top of page
Writer's pictureIan Jones

Lessons Learned from the Great Depression: Adapting Strategies for Today

Updated: Oct 29



The Great Depression

The last Great Depression may provide us with a roadmap. We should take note of the lessons learned from the great depressions and be prepared.


Work Strategies During Economic Collapse

Family Support and Relocation: In tough times, families sticking together can provide mutual support while searching for job opportunities.

Migrant Farm Work: Harvesting different crops at various times offers work for several months, acting as a lifeline for many.

Flexibility and Any Work: Being open to any available work is crucial when job opportunities are scarce.

Child Labor: Even children contribute to family earnings during difficult times.

Value in Everything: Items considered trash, like driftwood and scrap metal, can be collected and sold for money.

Government Employment Programs: Initiatives like the "New Deal" provide jobs, skills, and contribute to infrastructure development.

No Retirement Age: In times of financial strain, anyone capable of working is expected to do so.

Part-Time Work: Employers may offer part-time work, leading many to work multiple part-time jobs.

Persistent Job Search: People may spend all day searching for any available job during times of scarcity.

Creating Own Jobs: Individuals may need to innovate and create their own job opportunities.


Housing Adaptations

Shared Living: Families shared homes, often with extended family, to cope with housing challenges.

Makeshift Shelters: Homeless individuals built makeshift shelters like tents for basic living.

Energy Efficiency: Insulating homes with available materials like mud, newspapers, or tar paper helped conserve heat.

Temperature Management: Keeping homes cooler, wearing layers indoors, and using wet sheets in summer aided in cost-saving.

Home Refinancing: Refinancing homes helped families manage mortgage payments and living expenses.


Money Management Strategies

Barter Economies: In the absence of cash, barter economies thrived, with goods exchanged for services.

Loss of Trust in Banks: Bank closures eroded trust, prompting people to keep cash hidden at home.

Credit Risks: Offering credit without a robust system led to many stores going bankrupt during tough times.

Cash Begging: Begging became common, signalling desperation among those out of work.


Food Survival Tactics

Vegetable Plots: Having a vegetable plot or garden provided a vital food source.

Hunting and Fishing: Harvesting one's meat through hunting and fishing helped supplement diets.

Foraging: Foraging for nuts, berries, and wild greens supplemented food resources for many families.

Canning Skills: Canning was crucial for preserving food, creating a life-saving pantry during winter.

Creative Food Sources: People learned to eat unconventional items when hungry, maximizing available resources.


Clothing and Resourceful Living

Shoe Repair: Repairing shoes with scrap materials extended their lifespan.

Clothing Repairs: Making and repairing clothes using available fabrics, including feed sacks, was common.

Prioritising Use over Fashion: Focus on getting more use out of old clothes rather than spending on new ones.


Society and Attitude Shifts

Community Support: Communities became closer and more supportive, organizing donations and welfare loan schemes.

Willingness to Help: People were willing to give and support, understanding the cyclical nature of need and assistance.

Positive Outlook: Maintaining positivity and a forward-looking attitude was essential for collective resilience.


In summary, the lessons from the Great Depression underscore the importance of adaptability, resourcefulness, and community support during challenging times.


In life's unpredictable journey, today's choices shape tomorrow's possibilities. Preparedness isn't just caution; it's a strategic decision, empowering resilience in the face of disasters.

"Survivorpedia" is your ultimate guide, offering insights and strategies to prepare for the unforeseen. It's not just a book; it's a key to a future of readiness.

Acquire "Survivorpedia" for invaluable knowledge and access to a resource library with over 1000 survival documents. Imagine the peace of mind from such comprehensive preparation.

Safeguard your future—get your copy today and empower your journey.


Disclaimer: This blog contains Affiliate Links. Please support us by using our links. It doesn't cost you any more and we receive a small commission. Thank you.


5 views0 comments

Comments


bottom of page