but still…
