To put another way, the peak unemployment rate in the US during the Great Depression (and of all time) was 21% early in the Roosevelt administration. That mean

To put another way, the peak unemployment rate in the US during the Great Depression (and of all time) was 21% early in the Roosevelt administration. That meant that 79% had a job. Yes, yes, that doesn't mean that all 79% could pay all their bills, etc. That does mean, though, that a large majority of Americans saw their paychecks go further in terms of lower food and housing costs.