Great Depression Escape

Escape Game

Great Depression

Escape Room

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Introduction

The year is 2224. It's another boring day in history class. The teacher is blabbing on-and-on about the Great Depression which was like 300 years ago! You raise your hand, "How bad could it have really been? What makes it so bad anyway?" The teacher responds "You don't think it's that bad huh? Well let me show you!" The school has a new time machine that allows us to travel back into history and view the life through a person in that time. The class travels to the room with the time machine....

Premise

The teacher sets the time machine to the late 1920s. One problem. The time machine has broken immediately after the class was sent. Unless you can show understanding of the Great Depression, collect the broken pieces, and successfully navigate through the Depression then you will be stuck in the past.....

ControlSYSTEM

Visit all stages, fix the control system and go back to the future!

Dust Bowl

Black Tuesday

Hoover

New Deal

Bank Failures

job Hunt

The fuel will be topped up by finding the missing parts.

You have taken on the life of a stock broker. You've amassed quite a nice fortune and have built quite the life for yourself. Go into the house.

You've arrived in 1929. Just like you thought, it doesn't look too bad.

You decide to sit down, relax in your new luxurious life and read the paper (it's a little outdated but you left your phone in 2224).

Looking around, you may not want to go back to your previous life! This is pretty nice!

What was the day the stock market crashed infamously known as?

Two words, capitalize the first letter

Search the room for clues to crack the safe.

You found the hidden safe. Crack it open to see how much you have.

This page is password protected

Enter the password

Before moving on review your notes from class about Black Tuesday. Prove your knowledge of the event so that history doesn't get re-written. Answering the questions correctly helps to fix the time machine and keeps history unchanged so that you can return you back to your present day!

Black Tuesday

What happened?

When it happend?

Why it happened?

What was the impact?

This is a check to make sure you read the notes.

Enter the password

2/3

Which of the following does not describe Black Tuesday?

Billions of dollars were lost.

It occurred on October 31, 1939.

It marked the greatest loss in one day in the history of the stock market

Panic selling played a role in the steep losses.

3/3

What was NOT an effect on the economy as a result of Black Tuesday

Millions of investors lost everything.

Americans lost faith in the economy.

It will lead to futher damage to the banking system and unemployment.

It was a catastrophic drop but bounced back within a year.

brilliant!

The trip has been a success, history is unchanged! Here is the piece you need. The next stage will be activated.

wrong

The time door has closed, be careful or you will not be able to return to the present because the present you know has changed. Go back to the beginning so that history isn't changed

Visit all stages, fix the control system and go back to the future!

ControlSYSTEM

Dust Bowl

Black Tuesday

Hoover

New Deal

Bank Failures

job Hunt

The fuel will be topped up by finding the missing parts.

They continued to explain that when they showed up to the bank it had shut down and they ran out of money! Luckily for you, its not your bank, but you need to get moving if banks are running out of money!

As you head to the bank, you see some gentlemen looking down. They explain that they lost so much in the market crash but they at least had some money in the bank.

This doesn't look promising!

Pick a line to see if you can force your way to the front to get some money before they run out!

They Ran out of money! You get nothing! Go back in time to try to get more!

You got a little closer, try to squeeze forward. Pick a line.

They Ran out of money! You get nothing! Go back in time to try to get more!

THey gave you $100...Not nearly the $10,000 you had in the bank but others got nothing!

THey gave you $500...Not nearly the $10,000 you had in the bank but others got nothing!

Banking Crisis

Stock Market Crash Related to Bank Crisis

Bank Runs

Credit issues

Effects

Read the information and answer the qeustions to make sure history isn't rewritten to preserve your future as you know it!

This is a check to make sure you read the notes.

two words, lower case

2/3

How did the Banking Crisis affect the availability of credit in the economy during the Great Depression?

It led to lower interest rates and increased lending.

It had no impact on credit availability.

It led to an increase in lending and expansion of credit.

It caused a contraction of credit, making it difficult to obtain loans.

3/3

What was the economic consequence of the widespread bank failures during the Great Depression?

A period of rapid economic growth

A deflationary spiral, high unemployment, and a prolonged recession

A reduction in unemployment rates

A surge in consumer spending and investment

wrong

The time door has closed, be careful or you will not be able to return to the present because the present you know has changed. Go back to the beginning so that history isn't changed

brilliant!

The trip has been a success, history remains unchanged. Here is the piece you need. The next stage will be activated.

