Federal Response to Home Mortgage: Lessons from the Great Depression

Examines the federal response to mortgage distress during the Great Depression, focusing on the growth of mortgage debt and the subsequent sharp increase in mortgage defaults and foreclosures.

Stable Prices, Stable Economy

Conventional wisdom holds that if policymakers are too focused on controlling inflation, then employment, output growth and financial stability will suffer. But the conventional wisdom is wrong, according to the data.

The Great Depression Curriculum

History holds many economic lessons. The Great Depression, in particular, is an event that provides the opportunity to teach and learn a great deal about economics— whether you’re studying the economic reasons that the Depression took place, the factors that helped it come to an end or the impact on Americans who lived through it. This curriculum is designed to provide teachers with economic lessons that they can share with their students to help them understand this significant experience in U.S. history.

Go to the curriculum now.

WHAT’S NEW?

The Great Depression Curriculum Interview Series

Byron and Sam were entering the workforce when the Great Depression began. Margaret was 12 and lived on a farm. Raymond and Anna Marie were young children. Listen to their stories.

Potato: A Tale from the Great Depression

Looking for a Great Depression teaching tool for younger children? This lesson for 7- to 9-year-olds helps students differentiate between goods, services, barter and money. Students are led through several rounds of a barter activity that incorporates math skills. ( See the lesson plan | See all St. Louis Fed lesson plans )

Like what you see on the Great Depression Curriculum web site? Find a wealth of other economics and personal finance education materials on the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis Education Resources site.