Name: _________________
Web Quest “The Great Depression” – 1930's America
Go to the following link:
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/d
epwwii/
Read the “Overview” and answer below
1. What event started the Great Depression?
2. How many Americans were unemployed during the worst part of the Depression?
3. Explain one effect of the Depression in other parts of the world.
4. What finally brought an end to the Depression in the U.S.?
On the over view page; click on the link under topics; “Americans react to the Great Depression”
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/de
pwwii/depress/
5. Explain what happened with the stock market and banks during the crash?
6. Why did many Americans have a hard time understanding why the depression had occurred?
On the same page, under “Documents” click the link for; Letter to President Roosevelt
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/de
pwwii/depress/letter.html
7. Do you think the person who wrote this letter was rich or poor?
8. Do you think this individual supported FDR? Why or Why not?
9. Explain what President Franklin Roosevelt did to help restructure America during the Depression.
Use this link:
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timelin
e/depwwii/newdeal/
On the page, “America Reacts” click the tab “Begging” and read the story.
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/de
pwwii/depress/begging.html
10. How were the Garret children dressed?
11. How does the teacher and principal respond?
12. How does Mrs. Garret get most of her supplies for her children?
13. How do you feel about this story?
On the page, “America Reacts” click the topic “Hoovervilles” and read the bio and examine the images.
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/d
epwwii/depress/hoovers.html
14. What were Hoovervilles?
15. Why were they called that?
16. Can you think of anything similar to “Hoovervilles” in the U.S. today?
Click the following link and read the overview on “Art and Entertainment in the 1930s-40s.”
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/d
epwwii/art/
17. Why did movies become popular?
18. Who are some famous musicians?
Under topics, click “Photographing the people of the Great Depression” or follow the link below.
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/d
epwwii/art/people.html
19. What was the Federal Arts Project?
20. Who are some famous photographers?
Go back to “Art and Entertainment in the 1930s-40s” and under topics click the “Federal Theatre
Project”
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/de
pwwii/art/theatre.html
21. What is the origin of the project?
22. What are the three beliefs of the program?
23. How many people utilized this program?
Do a Google image search for “Great Depression” and then examine at least 5 pictures.
24. What is the feeling you get of life in 1930's America from these images?:
This photo was taken by Dorothea Lange
25. Why do you think this photo is the MOST famous photo of the Depression?:
Click the following link to examine the effects of the “Dust Bowl”
http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentationsandactivities/presentations/timeline/de
pwwii/dustbowl/
Read the “Overview” and answer the following questions:
26. What led to the destruction of the prairie grasses?
27. What happened after the drought in 1930?
28. How many states were affected?
29. What did most families do?
30. How did John Steinbeck describe the flight of families?