History Students Experience the 1929 Stock Market Crash

Students from Professor Joaquin’s Chilean History class had the opportunity to learn about an important moment in US history that sent shockwaves around the world: The Stock Market Crash of 1929 and the Great Depression which followed.

First we watched a short YouTube video explaining the idea behind investing in the stock market. Students were given $1000 to invest in a list of historically relevant stocks, and had five minute rounds to buy and sell at updated prices which reflected the boom and bust of the roaring 20’s economy. They could also buy stocks on margins, by borrowing money from the bank. After most of them watched their money evaporate into thin air, they had the chance to discuss how speculation and margins led to irresponsible behavior and created conditions for the crash.

stock simulation pic 3

For resources used in the activity continue reading!

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