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The Great Depression

Daniel Miller

Daniel Miller

7 min read

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Study Guide Overview

This study guide covers the Great Depression, focusing on its causes (BOPS: Bank Failures, Overproduction, Purchasing Reduction, Stock Market Crash), impact (Dust Bowl, unemployment), Hoover's response (limited intervention, Bonus March), and the election of FDR (New Deal). It also includes practice questions covering multiple-choice, short answer, and free response formats and emphasizes exam strategies.

AP US History: The Great Depression - Night Before Review

Hey! Let's get you prepped and confident for your AP US History exam. We're focusing on the Great Depression, a huge topic, so let's dive in with a clear, organized approach. Remember, you've got this! 💪

1. Introduction to the Great Depression

  • The Great Depression was the most severe economic downturn in US history. 📉
  • High unemployment (peaked at ~25%) and widespread desperation were hallmarks of this era.
  • Understanding its causes and impacts is crucial for the exam. Let's get started!
Key Concept

The Great Depression is a high-value topic on the AP exam. Expect multiple-choice and free-response questions that test your understanding of its causes, effects, and the government's response.

2. Causes of the Great Depression

Let's use the acronym BOPS to help remember the main causes:

  • B - Bank Failures 🏦: Banks ran out of money due to mass withdrawals.
  • O - Overproduction 🏭: Companies and farmers produced too many goods, exceeding demand.
  • P - Purchasing Reduction 📉: Consumers reduced spending, further decreasing demand.
  • S - Stock Market Crash 💥: The 1929 crash triggered a downward economic spiral.
Memory Aid

BOPS - Banks, Overproduction, Purchasing, Stock. This will help you remember the four major causes of the Great Depression!

2.1 The Stock Market Crash

  • The Roaring Twenties featured unregulated credit and margin buying. 💸

  • Margin buying: Investors borrowed money to buy stocks, inflating their value.

  • Black Tuesday (October 29, 1929): The stock market crashed, triggering a massive sell-off.

    ![Dow Jones Industrial Average, 1920 to 1955](ht...

Previous Topic - 1920s: Cultural and Political ControversiesNext Topic - The New Deal

Question 1 of 12

The Great Depression is best described as what type of event in US history? 🤔

A minor economic recession

A period of great prosperity

The most severe economic downturn

A brief period of economic adjustment