Editorial History: In 'Merry Christmas' lies the hope of the human race

Editorial History: In 'Merry Christmas' lies the hope of the human race

The Great Depression descended upon the United States following the stock market crash of 1929 and the beginning of a historic drought — often stylized as "drouth" in those times — among other factors. Some believe its end a decade later was sparked by the nation's great industrial mobilization leading up to and during World War II. At its peak around 1932-33, the unemployment rate was approximately 25%. Many were hungry, homeless and desperate.…