In October of 1929 the stock market experienced the worst crash in the history of its existence. As a result panic spread through investors who were afraid to invest and consumers that were afraid to spend money. With no one spending money on products and services companies began to fail. Over eleven thousand banks failed during this period leaving citizens with zero savings. Over three hundred thousand companies failed during this era and were driven out of business. This period lasted ten years until an economic shift came about. During the first four years, the stock market lost ninety percent of its value. The failure of companies led to many people becoming unemployed. The policies and actions of President Franklin D. Roosevelt are seen as the driving force that helped get the economy back on course.

These worksheets look at the stock market crash and general causes that led to this desperate period of American and world history. We explore mitigating factors including prohibition and military discernments. We also look at how we clawed our way out of that gloomy time.