The Great Depression and World War II: What Would You Do?

(Decision-Making and Critical Thinking Curricula)

Students tackle fascinating historical questions that put them in the shoes of a range of people from the past, from the rich and famous to ordinary citizens. Each lesson can be done either as an in-depth activity requiring up to two full class periods, or as a “quick motivator” requiring only 20–30 minutes. Detailed teacher pages give step-by-step instructions, list key vocabulary terms, offer troubleshooting tips, present ideas for post-activity discussions, and furnish lists of related sources. Reproducible student handouts clearly lay out the decision-making scenarios, provide "outcomes," and present related primary source readings and/or images with analysis questions. Decision-Making Book available for purchase on Social Studies School Service. Critical Thinking book available from Critical Thinking Co. Free samples available below!

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Purchase curriculum series at Social Studies School Service

Lesson List: Depression / World War II: Decision Making in History

INTRODUCTION – Guide to Critical Thinking

  • LESSON 1 – Causes of the Depression: Will you raise interest rates in 1928? SAMPLE LESSON

  • LESSON 2 – Election of 1932: Who will you vote for in the 1932 Election?

  • LESSON 3 – New Deal-Recovery: What will you do to bring about recovery?

  • LESSON 4 – New Deal-Relief: What will you do to bring about relief?

  • LESSON 5 – New Deal-Reform: What will you do to bring about reform?

  • LESSON 6 – Isolationism and World War II: What will you do about the war in Europe and Asia?

  • LESSON 7 – GI Bill: Will you support these four proposals to help veterans in 1944?

  • LESSON 8 – Atomic bomb: Will you order the use of atomic bombs on Japan?

Sample Lesson: The Federal Reserve: Decision Making in History

Free Lesson! Conspiracy Theories (1930-1949)

Bathhouses at Hot Springs. C & E

Free Lesson! What caused the rise or fall of Life Expectancy during the Great Depression of the 1930s?

Free Lesson! Were atomic bombings of Japan justified?

Free Lesson! Should we raise the tariff in 1930?

The tariff debate has been part of the United States throughout our history, and has been studied by economic historians. It has also been studied by political historians, since the tariff has been a source of political friction. In this lesson, we stick mostly with the economic ramifications of tariffs.