Economic Crash
Which economic indicator measures the total value of all goods and services a nation produces?
What is the Gross National Product (GNP)?
Explanation: GNP shows how healthy a nation’s economy is. During the Depression, America’s GNP dropped nearly 50%, showing how severe the crisis was.
This program provided pensions to the elderly and disabled.
What is Social Security?
Explanation: Created in 1935, Social Security gave monthly payments to retirees and people with disabilities, providing long-term security and stability.
He was the president blamed for the Great Depression.
Who is Herbert Hoover?
Explanation: Hoover believed in limited government aid and thought the economy would recover on its own—his inaction hurt his reputation.
People who lost their homes and built shacks in “Hoovervilles” were often called what?
What are hobos?
Explanation: Hobos were homeless wanderers who rode trains across the country looking for work during the Depression.
He was elected president in 1932, promising a “New Deal for the American people.”
Who is Franklin D. Roosevelt?
Explanation: FDR’s optimism and programs helped restore hope and change how Americans viewed the federal government.
Buying stocks with borrowed money was called what risky practice?
What is buying on margin?
Explanation: Investors could buy stocks by paying only part of the cost and borrowing the rest. When prices dropped, they couldn’t repay loans, which made the crash even worse.
This agency insured bank deposits up to a certain amount.
What is the FDIC?
Explanation: The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation guaranteed people’s savings in case banks failed—restoring trust in the banking system.
She was FDR’s wife and an advocate for women and minorities.
Who is Eleanor Roosevelt?
Explanation: Eleanor traveled the country promoting equality and helped shape FDR’s policies to support the poor and oppressed.
This natural disaster in the Great Plains caused massive migration westward.
What is the Dust Bowl?
Explanation: Severe drought and overfarming turned farmland into dust. Thousands of “Okies” fled to California searching for work.
FDR’s radio addresses that reassured Americans were called what?
What are fireside chats?
Explanation: FDR spoke directly to citizens through the radio, explaining policies simply and building trust during the crisis.
The government agency that manages the nation’s money supply and interest rates is called what?
What is the Federal Reserve System?
The “Fed” controls how much money is in circulation and sets interest rates. During the Depression, it kept rates too high, worsening the economic slowdown.
This program gave outdoor jobs to young men planting trees and building parks.
What is the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps)?
Explanation: The CCC employed over 3 million young men to conserve natural resources and build public spaces—giving families income and restoring hope.
This Louisiana senator, nicknamed the KingFish, promoted the “Share Our Wealth” plan. Claiming that "Every man" was "King," this individual wanted to take from the rich and give to the poor. Though he was a Democrat, he was accused of being a socialist.
Who is Huey P. Long?
Explanation: Long wanted to heavily tax the rich to give money to poor families. His slogan was “Every Man a King.”
This folk singer wrote songs about life during the Depression, including This Land Is Your Land.
Who is Woody Guthrie?
Explanation: Guthrie’s songs gave voice to struggling Americans and captured the spirit of hope amid hardship.
Double Jeopardy: FDR’s first 100 days in office were known for passing how many major laws?
What are the 15 major laws?
Explanation: The “Hundred Days” set records for rapid action—Congress worked with FDR to create jobs and stabilize banks.
What event on October 29, 1929, marked the beginning of the Great Depression?
What is Black Tuesday?
Explanation: On Black Tuesday, the stock market crashed when millions of shares were sold in panic. Billions of dollars were lost, triggering a chain reaction that ultimately led to the Great Depression.
This Tennessee Valley project provided electricity and flood control.
What is the TVA (Tennessee Valley Authority)?
Explanation: The TVA built dams and power plants in the South, creating jobs and bringing affordable electricity to rural areas.
She was the first woman to serve in a presidential cabinet.
(Plus double points if you state her cabinet position)
Who is Frances Perkins?
Explanation: As Secretary of Labor, Perkins helped create Social Security and laws protecting workers.
This opera singer broke racial barriers by performing at the Lincoln Memorial in 1939.
Who is Marian Anderson?
Explanation: After being denied a venue due to her race, Anderson performed outdoors to 75,000 people, symbolizing equality and courage.
This British economist influenced FDR’s deficit spending policies.
Who is John Maynard Keynes?
Explanation: Keynes believed governments should spend more during recessions to create jobs and restart the economy.
This 1930 law raised tariffs on imported goods and worsened the Depression.
What is the Smoot–Hawley Tariff Act?
Explanation: The law increased taxes on foreign goods, leading other countries to raise tariffs, too. Global trade collapsed, hurting U.S. farmers and businesses.
This agency regulated the stock market to prevent another crash.
What is the SEC (Securities and Exchange Commission)?
Explanation: The SEC monitors stock trading to prevent fraud and make Wall Street safer for investors.
She was an African American educator and member of FDR’s “Black Cabinet.”
Who is Mary McLeod Bethune?
Explanation: Bethune advised FDR on race relations and education, working for equal opportunities for Black Americans.
This jazz style became popular during the 1930s and 1940s for its upbeat rhythms.
What is swing music?
Explanation: Swing brought joy during tough times, blending jazz and dance music. Artists like Duke Ellington and Benny Goodman made it famous.
Double Jeopardy: FDR said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” What did this mean?
What is it that panic makes problems worse—confidence brings recovery?
Explanation: Roosevelt meant that fear and hesitation damage recovery. His calm leadership helped Americans regain hope, similar to his cousin Teddy’s “bully pulpit” style.