The phrase “use it, wear it out, make it or do without” was used in numerous families during the Great Depression. The Great Depression was the most severe and longest depression anyone had ever experienced. It was a total economic crisis that began in North America in 1929. Consumer spending and investment declined, causing a decrease in industrial production which led to unemployment. When the Great Depression reached its nadir, nearly half of America's banks had closed and between 13 and 15 million people were unemployed. Although the relief and change measures adopted by President Franklin D. Roosevelt reduced the most dire effects of the Great Depression in the 1930s, the economy did not completely change direction until after 1939, when World War II hit the industry American. in high gear (Nelion; “The Great Depression (1929-1939)”). The Great Depression has generous causes, including the stock market crash of October 27, 1929, and the withdrawal of one's money from banks after the stock market crash. Also contributing to the Great Depression was the unequal distribution of wealth in America. As a result, the Great Depression also had abundant social effects, as well as popular economic effects. During the summer of 1929, consumer spending declined and excess goods began to accumulate. At the same time, stock prices continued to rise. Eventually the stock got so high that it would no longer match future earnings, and investors began selling all their shares. About 12.9 million shares were sold that day, known as “Black Thursday.” Five days later, nearly 16 million more shares were sold on a day called “Black Tuesday.” Consumers had lost confidence in the stock market, declining spending and investment led businesses to slow production and begin laying off workers (Nelion; “The Great Depression