Summary
For many Americans, the era of the "Roaring Twenties" represented good times, a respite from war, and a booming economy. Consumer goods flew from the shelves of America's stores and shops, and the country invested in the stock market as never before. But by the end of the decade, millions witnessed the end of those heady days of jobs, money to spend, and financial security. Fear gripped the nation. By the end of the 1930s, the United States had experienced at least 10 years of hard times, unemployment, and radical change that redefined the role of the federal government. The country had relied on its new president, Franklin D. Roosevelt, to boost the economy with his ambitious New Deal programs, but many questioned the success of his policies. Readers can explore for themselves the effectiveness of Roosevelt's policies and the legacies they left in this timely volume.