Summary: In this lesson, students will identify conditions in the economy to learn about the Great Depression. Students will analyze the relationship between increases and decreases in employment and consumer spending; define and identify interdependence within a market economy; describe how the policies of the Federal Reserve System during the 20s and 30s affected the Great Depression.
Overarching Questions:
- CIVICS: Have individuals and groups influenced public policy during this time period? If so, how and what has been the impact?
- 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.)
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.d: Explain the interdependence of various parts of a market economy (i.e., private enterprise, government programs, and the Federal Reserve System).
- 6.1.12.HistoryCC.9.a: Analyze how the actions and policies of the United States government contributed to the Great Depression.
- 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: https://www.econedlink.org/resources/where-did-all-the-money-go-the-great-depression-mystery/