Great Depression Expository Essay
Due Friday April 30th
Pick 1 of the below prompts for your essay:
C, D, E are more difficult prompts.
Prompt D and E may be used as a final exam response for students maintaning A's throughout the
semester.
A) Explain the background that led up to FDR'S New Deal policies. Explain the impact on people's
lives during the depression
B) Guiding Question: How did FDR's New Deal policies change the role of government for future
generations?
C) Guiding Question: Explain the causes that lead to the Great Depression and compare and
contrast Herbert Hoover and Franklin Delenore Roosevelt's response to the crisis.
D) Compare and Contrast the economic bubble causing the Great depression and the bubble that
caused our current recession. Compare and contrast the how George W. Bush and Barak Obama's
government philosophies match their depression era counter parts. (Hoover / FDR)
E) Evaluate this statement: Conservative or Progressive policies are best for dealing with a severe
economic crisis
For an A: written in 5 paragraph standard format:
Demonstrates Fully answers all part of the question. Well developed thesis, deep understanding of
knowledge by citing specific details policies, legislation, events and Presidential style. Etc. Back up your
thesis and statements. Meets all below requirements.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
All Essays MUST include and cite information from 3 sources.
Cover social political and economic handlings of presidents’ policies and
leadership
Paragraph Development: Level of elaboration and supporting details
NOT to be written in first person - No mention "I" or in "My opinion"
Writing style and appropriate use of sentence structure
Conventions - Spelling errors and grammatical errors kept to a minimum.





Cover Page: Name, Class period, Thesis Statement
Map, organizer, plan for essay
Must formally cite at least three sources
Must be typed.
Neat and Professional final product.
Essay Format
Introduction paragraph: Give a strong background showing the events and policies of
the 20's leading to the Depression. Give your thesis statement. Briefly highlight your three major points.
Body Paragraphs: Fully developed paragraphs written in a logical format that supports your thesis
statement with strong examples, sources, specific information.
Conclusion paragraph: Restatement of thesis. Summary of key points. Value judgment may be used but
cite specific information to defend your statements. Strong concluding statement or future statement or
refection of era, FDR, etc.