Zeigeist: The Great Depression

Dominating Events: 
- The Stock Market Crash of October 29th, 1929

- 25% unemployment rate during the worst year of the depression: 1933

There are many theories as to what ultimately caused the great depression. Most of the theories are speculation but each one of them are based on real facts. None the less, everyone can agree that the failure of two major structural factors (the stock market and the banking system) played a large role in causing the depression. Bank failures led to the loss of billions of dollars in assets. Outstanding debts became heavier, because prices and incomes fell by 20–50% but the debts remained at the same in dollar amount. A total of 744 banks failed in 1930 after the stock market crash caused a huge economic panic. 

The newer fashions of the 30's didn't use a great deal of fabric, so people could make their own clothes with less fabric and thus less cost. Especially in the United States, the ready-to-wear clothing industry had advanced in its ability to produce and sell inexpensively a wide range of sizes and styles. Clothing manufacturers copied the latest fashions coming out of Paris and produced cheap imitations. They took advantage of inexpensive fabrics like cotton and rayon, which were well-suited to the flowing lines that were so popular. Finally, most people saved money simply by making their clothes last longer. People ignored the fast turn of the fashion wheel and wore the same dresses and suits for several years because they simply had no other choice.

Dominating Attitude:

The years of the great depression were among the most dismal years in US history. After the stock market crash in 1929, the economy continued to take a downward turn. Experienced, educated professionals found themselves on the street, standing in the soup kitchen line. This was not a time of booming business and partying like in the previous decade, the 20's. People weren't worried about what kind of clothes they were wearing, they worried about trying to survive. Everyone wore the same general outfits in four main colors: Navy, Khaki, Black, and Grey.

Grunge:
Today we are experiencing similar economic problems. Although this recession is not near as extreme, we still live in fear of falling to that point again. Colorful clothing tends to disappear during dismal and uncertain times. This past year we have seen a rebirth of grunge, which spawned during economic troubles in the 90's, so its clear what direction clothing trends are going. Subdued colors, boots, and flannels will probably stay popular during the next few years because the look is cheap and reliable.