This is the first encyclopedia devoted exclusively to the Great Depression and the New Deal. Covering the years 1929 to 1941, it traces all the major political, economic, social, and cultural movements, as well as the principal events and people, during the longest and most severe economic crisis in American history. The set gives students and researchers all the essential information on how the nation confronted the Great Depression, and how this pivotal era continues to influence America's identity, politics, and economy. Illustrated throughout, Encyclopedia of the Great Depression and the New Deal is divided into five parts: * Part I: Broad Themes - Analyzes the Depression's impact on Government and Politics, Labor, Daily Life, Culture and the Media, and International Affairs. * Part II: Issues and Events - Covers in detail every major event, issue, and topic of the Depression and New Deal Era. * Part III: The U.S. Government During the 1930s - Focuses in depth on the various programs, agencies, and legislation enacted to confront the Depression. * Part IV: Biographies - Portrays all the key individuals of the period as well as other prominent figures. * Part V: Documents - Includes influential speeches, laws, songs, and literature from the 1930s.