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The Stock Market Crash Of 1929

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On October 29, 1929, investors took a turn for the worse and were just in the beginning of a huge crisis that would cause them to lose everything. This crash pushed many Americans to depression, suicide, and destruction. By 1933, 4,000 banks had closed and Americans started to panic. The stock market crash of 1929 was a major turning point in the history of the United States and billions of dollars were lost. During the 1920s, throughout the country, there were social, economic, and political changes. Congress limited immigration, embraced isolationism, and provided protective tariffs and tax benefits, which was favored by big businesses, in this period. Also, production and industry made a significant change. The automobile became more affordable and its production nearly tripled. "Business grew by approximately 85 percent, although wages increased by only 8 percent. New technology and machinery improved access to jobs, while standardized mass production reduced the cost of consumer goods"(The Stock Market Crashes: October 29, 1929). Then, the washing machine, refrigerator, vacuum cleaner, and radio changed many lives during this time. In addition, consumer debt rose and Americans could buy many new technologies with no limitations on what the size of their savings account was. The growing stock market drove the 1920s into a great economic boom. "Many people bought stocks, relying on bank loans to cover their purchase, convinced that rising stock prices would cover the

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