Ferdinand Pecora and the 1929 Stock Market Crash
Content Standards
MI USHG 7.1.2 Causes and Consequences of the Great Depression;
MI Civics – 3.3.1 Describe and analyze how groups and individuals influence public policy.
MI Civics – 3.3.5 Identify and discuss roles of non-governmental organizations in American civic society.
Lesson Plan
In this lesson, students work together to analyze the findings of Ferdinand Pecora’s investigation into the stock market crash of ‘29 and examine the dangers of unregulated financial markets, as well as the harm that is caused to ordinary citizens when financial institutions misbehave. Using primary source excerpts from the investigation itself, as well as letters sent to the committee by angry, hurt citizens, students dive deep into an investigation that helped shape the financial system we know today. Students leave being able to answer the question “Should the government regulate financial institutions?”. Download includes a lesson plan, video, student materials, and an answer key.
