CommonLit
Common Lit: Book Pairings: "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck
The Joad family leaves Oklahoma in search of work after their farm is destroyed by the Dust Bowl. They arrive in California only to find that fair jobs, food, and sympathy are scarce. Selected (9) reading passages (grades 8-11) to pair...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: Social and Cultural Effects of the Depression
Read about how the fabric of the nation was changed during the Great Depression. See how the institutions of life--marriage, birth rates, education, public health--all saw disruption because of the compromised economy.
Other
Woody Guthrie: The People's Troubador
The story of Woody Guthrie, the folk musician who wrote the score for the 1930s and the Great Depression.
Digital History
Digital History: The Farmers' Plight
Read about the plight of American farmers in the Great Depression. Franklin Roosevelt instituted several programs to help the rural population, the most important of which was the Agricultural Adjustment Act. Find out whom this act...
Library of Congress
Loc: Woody Guthrie and the Archive of American Folk Song
An archive Woody Guthrie's correspondence from 1940-50. Could provide insight into Woody's music. Contains a great biographical sketch and timeline. Also, a search aid for additional materials at the Library of Congress about him.
Other
Kingwood Library: American Cultural History: 1930 1939
Excellent website offering information about life in the 1930s. Learn about art, literature, books, literature, fashion, people, music, education, and radio of the era of the Depression and the New Deal.
Digital History
Digital History: The Farmer and the Depression [Pdf]
One of the first laws passed in Franklin Roosevelt's first hundred days was the Agricultural Adjustment Act. Read about how it helped farmers in crisis. and how it was the forerunner of the federal farm program in existence today. [pdf]
ClassFlow
Class Flow: Picture Review of the 1930's
[Free Registration/Login Required] This flipchart can be used to introduce or review the major aspects of the 1930's, including the Stock Market Crash, Hoover's presidency, the Bonus Army, the Dust Bowl, FDR and his New Deal Programs.
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Ap Us History: Unit 7: Facing Challenges at Home and Abroad
This extensive learning module examines the role of economic fluctuations in creating new demands on the government to design reforms and how the United States became a dominant military, political, cultural, and economic force in the...
Other
The Weekly South Dakotan: South Dakota History for 4th Grade
From the very beginning and through the twentieth century, this comprehensive collection of lessons will enrich students studying the history in between and the effects on South Dakota.
Department of Defense
Do Dea: Art Appreciation: Unit 7: Photography
In this seventh and final unit of a course on Art Appreciation, students learn about photography and significant photographers. This is followed by a discussion of television and film. Students will learn terminology used, technical...
Scholastic
Scholastic: Karen Hesse's Biography
Find out more about the Newbery awardwinning author Karen Hesse when you explore this resource. Provides a biographical description, a booklist and an interview transcript.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: Woody Guthrie and the Grapes of Wrath
This lesson plan provides ideas for exploring Woodie Guthrie's music while reading John Steinbeck's book The Grapes of Wrath.
The History Cat
The History Cat: The New Deal
Discusses Franklin D. Roosevelt's First and Second New Deals and the different programs that got people back to work and put food on their tables. Looks at the successes and failures of these programs and the criticisms leveled at...
Oklahoma State University
Encyclopedia of Oklahoma History and Culture: Farm Security Administration
An overview of the ambitious goals of the Farm Security Administration as part of the New Deal. Find out the many ways the FSA wanted to help farmers help themselves. Because this article is from the Oklahoma Historical Society, special...
PBS
Pbs Teachers: The Real Dirt on Farmer John: Family Farms in America
Trace the evolution in American agriculture with this interactive timeline. Learn how the history of one small Illinois farm reflects the larger changes, decade by decade.