Depression: Unemployed: the Unemployed Union: Marchers south on Broadway: Camden New Jersey typical scene reflecting large population of unemployed in desperate need of work and looking for jobs
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)
The Human Toll of the Great Depression
Published By:
Annabell Farr
Historical Era:
The Great Depression and World War II (1929-1945)
Thinking Skill:
Historical Analysis & Interpretation
Bloom’s Taxonomy:
Analyzing
Grade Level:
Middle School
Suggested Teaching Instructions
Have the students take some time in class to read each passage and look at the visuals to gain a better understanding of the impacts of The Great Depression. Ask them to have a paper out or an online document to answer the questions at the end. These will lead to critical thinking and empathetic thinking in the class. Having a discussion after this will be great in getting more critical thinking and analysis on these impacts!
To the extent possible under law, Annabell Farr has waived all copyright and related or neighboring rights to “The Human Toll of the Great Depression”
Description
This activity invites students to critically examine the human impact of the Great Depression through passages and visual imagery. Students explore themes such as unemployment, family hardship, racial discrimination, and social disruption. Using curated questions, they analyze photographs and primary sources to deepen their understanding of how economic collapse affected diverse communities. The activity encourages empathy, historical thinking, and discussion, resulting in a reflective conclusion that connects past struggles to broader social issues.