Download 8th grade Social Studies Informative Essay Causes of the Great

8th grade Social Studies Informative Essay
Causes of the Great Depression
Name____________________________________________ Class_________________
During the 1920’s the United States was experiencing a period of economic wealth
and prosperity. The United States economy was going through a boom cycle. People
started to purchase major appliances, automobiles and other goods. Many of these
purchases were made by credit or bank loans. In 1929, the economy took a drastic turn for
the worse and went into a negative business cycle. There were many factors that led to an
economic downturn in the United States. This severe economic crisis was known as the
Great Depression.
Some economists blamed stock brokers, others blamed consumers. Other
Americans blamed the over production of goods by companies and the greed of wealthy
individuals. A few people blamed the government for not doing enough.
Along with underlying causes, many events that took place increased the severity of
the Great Depression. The stock market crash of 1929, bank failures, over production, the
crisis in agriculture, consumers buying goods and stock on margin are all factors that led to
the Great Depression.
TASK:
You are going to write an informative essay developing your own point of view on what
caused the Great Depression. You are going to use the documents we looked at in class as
well as outside research. You do not have to discuss all the factors but can choose at least
three and focus on them with supporting details.
Many historians have debated about what really caused the Great Depression. In this essay
you are going to develop your own point of view on what caused the Great Depression using
reason and historical evidence.
Discuss at least three of the following causes and also write about what lesson Americans
can learn from the Great Depression.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Stock market crash
Bank failures
Over production of goods
Buying on margin
Agriculture Crisis
Tariffs on foreign goods