Unit 5: Crisis and Change
Lesson E: Economic Depression and Political Collapse
Activity 6: Responses to the Great Depression
What were some of the ways ordinary people dealt with the Great Depression?
Presentation Activity - Public Perception and Nationalist Responses to the Great Depression
Mini Lesson
When you are ready, select the play button to learn about Public Perception and Nationalist Responses to the Great Depression.
Classroom Activity - Responses to the Great Depression
Jigsaw
Directions: In this activity, you will complete a jigsaw activity. To begin, review the Responses to the Great Depression: Snapshots of Nations Chart. As you read, look for patterns across these countries in terms of both the realities faced during the Great Depression and the responses of people and governments to the Great Depression.
Download the Student Resource: Responses to the Great Depression - Snapshots of Nations (pdf)
Directions: The next part of the activity is a jigsaw. Your teacher will provide instructions to work in groups to review the case studies of four countries -- Canada, Chile, Japan, and New Zealand -- and the responses of these countries to the effects of the Great Depression. Take notes on your assigned case study noting both how the country was challenged and the responses made to the challenges of the Great Depression. Your teacher may assign additional research about these countries.
Discussion
Directions: Prepare a response to the discussion questions below. Follow your teacher’s directions to participate in your class discussion.
Think about what you have learned about welfare efforts in Germany, New Zealand, the United States, and other countries as a response to the unemployment and general poverty created by the Great Depression.
Think back to your writing from Activity 1 about what both government and individuals could do to improve conditions.
- What is the role of government in response to national and international financial catastrophe?
- Is an event like the Great Depression the time for small government or for big government in the form of social programs?
