Although the farm sector had struggled in the 1920s, the United States had enjoyed eight years of unprecedented prosperity under as the 1928 presidential race drew to a close. Seven months after the new president, Herbert Hoover took office, the stock market crashed. After two weeks, it recovered somewhat, but then began a long-term decline, as the American economy fell into what became known as the Great Depression. Economists still debate what broader effect the stock market crash had on the American economy and why the Great Depression was so severe and so prolonged. This seminar will examine this long-standing debate using by examining the history of the Great Depression in the words of the policymakers of the era.

This program will be conducted as a discussion, utilizing primary source documents as the only readings, and with the Discussion Leader facilitating the conversation, instead of lecturing or presenting. Registrants, therefore, are highly encouraged to read all the documents in advance and come ready with questions. Teachers will receive a Letter of Attendance at the conclusion of the seminar.