Lesson 5: Images of the Great Depression

Introduction

Important Icon In this lesson, we will look at images from the Great Depression and discuss what feelings these images evoke on us. Important Icon

Focus Question:

What is the most significant effect of the Great Depression? 

Sources

Today, we will take a look at images from the Great Depression. Before we begin, let’s take a look at the terms primary and secondary sources below.

A Secondary Source does not give original information. It interprets or summarizes information from primary sources. 

A Primary Source is a work that gives original information. It is something that comes from a time being studied or from a person who was involved. Primary sources supply facts about a subject or the views of people who experienced events.

So, based on these definitions, would images from the Great Depression be secondary or primary sources? Yes, that is correct! Since these are actual images from this time period, these photographs we will look at are primary sources.

 

Activity

For this activity, you will look at photographs from this time period. Then, you analyze the photographs using the Primary Source Analysis Tool below.

Primary Source Analysis Tool

Primary Source Analysis Handout Download Primary Source Analysis Handout

 

Use the photographs in the slideshow below for your analysis.

 

Assignment

Now, that you have completed your chart, head on over to flip to record your responses.

Go to the next page to complete the Flip assignment.

 

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