The Appalachian region was significantly impacted by the Great Depression in the 1930s, leading to widespread poverty and the establishment of New Deal programs.

During the 1930s, the Great Depression severely affected the Appalachian region, which already faced economic challenges from coal mining and agriculture. Many people in the area struggled with poverty, unemployment, and poor living conditions. In response, the U.S. government introduced New Deal programs aimed at providing relief, such as the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), which focused on economic development, infrastructure projects, and electrification of the region. The era marked a period of hardship but also the beginning of federal efforts to improve the quality of life in Appalachia.