Which historical event was the major incentive for Harburg to write the song, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"

The historical event that was the major incentive for Harburg to write the song, "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" was the Great Depression. The song writer was triggered to write this song upon seeing the effects of great depression to the veteran people who used to be men in uniform, serving the country during their prime years. These people were left struggling, unable to provide for themselves and abandoned in the streets.