During the Great Depression, artists and writers used their creativity to show the tough times people were facing. Their work often showed the struggles and strength of society during this difficult period.

1. Themes of Poverty and Struggle:

• Many artists created pictures and stories about poverty, job loss, and hard times. One well-known photograph is “Migrant Mother” by Dorothea Lange, which shows the sadness of families who lost everything.

2. Government Support Programs:

• The government started programs to help artists and writers. One program, called the Federal Art Project, helped provide money for their work. From 1935 to 1943, the Works Progress Administration (WPA) gave jobs to more than 8 million people, spending about $27 million on the arts.

3. Literary Movements:

• Writers like John Steinbeck and Richard Wright talked about the unfairness in society. Steinbeck’s book, "The Grapes of Wrath," published in 1939, told the story of migrant workers. It was very popular, selling over 1.5 million copies in just its first year.

4. Artistic Styles:

• Artists used realistic styles and focused on social issues. The Ashcan School, which included artists like George Bellows, highlighted city life and the struggles of everyday workers.

5. Impact of Art:

• Art became a way to push for social change and raise awareness about important problems, like unemployment and homelessness. The works from this time still hold a significant place in American culture and continue to speak to us today.