ControlSYSTEM

Dust Bowl

Black Tuesday

Hoover

New Deal

Visit all stages, fix the control system and go back to the future!

Bank Failures

job Hunt

The fuel will be topped up by finding the missing parts.

You show up during a photo shoot. Sneak into the Oval Office while they are distracted to find Hoover's plans to respond to the depression.

You head to Washington DC to see what Hoover is going to do about the Great Depression.

Sneak into the White House with a tour.

As the banking system face a crisis, I believe no significant measures are needed to stabilize it. Good banks will survive, bad banks will fail, it's simple capitalism.

(Click to continue)

....so basically he is planning on doing nothing? Despite the fact that bank closures are rampant and people are losing their faith in banks and the economy.

I generally adhered to a hands-off, laissez-faire approach to the economy. The market would naturally correct itself and that government intervention was largely unnecessary.

(Click to continue)

....so basically he is planning on doing nothing? No wonder it lasted so long!

I plan to sign Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act into law. This tariff will raise import duties (taxes) to record levels.

(Click to continue)

This tariff will lead to other countries imposing tariffs on the US in response. It will destroy relationships and international trade.

As for this so-called "Bonus Army" that is demanding an early $1,000 payment for fighting in WWI. They will receive their funds at the agreed upon time, not earlier. If they don't leave soon, the army will be released upon them to remove them from the area.

(Click to continue)

This response is viewed as heartless and insensitive by the American people to the suffering of others.

You found your way into the Oval Office. Search the desk to find Hoover's plan.

What was the name of WWI vets looking to get their $1000 paid early?

Two words, capitalize 1st letter

1/3

What economic policy did Herbert Hoover pursue during the Great Depression that is often criticized for its ineffectiveness?

Government intervention and direct relief programs

Massive tax cuts and deregulation

Laissez-faire economic policies with minimal government intervention

Increased government spending on infrastructure

2/3

What role did the Hawley-Smoot Tariffs play a role in the Great Depression?

By not providing proper funding to the banks

By imposing taxes on foreign countries, it destroyed trade and world economies.

By not regulating the stock market and allowing it to continue to fall.

Increasing the unemployment rate.

3/3

What was the main criticism of Herbert Hoover's approach to dealing with the Great Depression?

He provided excessive government aid and created a welfare state.

He successfully implemented New Deal policies to end the depression.

He was too quick to raise taxes, stifling economic growth.

His response was perceived as inadequate, and he initially favored limited government intervention.

wrong

The time door has closed, be careful or you will not be able to return to the present because the present you know has changed. Go back and read about Hoover's inaction so that history isn't changed.

brilliant!

The trip has been a success, here is the piece you need. The next stage will be activated.

ControlSYSTEM

Dust Bowl

Black Tuesday

Hoover

New Deal

Visit all stages, fix the control system and go back to the future!

Bank Failures

job Hunt

The fuel will be topped up by finding the missing parts.

Get in line to try to get a job to see how difficult it is to get a job during the Great Depression.

You finally made it into the employment office. You quickly realize that 25% of Americans are unemployed which makes for a huge number of people to look for employment. Go to a table to find a job.

Someone must not have wanted competition because they shredded up a possible job location. Put the pieces together.

Hint

Put the pieces together to get the address which is the password to the next page.

Next

Write down the address from the previous page.

Write numbers followed by ALL CAPS.

Job Search and the Labor market

Cycle of disaster

Impact of Black Tuesday and Banks on the job market

Impact on Society

Click the arrow to test your knowledge of the labor market

What was the percent of Americans unemployed at the height of the GD?

Just the number

2/3

What was a major consequence of the poor labor market conditions during the Great Depression?

Low levels of unemployment

Widespread job scarcity and high unemployment

High levels of consumer spending

Rapid economic growth

3/3

How did the banking crisis lead to a weak labor market?

Millions lost their money when the market crashed, leaving them with very little disposable income.

disrupted lending and financing for businesses, making it harder for them to operate and hire new employees.

Banks accounted for 40% of the jobs in America, therefore, when banks shut down the labor market suffered.

It really didn't have an impact on the labor market, they were two separate events.

wrong

The time door has closed, be careful or you will not be able to return to the present because the present you know has changed. Go back and read about Hoover's inaction so that history isn't changed.

brilliant!

The trip has been a success, here is the piece you need. The next stage will be activated.

