Great Depression Webquest

Introduction

The Great Depression was one of the most devastating periods in American history. Beginning with the stock market crash in 1929, the Great Depression affected not only the economy but also the social fabric of the nation. Millions of people lost their jobs, homes, and savings, and the country faced widespread poverty. In this WebQuest, you will explore the causes, effects, and the responses to the Great Depression. Through research and analysis, you will gain a deeper understanding of how the Depression shaped the United States and how it led to the New Deal, a series of programs designed to address the crisis.

Task

Your task is to work in a group of 3-4 students to investigate the following aspects of the Great Depression:

  1. Causes of the Great Depression - Explore the economic, social, and political factors that led to the crash of 1929 and the onset of the Great Depression.

  2. Effects on American Society - Investigate how different groups were impacted by the Depression, including workers, farmers, African Americans, and women.

  3. Government Response (New Deal Programs) - Examine how the U.S. government, led by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, responded to the crisis through the New Deal programs.

  4. Personal Stories and Primary Sources - Find personal accounts and primary source documents to better understand the human impact of the Great Depression.

Your group will create a multimedia presentation (such as a PowerPoint, Prezi, or video) to present your findings. Each member of the group will be responsible for one of the topics, but you will work together to combine your research and present it in a cohesive way.

Process

  • Form Your Group - Divide the tasks among group members, making sure each person is responsible for one of the four aspects of the Great Depression (Causes, Effects, Government Response, Personal Stories).

  • Conduct Research - Use the resources provided below to gather information about your assigned topic. Take detailed notes on important points and collect any primary sources, such as photos, speeches, or personal accounts that can help illustrate your findings.

  • Create Your Presentation - Organize the information into a multimedia presentation. Be sure to:

    • Include clear explanations of the causes, effects, and government responses to the Depression.

    • Use images, videos, and primary sources to enhance your presentation.

    • Work together to ensure that your sections connect seamlessly and tell a complete story of the Great Depression.

  • Rehearse and Present - Practice presenting your portion of the WebQuest, and be prepared to answer questions from the class. Your presentation should be 10-15 minutes long.

  • Write a Reflection - After your presentation, each group member will write a short reflection (1-2 paragraphs) on what they learned about the Great Depression and how the experience of creating the WebQuest deepened their understanding of this historical event.

Evaluation

Rubric:

Criteria Excellent (4) Proficient (3) Basic (2) Needs Improvement (1)
Research & Content Comprehensive, accurate, and well-researched information; all key aspects of the Great Depression are covered in detail. Well-researched, but missing minor details; covers most key aspects of the Depression. Limited research with some key aspects missing; the presentation lacks depth in analysis. Incomplete or inaccurate research; major aspects of the Depression are missing or poorly explained.
Presentation Well-organized, clear, and visually engaging; uses multimedia and primary sources effectively. Organized and clear, but lacking some multimedia elements or visual interest. Presentation is somewhat disorganized, difficult to follow, or uses minimal multimedia. Presentation is poorly organized and difficult to follow; lacks visual engagement.
Collaboration Group works seamlessly together; all members contribute equally to the research and presentation. Group works well together; most members contribute equally to the project. Some members contributed more than others; uneven collaboration. Group struggles with collaboration; uneven or minimal contributions from members.
Reflection Insightful, reflective, and connects learning to broader historical concepts. Reflective, but lacks depth or detailed connection to historical concepts. Minimal reflection with little connection to broader historical themes. No reflection or irrelevant discussion.
Conclusion

After your group presents your findings, reflect on the Great Depression’s long-term impact on American society. Write a one-page response to the following prompt:

Prompt: How did the Great Depression shape the United States economically, socially, and politically? What lessons can we learn from this period, and how might they apply to modern economic challenges?

Credits