The American Economy in the 1920s

Understanding the economic culture of the 1920s is fundamental to understanding what caused the Great Depression and why the effects were so disastrous. With a strong stock market, expanded employment, exploding industries, rising credit, and a technological boom, citizens in 1920s America experienced tremendous prosperity. However, this same prosperity would eventually become a major cause of America’s Great Depression. In this introductory activity, students will examine the many reasons for economic success post World War I.

Students may consider examining the following topics:

• Technological Advances
• Consumerism
• The Stock Market Boom
• Buying on Credit
• Rise in Productivity
• Expanding Industry

Extended Activity

Have students identify the major economic factors of today’s markets, particularly the American economy before the 2008 recession. Students can identify and explain modern technological improvements, the nature of the stock market, improving and expanding industries, and employment figures. Students should grasp what America’s economy is like today and why it could both continue to boom, or eventually bust.

Student Instructions

Create a storyboard examining the 1920s economic boom.

1. Click "Start Assignment".
2. In the title boxes, identify the different factors that contributed to the economic boom.
3. Summarize each factor in the description boxes.
4. Create an illustration for each cell using appropriate scenes, items, and characters.
5. Save and exit when you're done.