In How Steel Was Tempered, Paul experienced a series of crises and challenges, the most famous of which was the economic crisis he experienced in the late 1920s. During this period, Paul's family business was in trouble due to the economic crisis. After his father's death, Paul's family life became more difficult. He had to give up his studies and start to work at home to earn his living expenses. However, Paul didn't give in to this predicament. He gradually succeeded by studying hard and working hard. He became an excellent worker in a factory production and was promoted to monitor. However, Paul also experienced some political crises during this period. He played an active role in a labor movement, but he was also opposed by some conservative forces. They tried to put Paul's reputation down and make him lose his power. In the end, Paul overcame a series of crises and challenges through continuous efforts and firm conviction, becoming an outstanding worker leader and revolutionary.