Final answer:
The formation of "Hoovervilles" and shantytowns during the Great Depression was an effect of high unemployment and homelessness. They reflected the public sentiment towards President Hoover's inadequate response to the crisis, as they were built by jobless individuals who had lost their homes.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Great Depression, the formation of "Hoovervilles" and shantytowns was a direct effect of high unemployment and homelessness. These shantytowns were named "Hoovervilles" as a derogatory reference to President Hoover, who was largely perceived as not providing adequate government aid to the suffering populace. A shocking statistic from the Bureau of Labor Statistics highlighted that by 1933, about 1 out of every 4 workers was jobless.
The lack of employment opportunities resulted in families being unable to pay rent or mortgages, leading to widespread homelessness and the emergence of these makeshift communities on the outskirts of cities.
Furthermore, in both urban and rural areas, Americans struggled with hunger and malnutrition, as private charities were overwhelmed and unable to meet the escalating needs of the people. The spread of "Hoovervilles" became such a prevalent symbol of the era, associated with poverty, struggle, and the perceived inaction of the government, etching a lasting image of President Hoover's legacy in American history.