What should a government do when millions of people lose their jobs and struggle to afford food and housing? During the Great Depression, President Franklin D. Roosevelt introduced a series of programs called the New Deal to help Americans recover. Learn how these programs changed lives and decide whether you think they were successful in this Social Studies Mini Spark.
Spark Your Thinking!
1. Set up your Social Studies mini spark recording page: #65: The New Deal
2. During the Great Depression, many Americans lost their jobs, homes, and savings. President Roosevelt’s New Deal created programs to provide jobs, support families, and help the economy recover. Before you begin, predict: What kinds of programs would you create to help people during a national crisis? Record 2+ ideas on your recording page.
3. Watch the video about the New Deal.
As you watch, record:
- 5 important facts about the New Deal.
- 3 programs or projects created during the New Deal.
- 1 fact that surprised you.
4. Read the Khan Academy lesson about the New Deal and then choose A or B or C to complete.
A: Thinking Like a Historian. On your recording page, create a T-chart labeled:
| Benefits of the New Deal | Criticisms of the New Deal |
|---|---|
Record at least 3 ideas in each column.
B: Creative Writing Challenge
Imagine you are a newspaper reporter living in 1935.
Write a short newspaper article (one paragraph) describing a New Deal program that has just arrived in your town. Include:
- A headline
- What the program does
- Who it helps
- How people in your town are reacting to it
Part C: Critical Thinking
Answer this question in 3–5 complete sentences:
Do you think the New Deal was a good way to help Americans during the Great Depression? Why or why not? Use evidence from both the video and the reading to support your answer.
5. Share your Social Studies mini spark recording page with your teacher or the EY coordinator in your building.
Check out these Social Studies mini sparks about other events during the Great Depression