ControlSYSTEM

Dust Bowl

Black Tuesday

Hoover

New Deal

Visit all stages, fix the control system and go back to the future!

Bank Failures

job Hunt

The fuel will be topped up by finding the missing parts.

As much as you appreciate a job, you hear others talking about becoming a hobo, someone riding the rails to find a better life. To decide to join them and head west to the great plains. Hop aboard!

What in the world? You arrive in the great plains and huge dust storms are taking over the area! Hurry to find shelter.

Let's review some basics about the Dust Bowl while was wait out the storm: Environmental Devastation: The Dust Bowl resulted from a combination of severe drought, poor farming practices, and high winds. The topsoil, which had been loosened due to extensive plowing and overgrazing, became highly susceptible to erosion. As a result, massive dust storms, or "black blizzards," frequently engulfed the region. Agricultural Collapse: Crop failures were widespread, and farming communities faced devastation. Farmers couldn't grow essential crops like wheat and corn, leading to severe food shortages and economic hardship. Mass Migration: As their farms and livelihoods were destroyed, many families and individuals were forced to abandon their homes in search of a better life elsewhere. This mass migration, often referred to as the "Okie migration," saw hundreds of thousands of people moving to California and other states. (click the lantern to see more)

Where did most people travel as a result of the Dust Bowl?

Enter the password

You decide to head out west with the rest of the okies to search for a better life in California. In order to get there. Find the answers to the questions in the dust.

Click to begin.

What was the primary environmental factor responsible for the Dust Bowl in the 1930s?

Excessive rainfall and flooding

Intense hurricanes

High levels of pollution

Severe drought and dust storms

Drag the lantern to find the answers.

How did the Dust Bowl affect agricultural production in the Great Plains region?

Crop failures were widespread, resulting in reduced agricultural production.

Farmers shifted to new crops and improved farming practices.

Agricultural production remained stable with no significant impact.

It led to a surplus of crops and increased food exports.

Drag the lantern to find the answers.

How did the Dust Bowl impact the national economy during the Great Depression?

It contributed to economic stress by causing widespread bank failures. It also led to an increase in unemploymet.

It resulted in a surplus of food and lower food prices nationwide.

It had no effect on the economy outside of the affected region.

It led to a boom in the agricultural sector due to improved farming techniques.

Drag the lantern to find the answers.

brilliant!

The trip has been a success, here is the piece you need. The next stage will be activated. You're one step closer to returning to your future.

wrong

The time door has closed, be careful or you will not be able to return to the present. Go back to review information about the Dust Bowl so that you can return to the future that you know!

ControlSYSTEM

Dust Bowl

Black Tuesday

Hoover

New Deal

Visit all stages, fix the control system and go back to the future!

Bank Failures

job Hunt

The fuel will be topped up by finding the missing parts.

New Deal: President Roosevelt was elected in 1932 and he promised the American people a New Deal. His policies focused on three areas: Relief, Recovery, and Reform.

Next

Questions

Relief

Recovery

Reform

New Deal

What is the abbreviated name of the deposit insurance agency?

All caps, abbreviated

Which New Deal program regulated the stock market and protected investors from fraud?

National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA)

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

Social Security Act

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

What long-term reform was introduced by the New Deal to prevent future economic crises?

National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA)

Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA)

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)

Social Security Act

Which of the following is not a RELIEF program instituted by the New Deal

WPA

CCC

AAA

PWA

The Social Security Act of 1935 established a system for:

Regulating the banking industry

Ensuring the separation of commercial and investment banking

Offering old-age pensions and unemployment insurance

Providing unemployment benefits

congratulations!

You've managed to travel to the future and return to the world as you knew it!

wrong

The time door has closed, be careful or you will not be able to return to the present.

Why did it happened?

Several factors contributed to the crash, including: Speculative Bubble: In the years leading up to Black Tuesday, there was a speculative bubble in the stock market. Many investors were buying stocks on margin, which means they were borrowing money to invest, leading to artificially inflated stock prices. Overvaluation: Stocks were highly overvalued, basically they stocks weren't even close to being worth what people were buying them for. The password to the next page is stocks. Panic Selling: On the day of the crash, there was a wave of panic selling. Investors, fearing further losses, rushed to sell their stocks, which further drove down prices

Bank Failures: Many banks were unable to meet withdrawal demands and subsequently failed. The number of bank failures in the early 1930s was staggering, eroding public trust in the financial system. Credit Contraction: The banking crisis led to a severe contraction of credit in the economy. Banks reduced their lending, making it difficult for businesses and individuals to obtain financing. This credit squeeze exacerbated the economic downturn. Deflation and Economic Downturn: The banking crisis was a key factor in the deflationary spiral during the Great Depression. A decrease in the money supply due to bank failures and reduced lending contributed to falling prices, high unemployment, and a prolonged economic recession. The password to the next page is bank failures.

