History · Year 9 · The First World War · Spring Term

The Great Depression: Causes and Impact

Students will investigate the causes of the 1929 Wall Street Crash and its devastating economic and social impact globally and in Britain.

• National Curriculum Attainment Targets
• KS3: History - Challenges for Britain, Europe and the Wider World: 1901-Present
• KS3: History - The Great Depression

About This Topic

This topic explores the dramatic economic and social shifts of the inter-war years, from the 'Jazz Age' of the 1920s to the global Great Depression of the 1930s. Students investigate how the 1929 Wall Street Crash triggered a worldwide economic collapse, leading to mass unemployment and poverty in Britain's industrial heartlands (like Jarrow). The unit also examines how this economic misery fueled the rise of political extremism, both on the left and the right.

For Year 9, this is a study of the link between economics and politics. It connects the 'Roaring Twenties' to the rise of dictators and the road to WWII. This topic comes alive when students can physically model the 'boom and bust' cycle and the impact of unemployment through role play and collaborative problem-solving.

Key Questions

1. Analyze the underlying causes of the 1929 Wall Street Crash and its global ripple effects.
2. Explain the social and economic consequences of mass unemployment in Britain during the 1930s.
3. Compare the responses of different governments to the economic crisis of the Great Depression.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the key economic factors that contributed to the 1929 Wall Street Crash.
• Explain the global and domestic consequences of the Great Depression on employment and living standards in Britain.
• Compare the different governmental strategies implemented in Britain and the United States to address the economic crisis.
• Evaluate the social unrest and political shifts in Britain resulting from mass unemployment during the 1930s.

Before You Start

The Industrial Revolution and its Impact

Why: Students need to understand the development of industrial centers and the reliance on manufacturing to grasp the specific vulnerabilities of British industrial areas during the Depression.

World War I: Causes and Consequences

Why: Understanding the economic strain and political landscape following WWI provides context for the fragile economic conditions leading into the 1920s and the subsequent Depression.

Key Vocabulary

Wall Street Crash	The dramatic collapse of stock prices on the New York Stock Exchange in October 1929, triggering a global economic downturn.
Great Depression	A severe worldwide economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930s, beginning in the United States and spreading globally.
Mass Unemployment	A situation where a large percentage of the workforce is jobless, leading to widespread poverty and social hardship.
Protectionism	An economic policy of protecting domestic industries by taxing imported goods, often implemented by countries during the Great Depression.
Austere Measures	Strict economic policies involving spending cuts and tax increases, often imposed by governments to reduce national debt during times of crisis.

Watch Out for These Misconceptions

Common Misconception

The Great Depression only affected America.

What to Teach Instead

Because the world was economically linked, the crash in New York caused banks to fail and trade to stop across the globe. A 'global trade web' activity helps students see how the depression spread to Britain.

Common Misconception

The 1920s were a time of non-stop partying for everyone.

What to Teach Instead

In Britain, many traditional industries (coal, steel, textiles) were in decline throughout the 20s. Peer-led research into the 1926 General Strike helps students see the deep social divisions of the decade.

Active Learning Ideas

Simulation Game: The Great Depression Game

Students start with 'jobs' and 'savings'. As the 'crash' happens, they must make difficult choices about spending and debt. This helps them understand the 'multiplier effect' of an economic downturn.

45 min·Whole Class

Inquiry Circle: The Jarrow Crusade

Groups are given primary sources about the 1936 march from Jarrow to London. They must create a 'petition' and a series of placards that explain the marchers' demands to the government.

40 min·Small Groups

Gallery Walk: The Two Faces of the 20s

Stations feature the 'Flappers' and jazz clubs alongside the struggling coal mines and slums. Students must explain why the 1920s were 'roaring' for some but 'boring' (or worse) for others.

30 min·Small Groups

Real-World Connections

• Economists at the International Monetary Fund (IMF) still analyze historical economic crises like the Great Depression to inform current global financial policies and advise nations facing recession.
• Historians studying the Jarrow March of 1936 use primary source documents, such as diaries and newspaper articles from the time, to understand the human impact of unemployment and the workers' protest against government inaction.
• Urban planners in former industrial cities like Manchester or Detroit examine the long-term effects of deindustrialization, a process exacerbated by the Great Depression, on community infrastructure and economic regeneration strategies.

Assessment Ideas

Exit Ticket

Provide students with a map of Britain. Ask them to label three regions heavily impacted by unemployment and write one sentence for each explaining why that region suffered disproportionately. Then, ask them to identify one government policy enacted during the Depression and its intended effect.

Discussion Prompt

Pose the question: 'Was the Great Depression primarily an economic event or a social catastrophe?' Facilitate a class discussion where students use evidence from the lesson to support their arguments, referencing specific examples of economic policies and social impacts.

Quick Check

Present students with a short primary source quote from a person experiencing unemployment in the 1930s. Ask them to identify the key vocabulary term that best describes the situation in the quote and explain their choice in one sentence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What caused the Great Depression?

The immediate cause was the 1929 Wall Street Crash, but underlying problems included overproduction in factories and farms, risky bank loans, and a decline in international trade. This led to a 'vicious cycle' of falling prices and rising unemployment.

How did the Depression affect Britain?

Britain's exports collapsed, leading to mass unemployment, especially in the north of England, Scotland, and Wales. By 1932, nearly 3 million people were out of work, leading to poverty, hunger marches, and the 'means test' for benefits.

What was the Jarrow Crusade?

In 1936, 200 men from the town of Jarrow marched 300 miles to London to protest against the closing of their shipyard and the resulting 80% unemployment rate. It became a powerful symbol of the hardships of the 1930s.

How can active learning help students understand the Great Depression?

By participating in an economic simulation, students feel the 'panic' of losing their livelihood. This emotional connection helps them understand why people in the 1930s were so desperate that they began to listen to extremist political parties that promised 'work and bread'.