Note: The bulk of this webquest was shamelessly stolen from S. Vander Woude of Sylvan Christian School.
The original webquest can be found at:
http://www.kn.pacbell.com/wired/fil/pages/webgreatdes.html
What Caused the Great Depression of the 1930s?
An Internet WebQuest on The Great Depression
created by S. Vander Woude
Sylvan Christian School
Introduction | The Task | The Process & Resources | Conclusion | HyperText
Dictionary
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Introduction
The time is 1933. The United States is in the throes of a depression. Over 25%
of the work force is unemployed. Over 40% of the population is living in poverty.
The country's wealth has gone from 89 billion in 1929 to 40 billion in 1933.
So what caused this Great Depression? In this webquest, you will explore a sampling of some of the theories of what caused the Great Depression.
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The Quest
If you could pinpoint the number one cause of the Great Depression, what would
it be? Why? What would come second? Third?
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The Process and Resources
Each member of your group will explore the three perspectives listed for a single
main cause of the Great Depression. Answer the questions (in red print) found
in each section.
Phase 1 - Background: Something for Everyone
Use the Internet information linked below to answer the basic questions of who
or what caused the Great Depression and why. Be creative in exploring the information
and search for more infomation using google.com if you have time or need more
information.
Phase 2 - Be prepared to discuss your answers in class on Thursday.
Keynesian Theory
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically
related to the Keynesian Theory:
1. Who was John M. Keynes?
2. What is the Keynesian theory?
3. What were the consequences of the Versailles Treaty?
4. Were there any other significant economic issues?
5. Do Keynes' theories prove that "Keynesianism" is the number one
cause of the Great Depression? Explain.
Keynesian
A Review of Keynesian
Theory - Read only the first section.
Causes of the Great Depression
- Read only 'A review of Keynesian theory'.
Stock Market Crash
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically
related to Stock Market Crash:
1. How did the stock market crash affect the average
worker? the business owner? the banks?
2. What caused the market to crash?
3. Do you believe the stock market crash is the number one cause of the Great
Depression? Support your answer.
America's Great Depression:
An Overview - Read the section titled 'The Federal Reserve Board'.
Black Monday
- Read about the facts of the stock market crash.
Herbert Hoover
Use the Internet information linked below to answer these questions specifically
related to Herbert Hoover:
1. What is the laissez-faire ideology?
2. What is the Smoot-Hawley tariff of 1930 and how is it connected with Hoover?
3. Do you believe Hervert Hoover is the number one cause of the Great Depression?
Support your answer.
America's Great Depression:
An Overview - Read only the section titled 'Herber Hoover'.
Hawley-Smoot Tariff
Act - Read this brief article on the Hawley-Smoot Tariff Act.
American President:
Herbert Hoover - Scroll down about halfway and begin reading about the role
Hoover played during the Great Depression.
Summary of Causes
Read the information in the links below to see what are believed to be the other
causes of the Great Depression.
1. In order, create a list that names your top three causes of the Great Depression. Provide a rationale for the choices you made.
America's Great Depression
- Causes and Cures
Causes
of the Great Depression
Summary of the Causes of
the Great Depression
Phase 3 - Debating, Discussing, and Reaching Consensus
You have each learned about different causes of the Great Depression. Be prepared
to discuss them in class.
Phase 4 - Real World Feedback
As you continue to relieve the 1930's for the remainder of this week, think
about the different causes of the Depression. As you read the newspaper or watch
the news, think about factors in today's society that mirror those of the 1920s-1930s.
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Conclusion
The Great Depression lasted over a decade. Hundreds of thousands of Americans
lost their jobs. Businesses failed and banks collapsed. Hopefully, you now have
a better understanding of some of the causes of the Great Depression.