Unit The 920’s, Great Depression and the New Deal.doc

Unit 3: Significant social, political and economic changes post World War I through the Great Depression. Goal: Students will demonstrate an understanding of how the United States changed in the 1920’s. Specifically, students will be able to explain the causes of the Great Depression, how it affected American society, and how the New Deal addressed the Great Depression, transformed American federalism, and initiated the welfare state.? Big Idea (s): Changes in technologies of transportation and communication, in values and habits, and economic life transformed the face of American life in the 1920’s. The United States became an urban nation, with a diverse population and variety of values. After the stock market crash of 1929, the United States economy sank into the worst depression in its history. Franklin D. Roosevelt initiated federal programs that put Americans back to work and provided an economic safety net. The Great Depression and the New Deal dramatically changed the lives of most Americans and began to change both their understanding of the economic system and the role of government in American life. The New Deal had many long term effects on United States government and society; and as a result of the New Deal, the role of the Federal government changed, transforming American politics, the economy and society. Business was booming in the 1920’s and the standard of living rose for many Americans bringing many social, economic and political changes. Inventions and technological advances transformed production and work, as well as rural and urban life. Social and political changes in society brought new attitudes and lifestyles to the nation, bust some changes caused conflict. Popular culture was influenced by the mass media and new forms of popular entertainment and technology were developed. Economic conditions affect politics, individuals and societies. Economic security became recognized as a condition of personal freedom. The ideals of freedo