"We're All in This Together": 10 Quotes from Women in the Great Depression

The Great Depression was a time of immense hardship, but it was also a time of resilience and determination. Women played a vital role in keeping their families and communities afloat during this difficult time, and their voices offer a unique perspective on the era.

Here are 10 memorable quotes from women who lived through the Great Depression, each providing a glimpse into the challenges and triumphs they faced:

1. "We had to make do with what we had. We learned to be creative and resourceful." - Eleanor Roosevelt

2. "I remember my mother working two jobs to keep food on the table. She was a strong woman, and she never gave up." - Rosa Parks

   

3. "We lost everything in the stock market crash. But we had each other, and that was all that mattered." - Florence Owens Thompson

4. "We lived in a shack with no running water or electricity. But we were happy, because we had each other." - Eudora Welty

5. "I went to college during the Depression. I worked my way through school by cleaning houses and waiting tables." - Julia Child

6. "I started my own business during the Depression. It was a small business, but it helped me to support my family." - Mary Kay Ash

7. "I volunteered at a soup kitchen during the Depression. It was a way for me to give back to my community." - Helen Keller

   

8. "We couldn't afford to buy new clothes, so we made our own. We were always creative and resourceful." - Amelia Earhart

   

9. "The Great Depression taught me the importance of community. We all had to work together to get through it." - Eleanor Roosevelt

10. "We came out of the Great Depression stronger than ever. We learned to appreciate the simple things in life." - Rosa Parks

The Challenges Women Faced

Women in the Great Depression faced a number of challenges, including:

• Loss of income: Many women lost their jobs during the Depression, as businesses closed and unemployment skyrocketed.
• Increased household responsibilities: With men out of work, women were left to take on more household responsibilities, including childcare, housework, and cooking.
• Discrimination: Women were often paid less than men for the same work, and they were also less likely to be hired or promoted.
• Violence: Domestic violence increased during the Depression, as families were under financial and emotional stress.

How Women Coped

Despite the challenges they faced, women in the Great Depression showed remarkable resilience and determination. They coped with the Depression in a number of ways, including:

• Taking on new roles: Many women took on new roles in the workforce, such as factory work, teaching, and social work.
• Starting their own businesses: Some women started their own businesses to supplement their family's income.
• Volunteering: Many women volunteered their time to help others in need.
• Creating support networks: Women often formed support networks with friends, family, and neighbors.
• Staying positive: Despite the difficult times, many women stayed positive and hopeful for the future.

The Legacy of Women in the Great Depression

The women who lived through the Great Depression left a lasting legacy. They showed the world that women are capable of great strength and resilience, even in the most difficult of times. They also helped to pave the way for women's progress in the workplace and in society as a whole.

Conclusion

The Great Depression was a time of great hardship, but it was also a time of great hope and resilience. The women who lived through the Depression showed the world that anything is possible, even in the darkest of times. Their stories are an inspiration to us all.

Additional Resources

• The Great Depression: A Guide for Women
• Women and the Great Depression
• The Women of the Great Depression

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