You need to log-in or subscribe in order to use Student access.

Topic 12: The Great Depression and the Americas

The Wall Street Crash of October 1929 led to a devastating economic depression - not just in the United States but also the rest of the Americas - and indeed, countries of Europe and Asia. Topic 12 focuses on the causes of the Depression, the attempted solutions to the economic crisis and the political, economic and cultural consequences for the region.

Specifically this unit covers the following:

  • The political and economic causes of the crisis
  • The solutions provided by Hoover and then by Roosevelt and his New Deal
  • Criticisms of the New Deal and its long-term political and economic impact
  • The impact on the Depression in Canada
  • The impact of the Depression on Latin America with a focus on one country as a case study
  • The social and cultural impact of the Depression

1. The Great Depression in the US

America in the 1920s was a confident country with a booming economy. The new President, Hoover, who was elected in 1928 announced that 'We in America are nearer to the final triumph over poverty than...

2. The Great Depression in Canada

The Depression that started in the US spread to many countries; Canada – with its strong economic ties to the US suffered particularly badly. Between 1929 and 1939, the Gross Domestic Product fell 40%...

3. The impact of the Depression on Brazil

The Great Depression severely affected the countries of Latin America; indeed a League of Nations report highlighted Chile, Mexico and Bolivia as countries worst hit by the Depression.The IB recommends...

6. The Great Depression and the Americas: videos

Here are some extra videos on the Depression in the US and in Canada which are in addition to the documentaries we have put up on the ATL pages.This documentary is interesting as it includes discussion...

7. The Great Depression and the Americas: essay planning

This page contains a variety of essay writing exercises and essay plans for this topic.Task One: Essay planning

8. Great Depression and the Americas: Extra resources

On this page you can find useful websites for this unit along with historians' texts that students might find enjoyable to develop their understanding further. There are also some suggestions for fiction...

All materials on this website are for the exclusive use of teachers and students at subscribing schools for the period of their subscription. Any unauthorised copying or posting of materials on other websites is an infringement of our copyright and could result in your account being blocked and legal action being taken against you.