Depression-Era Breadlines, ca. 1932 | State Historical Society of Iowa

The black and white photo shows a long line of men waiting in a bread line.

Courtesy of National Archives, "Depression: Breadlines:long line of people waiting to be fed: New York City..." ca. 1932

Description

This black and white photograph depicts a long breadline with a number of men waiting for food in New York City. Under President Herbert Hoover, there was an absence of substantial government relief programs during 1932. Free food was distributed with private funds in some urban centers where there were large numbers of unemployed.

Source-Dependent Questions

Using information from the photograph, does this support or counter President Herbert Hoover's approach to correcting the Great Depression?
How might you expect a person who is poor or homeless to dress? How do the individuals in this photograph meet or defy those expectations? Why?

Citation Information

"Depression: Breadlines:long line of people waiting to be fed: New York City: in the absence of substantial government relief programs during 1932, free food was distributed with private funds in some urban centers to large numbers of the unemployed," ca. 1932. Courtesy of National Archives