Hoovervilles were makeshift shantytowns that sprang up during [[The Great Depression]] in the United States, which lasted from 1929 to 1939. The name "Hooverville" was derived from President Herbert Hoover, who was in office when the stock market crashed in 1929, marking the beginning of the Depression. Many people blamed Hoover for the economic crisis and the widespread unemployment and poverty that followed. These shantytowns were built by homeless people who had lost their jobs and homes as a result of the economic downturn. Residents of Hoovervilles constructed their shelters from various materials, such as cardboard, wood, and metal scraps. These makeshift dwellings were often clustered together in vacant lots, parks, and on the outskirts of cities. Hoovervilles could be found in major cities across the United States, including New York City, Seattle, Los Angeles, and Washington D.C. The living conditions in Hoovervilles were generally poor, with inadequate sanitation, limited access to clean water, and a lack of basic necessities like food and clothing. Despite these hardships, some communities developed a sense of solidarity and cooperation, with residents pooling resources and helping each other out. ## The New Deal lifts Americans out of Hoovervilles Hoovervilles began to disappear in the late 1930s and early 1940s, as the U.S. economy gradually improved and the government implemented policies to address unemployment and housing issues. Programs such as [[The New Deal]], initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, provided job opportunities and financial assistance, which helped many Americans regain their footing. Hoovervilles remain an important symbol of the Great Depression, reflecting the desperation and resourcefulness of those who lived through one of the most challenging periods in American history.