What was the impact?

Stock Market Plummeted: The Dow Jones Industrial Average, which had peaked at 381.17 in September 1929, plummeted to 230.07 by the end of October 1929. Financial Ruin: Many investors, including individuals and institutions, saw their investments evaporate. Countless people lost their life savings, and many businesses and banks collapsed. Great Depression Deepened: The crash exacerbated the Great Depression, leading to high unemployment rates, a severe contraction in industrial production, and a collapse in consumer spending. GDP fell, and the economy entered a prolonged period of recession. The American people will begin to lose faith in the economic system that was once so prosperous! It also contributed to a Banking Crisis........

Unemployment: Unemployment rates soared during the Great Depression. At its peak, the unemployment rate in the United States reached around 25%, leaving millions of individuals jobless. Underemployment: Many of those who managed to find work often faced underemployment, working part-time or in jobs that were far below their skill levels and/or education levels. Wage Cuts: Those who remained employed often had their wages cut, making it difficult to make ends meet and worsening the economic conditions for families. Homelessness and Migration: The dire labor market conditions led to widespread homelessness, as people could not afford their homes. Many individuals and families also migrated in search of work.

Bank Runs: As a result of the stock market crash on Black Tuesday and the economic uncertainty that followed, many depositors lost confidence in the stability of banks. This loss of confidence led to bank runs, where panicked depositors rushed to withdraw their funds, causing further strain on the banking system.

Reform: The New Deal introduced long-term reforms to prevent future economic crises.

• The Social Security Act established a system of unemployment insurance and old-age pensions.
• The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was created to regulate the stock market and protect investors from fraud.
• The Glass-Steagall Act separated commercial banking from investment banking.
• Banking Reforms: The New Deal addressed the banking crisis by implementing the Emergency Banking Act, which aimed to stabilize the banking system. The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) was created to insure bank deposits, providing a safety net for depositors.

Recovery: The New Deal aimed to stimulate economic recovery. The National Industrial Recovery Act (NIRA) established industry codes and labor standards to promote fair competition and encourage economic growth. The Agricultural Adjustment Act (AAA) aimed to increase crop prices by paying farmers to reduce production.

Economic Contraction: The Great Depression was marked by a significant contraction in economic activity. Businesses faced reduced demand for their products and services, leading to layoffs and closures. Bank Failures: The banking crisis resulted in many banks going out of business. This disrupted lending and financing for businesses, making it harder for them to operate and hire new employees. Stock Market Crash: The 1929 stock market crash wiped out the savings and investments of many, causing a severe loss of consumer spending power and a drop in demand for goods and services.

America and other countries got stuck in the cycle of disaster. Typically it started with an overproduction of goods, then:

Less jobs, means less money to buy goods which means businesses shut down, which leads to less jobs, less purchases, and more layoffs....it keeps spiralling downward!

Relief: The New Deal provided immediate relief to those suffering from the Great Depression.

• Programs like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and the Works Progress Administration (WPA) employed millions in public works projects. The Civilian Conservation Corps, for example, employed young men in conservation and reforestation projects, providing them with a steady income.
• Housing and Infrastructure: Programs like the Public Works Administration (PWA) and the Civil Works Administration (CWA) funded construction projects, creating jobs and improving infrastructure. This included the construction of schools, bridges, and public buildings.

What Happened: On Black Tuesday, the U.S. stock market, particularly the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), experienced a catastrophic collapse. Billions of dollars in stock value were wiped out in a matter of hours. This crash was part of a broader economic crisis that had been unfolding, but it marked the most severe single-day drop in the stock market's history.

Credit and Debt Issues: Banks had extended large amounts of credit to businesses and individuals, often on risky terms. When the economy worsened, borrowers defaulted on their loans, causing substantial losses for the banks and reducing their ability to meet withdrawal demands. Basically they lent out too much money and people weren't paying it back. This resulted in people unable to get their money back.