The Great Depression Review Crossword Puzzle

The Great Depression Review: A Crossword Puzzle Challenge

The Great Depression, a period of unprecedented economic hardship spanning the 1930s, left an indelible mark on global history. Understanding this era is crucial not only for historical context but also for appreciating the complexities of modern economic systems. This crossword puzzle serves as a comprehensive review, testing your knowledge of the key events, figures, and consequences of this defining period. Tackle the challenge and deepen your understanding of one of history's most significant economic downturns.

Across Clues

1. President during the start of the Great Depression (7)
Answer: HOOVER

5. A series of droughts that devastated the American Midwest (11) Answer: DUSTBOWL

10. Government agency created to provide relief during the Depression (10) Answer: WORKSPROGRESS

13. New Deal program that built dams and provided electricity (8) Answer: TENNESSEEV

14. Famous photographer who documented the plight of migrant workers (6) Answer: EVANS

15. Economic theory advocating government intervention (10) Answer: KEYNESIANISM

17. The stock market crash that triggered the Great Depression (4) Answer: CRASH

19. Term for buying stocks with borrowed money (8) Answer: MARGINBUY

21. U.S. President who implemented the New Deal (7) Answer: ROOSEVELT

23. A period of sharply rising prices (9) Answer: HYPERINFLATION

25. The name for the economic theory that advocates minimal government involvement in the economy (11) Answer: LAISSEZFAIRE

27. A severe shortage of food (6) Answer: FAMINE

29. Banks that failed due to mass withdrawals (6) Answer: RUNSON

31. A term for widespread unemployment (9) Answer: MASSJOBLOSS

33. New Deal program that employed artists and writers (8) Answer: WPAFEDERAL

35. The informal name for the financial crisis of 1929 (7) Answer: BLACKTHUR

37. A decrease in the overall price level (8) Answer: DEFLATION

39. The economic system prevalent before the Great Depression (7) Answer: CAPITALISM

41. The massive public works project in the US (10) Answer: HOOVERDAM

Down Clues

2. A significant factor contributing to the Dust Bowl (7) Answer: DROUGHT

3. The act of selling stocks to reduce risk (7) Answer: SELLOFF

4. High rate of unemployment (10) Answer: JOBSCARCITY

6. Economic theory emphasizing the role of supply and demand (11) Answer: CLASSICALISM

7. A consequence of the Great Depression leading to hunger and starvation (8) Answer: MALNUTRITION

8. Government programs designed to alleviate the effects of the Great Depression (8) Answer: NEWDEALPLAN

9. The year of the Black Thursday stock market crash (4) Answer: 1929

11. A significant cause of the Great Depression (6) Answer: OVERSPEND

12. Federal agency responsible for setting interest rates (7) Answer: FEDRESERV

16. New Deal program that provided social security (10) Answer: SOCIALSEC

18. A reduction in the value of a country’s currency (7) Answer: DEVALUATIO

20. Economic policy of increasing government spending to stimulate demand (10) Answer: FISCALPOLICY

22. Severe economic downturn with widespread unemployment and poverty (8) Answer: RECESSION

24. The practice of buying on credit (11) Answer: BUYINGCREDIT

26. The process of converting a company’s assets into cash (11) Answer: LIQUIDATION

28. The act of taking money out of the bank (6) Answer: WITHDRAW

30. A significant impact of the Great Depression on individuals (9) Answer: HOMELESSNES

32. The use of monetary policy to influence the economy (9) Answer: MONETARYPL

34. New Deal program that created jobs through conservation efforts (6) Answer: CCCPROGRAM

36. An increase in the overall price level (7) Answer: INFLATION

38. A consequence of the Depression: a loss of faith in financial institutions (7) Answer: BANKTRUST

40. A contributing factor to the Depression: overproduction of goods (6) Answer: OVERPRODU

Understanding the Great Depression: A Deeper Dive

This crossword puzzle serves as a springboard for a deeper exploration of the Great Depression. While the clues provide a snapshot of key terms and events, a comprehensive understanding requires exploring the multifaceted causes and consequences of this global crisis.

Causes of the Great Depression

The Great Depression wasn't caused by a single event but rather a confluence of factors:

• Overproduction and Underconsumption: Industries produced more goods than consumers could afford to buy, leading to a surplus and eventual price drops. This created a chain reaction, affecting employment and investment.

• Stock Market Crash of 1929: The infamous "Black Thursday" crash wiped out billions of dollars in wealth, shattering investor confidence and triggering a domino effect throughout the economy. Margin buying, where investors borrowed heavily to purchase stocks, amplified the losses.

• Banking Panics and Monetary Contraction: A wave of bank failures followed the crash, as depositors rushed to withdraw their savings. This led to a decrease in the money supply, further contracting the economy. The Federal Reserve's initial response was criticized for exacerbating the situation.

• International Trade Collapse: High tariffs and trade restrictions hampered international commerce, diminishing global demand and intensifying the economic downturn.

• Agricultural Depression: Farmers faced low crop prices and high debt throughout the 1920s, creating rural economic hardship that contributed to the overall national depression. The Dust Bowl exacerbated these problems.

Consequences of the Great Depression

The Great Depression had devastating consequences worldwide:

• Mass Unemployment: Millions lost their jobs, leading to widespread poverty and homelessness. Unemployment rates soared to unprecedented levels.

• Social and Political Upheaval: The Depression fueled social unrest and political extremism, with the rise of populist movements and authoritarian regimes in some countries.

• Dust Bowl: Severe droughts and dust storms devastated the American Midwest, displacing farmers and exacerbating economic hardship.

• Global Impact: The Depression had a global impact, affecting economies worldwide and contributing to political instability.

• Long-Term Economic and Social Changes: The Great Depression led to significant changes in economic policy, social welfare programs, and government regulation. The New Deal in the United States represents a pivotal shift in government's role in the economy.

The New Deal and its Legacy

President Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal program represented a dramatic shift in the role of the U.S. government in addressing economic hardship. The program encompassed a wide range of initiatives, including:

• Relief Programs: Direct assistance to the unemployed and those in need.

• Recovery Programs: Initiatives to stimulate economic activity and restore confidence.

• Reform Programs: Measures to prevent future economic crises and strengthen the financial system.

The New Deal, while not completely ending the Depression, provided crucial relief, implemented significant social safety nets, and laid the groundwork for future economic policies. Its impact on the American landscape and social fabric continues to be felt today.

Solving the Crossword Puzzle: Tips and Strategies

Solving this crossword puzzle requires a combination of historical knowledge and puzzle-solving skills. Here are some tips to aid your efforts:

• Start with the easier clues: Begin with clues that are straightforward or have a clear answer based on your knowledge.

• Look for cross-references: Use the letters you've already filled in to help solve intersecting clues.

• Use the word length as a guide: The number of squares indicated for each answer provides crucial information.

• Don't be afraid to guess: If you have a hunch, try it out and see if it fits the intersecting clues.

• Use online resources: If you get stuck, consider using reliable online resources to check facts and definitions related to the Great Depression. However, avoid simply searching for the direct answers; use these resources to deepen your understanding and guide your deduction.

• Review your history: Revisit your notes or textbooks on the Great Depression to refresh your memory of key events, figures, and concepts.

This crossword puzzle is a fun and engaging way to test your knowledge of the Great Depression. More than just a game, it serves as a valuable tool for learning and reinforcing your understanding of this significant historical period. Good luck, and enjoy the challenge!