Summary: The Great Depression was a severe economic depression that began in the United States following the stock market crash in October of 1929 and lasted into the late 1930s. In this lesson, students will learn about the causes and impact of the Great Depression as well as the significance of governmental policies on the crisis.
Overarching Questions:
- ECONOMICS: What is the proper role of government in the economy? (Especially with regard to economic crises, national defense/security, health and safety of the people, and economic development and practices.)
- CIVICS: How well does the government balance individual rights and the common good, including the need to maintain order, safety and a healthy environment, during this time period?
NJ Student Learning Standards for Social Studies:
- 6.1.12.EconNE.9.a: Explain how economic indicators are used to evaluate the health of the economy (i.e., gross domestic product, the consumer price index, the national debt, and the trade deficit).
- 6.1.12.EconNE.9.b: Compare and contrast the causes and outcomes of the stock market crash in 1929 with other periods of economic instability
- 6.1.12.HistoryCA.9.a: Explore the global context of the Great Depression and the reasons for the worldwide economic collapse.
- 6.1.12.HistoryUP.9.a: Analyze the impact of the Great Depression on the American family and ethnic and racial minorities.
Link to Lesson: The Great Depression | C-SPAN Classroom