Student Activities for The Great Depression
Discussion Questions
- What were the major causes of the Great Depression?
- How did the sudden rise of a consumer economy backfire?
- How and why did the stock market suddenly crash? What were the effects of this crash on the American economy?
- How did Presidents Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delano Roosevelt attempt to solve the economic crisis? How did both succeed and/or fail, and what criticisms were brought against their actions?
- How did FDR change the role of the federal government in a democratic, capitalist society? How were these actions supported and opposed?
- What made up FDR’s New Deal initiatives? What were the major outcomes and consequences of these initiatives?
- What caused the Dust Bowl? What lasting effects did it have not only on the American economy, but farmers in general?
The Great Depression
Throughout American history, the economy has experienced booms and busts. As a capitalist society, the country likes to believe that everyone can achieve the dream of wealth and happiness through work ethic and skill. However, in many instances, this capitalist economy expands, peaks, and eventually collapses. During the 1920s, many citizens enjoyed the spoils of a peaked economy. The combined effects of World War I, evolving consumerism, and easy credit promoted purchases and grew industries exponentially. But this rise in consumerism, credit, and the American market would soon lead to the biggest economic depression on record.
The Great Depression of the 1930s had many symptoms. Banks failed, unemployment skyrocketed, and the stock market plummeted. As credit was distributed and goods were purchased, over production soon became the enemy of the economy. Workers were laid off and when they lost their income, they also lost their buying power. Thus began the snowball effect: fewer products were purchased, more workers were cut, and debts were never paid back. Soon, banks were left without a liquid monetary source and failed, robbing many of their life savings.
The result majorly impacted citizens from all walks of life, from farmers to stock brokers. As the government tried to prioritize and solve the many issues at hand, people struggled throughout the nation. It would not be until the election of Franklin Delano Roosevelt in 1932 that people began to see hope in what was a certainly bleak time. With his New Deal initiatives, FDR eventually pulled the United States out of the Depression, a decade long endeavor.
How Tos about The Great Depression in America
Engage students with an interactive Great Depression timeline activity
Capture attention by inviting students to build a visual timeline of major events from the Great Depression using index cards, posters, or digital tools. This approach helps them see cause-and-effect relationships and sequence historical moments for deeper understanding.
Assign roles for a classroom debate on New Deal policies
Encourage participation by giving students different historical perspectives (e.g., farmers, bankers, politicians) for a debate about FDR’s New Deal. This method makes learning active and helps students appreciate multiple viewpoints.
Use primary sources to spark critical thinking
Promote analysis by sharing authentic documents, photos, or letters from the era. Ask students guiding questions to help them connect personal stories to broader historical trends.
Connect the past to present with economic simulations
Foster real-world understanding by running a simple classroom simulation where students experience budget cuts, unemployment, or market changes. Relating these experiences to today’s economy makes lessons memorable.
Reflect on lessons learned through creative projects
Encourage expression by inviting students to create posters, short stories, or comics showing how the Great Depression changed American society. This step lets students synthesize knowledge and demonstrate empathy.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Great Depression in America
What were the main causes of the Great Depression?
The Great Depression was triggered by a combination of factors, including overproduction, easy credit, the stock market crash of 1929, and widespread bank failures. These led to unemployment and a collapse of consumer buying power, deepening the economic crisis.
How did Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal help end the Great Depression?
FDR’s New Deal introduced programs and reforms that created jobs, supported farmers, regulated banks, and implemented social safety nets. These efforts helped restore confidence and gradually pulled the U.S. out of the Depression.
What impact did the Dust Bowl have during the Great Depression?
The Dust Bowl caused severe drought and soil erosion, devastating farms and forcing thousands of families to migrate. It worsened the economic hardship for farmers and highlighted the need for changes in agricultural practices.
How can teachers make learning about the Great Depression engaging for students?
Teachers can use interactive activities, primary sources, and discussion questions to help students analyze causes, effects, and solutions of the Great Depression. Storyboards, debates, and creative projects encourage deeper understanding and participation.
What were the differences between Hoover’s and Roosevelt’s responses to the Great Depression?
Hoover favored limited government intervention, while Roosevelt launched the New Deal with active programs to address unemployment and economic instability. Roosevelt’s approach was more direct and transformative in tackling the crisis.
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