-The stock market crash in 1929.
-Bank Failures
-Reduction in purchasing across the board
-American economic policy with Europe
-Drought Conditions
Take your pick
Yes, in general it is true that an important characteristic of civilization is economic activity, since without economic activity it is impossible to trade and grow the economy to the extent that people can develop new skills and trades.
Parts of the American society created racial stereotypes against latinos after many illegal Mexican immigrants crossed the border into America.