The Great Depression was a time of economic turmoil in America that lasted from 1929 to 1941, during which people suffered in the streets without money, shelter, or food. Many pivotal events happened in 1936, including the completion of Hoover Dam, the generators at Boulder Dam (Hoover Dam) beginning to transmit electricity, the first edition of Life being published, and the reelection of Franklin D. Roosevelt.

The construction of Hoover Dam played an important role in the Great Depression. (Hoover Dam was originally called Boulder Dam, but was renamed for President Hoover, who wanted to be accredited for doing something about the lack of jobs during the Depression). It was part of a plan to diminish unemployment rates, and it gave thousands of men jobs and therefore money and food for them and their families. On average, the amount of men employed at one time was 3,500 and the maximum employed was...