The Great Depression's Lasting Impact
Understanding Economic Crisis and Social Change Year 10 History Australian Curriculum
What do you think causes an economic depression?
Think about what you know about money, jobs, and the economy Consider what might happen if lots of people lose their jobs at once What role might governments play?
What Was the Great Depression?
Severe worldwide economic downturn (1929-1939) Began with the Wall Street Crash in October 1929 Massive unemployment, business failures, and poverty Affected countries around the world, including Australia
Cause and Effect Analysis
Work in pairs to match causes with their effects Use the handout to connect economic problems with social impacts Be ready to share one connection with the class Extension: Rank the causes from most to least significant
Global vs Australian Impacts
{"left":"25% unemployment in USA\nBank failures worldwide\nInternational trade collapsed\nIndustrial production fell 50%","right":"30% unemployment in Australia\nWool and wheat prices crashed\nGovernment spending cuts\nSocial unrest and protests"}
Social Impact: Families and Communities
Widespread unemployment and poverty Families lost homes and possessions Children left school to find work Community support networks became crucial Mental health challenges increased
The Human Cost
'We had nothing, but we had each other. Families stuck together because that's all we had.' - Depression survivor, oral history interview
Government Responses in Australia
Scullin Labor Government initially cut spending Joseph Lyons led United Australia Party from 1931 Public works programs created jobs Devalued the Australian pound Increased tariffs to protect local industry
Policy Debate
Divide into groups: Government Spending vs Austerity Research your assigned policy approach Prepare arguments for a 5-minute debate Consider: effectiveness, costs, social impact Extension: Propose alternative solutions
Long-term Changes and Legacy
Creation of social welfare systems Increased government regulation of banks New economic theories (Keynesian economics) Changed attitudes toward government intervention Influenced modern economic policy responses
Reflection: What Can We Learn Today?
How do modern governments respond to economic crises? What similarities do you see with recent events (2008 GFC, COVID-19)? How has the role of government changed since the 1930s? What lessons from the Depression still apply today?
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