Question

Which of the following statements most likely explains the increase in crime rates during the Depression era?

Crime rates increased during the Depression because people were angry at the wealthy business leaders and wanted to get even for their losses.
Crime rates increased during the Depression because people could make more money doing criminal acts than working.
Crime rates increased during the Depression because there were fewer police officers available to enforce the law.
Crime rates increased during the Depression because people were desperate to find food for themselves and their families.

Answer 1

The statement which describes about the depression era Crime rates increased during the Depression because people were desperate to find food for themselves and their families.

Step-by-step explanation:

Due to the depression, the American people faced the worst economic slowdown and also suffered from hunger and poverty.

The Collapse of the several banks was also a reason for the urban people to commit crimes because due to the scarcity of the food and money many went despair and started to do crime to attain their self needs and to support the family.

Due to this depression, they faced a serious issue of the drastic increase in unemployment.

Answer 2

The last option here would be the correct one.

The Great Depression which officially started in 1929, was on of the worst economic crisis that hit the United States in its history. People lost their jobs in droves and they did not have money. So the most likely explanation is that people turned to crime out of desperation and the need to feed themselves and their families.