Economic Depression: The USA in the 1930s

This course, “Understanding Economic Depression: Insights and Historical Perspective on the 1930s U.S. Great Depression,” provides an in-depth examination of one of the most severe economic downturns in modern history. Students will analyze the array of causes leading to the Great Depression, including the stock market crash of 1929, bank failures, and subsequent reductions in purchasing across the board. The curriculum delves into the social, economic, and political ramifications during the 1930s, exploring how this period led to widespread poverty, unemployment, and significant changes in federal policies and interventions under the New Deal. Through a combination of lectures, primary source analysis, and discussions, the course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of how such an economic crisis unfolds and the strategies employed to foster recovery and prevent future depressions.