Technology in the History Classroom / The Roaring Twenties, Credit Economy, and the Great Depression

Introduction

In this WebQuest, you will investigate the cultural changes of the 1920s, the rise of credit-based consumerism, and how these changes contributed to the Great Depression. You will analyze historical sources, define academic vocabulary, and complete critical thinking tasks.

You will complete three days of inquiry:

  • Day 1: Vocabulary & 1920s Culture
  • Day 2: Credit Economy & the Road to the Great Depression
  • Day 3: Depression, Prohibition, and Survival
Task

In this WebQuest, you will investigate how cultural and economic changes in the 1920s led to the Great Depression.

You will:

  • Build your understanding of key vocabulary related to the 1920s and the Great Depression
  • Analyze how credit, consumerism, and speculation contributed to economic collapse
  • Evaluate how Americans survived during the Great Depression, including both legal and illegal strategies such as bootlegging

At the end of this WebQuest, you will answer the question:

Was the 1920s a time of progress or a path to economic disaster?

You will support your answer using:

  • Evidence from WebQuest sources
  • Academic vocabulary
  • Cause-and-effect reasoning

 

Process

Step 1: Day 1 – Vocabulary & 1920s Culture

  1. Review the vocabulary list provided.
  2. Use WebQuest resources to research each term.
  3. For each word:
    • Write the definition in your own words
    • Provide a real 1920s example
  4. Complete the vocabulary chart.
  5. Answer the 5 critical thinking questions.
  6. Complete the historical explanation using 3 vocabulary words.
  7. Finish the exit reflection.

Step 2: Day 2 – Credit & Economic Collapse

  1. Complete the warm-up question about spending habits.
  2. Use WebQuest resources to research credit, consumerism, and the economy.
  3. Answer all questions using evidence.
  4. Complete the “You Are the Investor” simulation.
  5. Analyze risks and decision-making.
  6. Complete the exit reflection explaining causes of the Great Depression.

Step 3: Day 3 – Great Depression & Survival

  1. Answer the warm-up question about survival.
  2. Sort legal and illegal survival strategies.
  3. Use WebQuest resources to research life during the Great Depression.
  4. Answer all critical thinking questions.
  5. Compare legal vs illegal survival methods.
  6. Complete the creative diary entry.
  7. Finish the exit reflection.

Step 4: Final Task

  1. Use what you learned from all three days.
  2. Create a response to the essential question.
  3. Include vocabulary, evidence, and cause-and-effect explanations.
Evaluation

Your work will be graded using the rubric below:

Criteria 4 (Exceeds) 3 (Meets) 2 (Developing) 1 (Beginning)
Content Understanding Thorough and accurate Mostly accurate Some errors Limited understanding
Critical Thinking Deep analysis and reasoning Clear reasoning Limited explanation Minimal effort
Use of Vocabulary Strong and accurate use Adequate use Limited use Minimal use
Use of Evidence Strong support from sources Some evidence Limited evidence No evidence
Completion of Tasks All tasks completed Most completed Some completed Few completed
Conclusion

By completing this WebQuest, you have explored how the cultural and economic changes of the 1920s shaped American history.

You learned:

  • How new ideas and technologies changed society
  • How economic decisions can have long-term consequences
  • How people adapted during times of crisis

Understanding the past helps us better understand how economic and social decisions impact our world today.

Credits

The following resources were used in this WebQuest:

  • Library of Congress
  • National Archives
  • Smithsonian Learning Lab
  • PBS LearningMedia
  • Khan Academy
  • History.com

These sources provide primary documents, videos, and historical explanations to support your learning.

Teacher Page

Grade Level

9th Grade Social Studies

Time Frame

3 class periods

Standards (Pennsylvania)

  • 8.1.8.A – Analyze continuity and change over time
  • 8.1.8.B – Interpret historical sources
  • 8.3.8.A – Analyze causes and consequences of events
  • 5.2.8.C – Analyze civic and economic principles

Objectives

Students will:

  • Define and apply 1920s and Great Depression vocabulary
  • Analyze causes of economic collapse
  • Evaluate survival strategies during the Great Depression
  • Use critical thinking and historical reasoning

Instructional Strategies

  • WebQuest inquiry-based learning
  • Cooperative learning
  • Primary source analysis
  • Cause-and-effect mapping
  • Creative writing

Assessment

  • Daily formative assessments (questions, reflections)
  • Final response project
  • Rubric-based evaluation

Differentiation

  • Provide vocabulary supports for ELL students
  • Use visuals and videos for diverse learners
  • Offer guided notes for struggling students
  • Extend analysis for advanced learners

Rationale

This WebQuest promotes student-centered learning by encouraging inquiry, analysis, and real-world connections. It aligns with Pennsylvania standards and supports higher-order thinking through analysis, evaluation, and creation.