Date
3-2025
Department
History
Abstract
The Great Depression overlaps with several other important historical eras, all of which had their own impact on crime. This study looks at stressors throughout the decade of the Great Depression to attempt to understand how they affect people and therefore, how they affect the amount of violent crimes committed in both a broad and specific sense. Using statistics and historical accounts, this research analyzes topics such as culture, mental and physical health, substance abuse, gangs, and the effects of Prohibition. The fluctuations can be attributed to economic, social, and cultural factors such as Prohibition and the rise of organized crime, economic or psychological stress, changes in ethnic and social relationships. This study shows the importance of understanding the causes of crime and provides a greater understanding of the issues in order to contribute to the identification and prevention of violent crimes and their stressors. By examining the relationship between societal stressors and crime, this paper provides a greater understanding of violent crime trends during the Depression Era.
Recommended Citation
Jancek, Zoe, "Making Waves: Depression Era Violent Crime in the Upper Peninsula and the United States" (2025). HS 390 Primary Research Papers. 1.
https://commons.nmu.edu/hs_390_primary_research_papers/1
Included in
History of Science, Technology, and Medicine Commons, Social History Commons, United States History Commons