Other
Great Courses Daily: What Caused the Great Depression? Exploring the Smoot Hawley Tariff
This article provides a concise explanation of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff, why it was passed and how it affected the economy of the United States and ultimately the world.
Other
Austin Community College: The Crash & Early Depression
"The Crash and Early Depression" by historian L. Patrick Hughes looks at the reasons for the stock market crash of 1929, the political response, and the scope and severity of the Great Depression.
John F. Kennedy Center
The Kennedy Center: Migrant Workers Through the Lens of Dorothea Lange
Using song lyrics and Dorothea Lange's photographs, students will explore the hardships migrant workers faced during the Great Depression.
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Political Influences of the Great Depression
Given primary and secondary sources of information about selected New Deal measures (e.g., the creation of the Civilian Conservation Corps or the passage of the Agricultural Adjustment Act), students will analyze how these measures...
Council for Economic Education
Econ Ed Link: Where Did All the Money Go? The Great Depression Mystery
Use this lesson plan to have students investigate how the American economy went from boom to bust in the 1920s. Find the resources needed for the activity as well as important discussion questions for individual and class consideration.
Texas Education Agency
Texas Gateway: Evaluate Tone in Various Media for Audiences and Purposes
This lesson will help you evaluate changes in formality and tone within printed texts written for specific audiences and purposes. It focuses on writing produced during the Great Depression. RL.9-10.4 Word choice, Tone
Other
Old State House Museum: Arkansas Depression Era Photos
Take a pictorial journey back in time to experience the Great Depression as it occurred for many Arkansas people. Photos of the time create a visual history of the 1930's.
PBS
Wnet: Thirteen: Freedom: A History of Us: Depression and War
Looks at the Great Depression in America and the events of World War II under Franklin D. Roosevelt. Adapted from A History of US by Joy Hakim. Includes timeline, glossary, quiz, historic photographs, audioclips, links for further...
Wessels Living History Farm
Living History Farm: Farming in the 1930s
During the hard economic times of the 1930s, farm families turned to low-cost entertainment such as barn dances. By listening to personal stories, discover what farm life was like during the Great Depression.
Auburn University
Auburn University: Glossary of Political Economy Terms: Depression Defined
This is a very thorough definition of economic depression by Dr. Paul Johnson of Auburn University.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Public Enemy #1: Gangsters During the Depression
"Gangsters" in the Great Depression were divided into two different groups: Mobsters and Outlaws. This article discusses the differences between the two and the role each group played.
Digital History
Digital History: What Caused the Depression [Pdf]
Look at the factors that led to the Great Depression.The site begins with a narrative about a toy company that went bankrupt which highlights some causes of the Depression, and discusses the flow of goods and services through an economy....
Library of Congress
Loc: The Great Depression and the 1990s
Students frequently echo sentiments such as, "The government is too big," or "The government should make welfare mothers pay for their own needs." It seems that many citizens, high schoolers included, have begun to believe in reduced...
Tom Richey
Tom Richey: Roaring Twenties and the Great Depression (1920 1939)
Getting back to the daily grind after World War I led to an age of consumerism and wealth which created an entirely different culture of affluence in the United States until Black Tuesday in 1929. Find lessons, videos, slideshows, and...
Other
State of Michigan: Reminiscences of the Great Depression
A site with a nice personal touch. Memories from four individuals about their time spent during the Great Depression years in the 1930s.
University of Groningen
American History: Outlines: The Great Depression
This site provides a brief description of the events surrounding the 20's and the Great Depression in the United States.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Great Depression Poverty
Detailed discussion of the effects of poverty and poverty levels during the Great Depression.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Causes of the Great Depression
Article provides detailed facts that explain the causes of the Great Depression.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: The Great Depression
Comprehensive resource provides 39 detailed facts about the Great Depression and what happened to the American people during this devastating time.
Library of Congress
Loc: America From the Great Depression to World War Ii
This resource contains 160,000 black and white photos and 1600 color photos documenting America from 1935-1945. These images make up the Farm Security Administration-Office of War Information Collection.
Talkin' Broadway
Talkin' Broadway: Broadway 101: 1930 1940 the Great Depression
This is a great article on the fall of the traditional revue, the Zeigfeld Follies, and the rise of musical plays. Click on the arrow on the bottom to continue the article.
OpenStax
Open Stax: The Great Depression 1929 1932: The Stock Market Crash of 1929
Discusses what caused the 1929 stock market crash and why the American economy went so rapidly and dramatically downhill. Also explains how a stock market crash can have such a far-reaching impact.
Calisphere: University of California Libraries
University of California: Calisphere: Great Depression: Dust Bowl Migration
Primary source photos showing the devastation of the Dust Bowl and refugee migration to California.
George Eastman Museum
Photographs of the Great Depression
These images walk a fine line between documentary photography and propaganda. Nonetheless, they tell a story of a dark period in American history.