Shantytown

Shantytowns, also known as "Hoovervilles," sprang up during the Great Depression as makeshift communities for people who lost their homes and jobs. Named sarcastically after President Herbert Hoover, whom many blamed for the economic crisis, these settlements were built from scrap materials like plywood, metal, and cardboard. They symbolized the widespread poverty and desperation of the era, highlighting the failures of the government to provide adequate support. Today, the concept of shantytowns reminds us of the importance of social safety nets and affordable housing, issues that still resonate as many people face homelessness and economic hardship. For example, modern cities often grapple with how to provide adequate shelter for those in need, underscoring the ongoing necessity to address poverty and inequality.