Great Depression Class Simulation

Directions Get into Groups of 2 You are now a married couple at the end of the 1920s. You will be faced with the trials of the Great Depression.

Budget Sheet You will receive a budget sheet – for those of you who aren’t comfortable with math you may use a calculator You will have to keep your budget sheet up to date in order to continue this activity (Budget Sheet = 15 points)

On your budget sheet… Write your real names and your married names down Figure out who is the husband and who is the wife You must follow the directions or every round of this game. On your budget sheet there are 3 things that you MUST pay for every round Food Water Clothing

Round 1 - 1929 You have $100 right now But you have a job so you add $10 Every expense listed on the Budget Worksheet (except Recreation) must be paid this round Remember it is the end of the 1920’s – you’re a young married couple who likes to go out and have fun. If you like you can add recreation expenses If you go to a speak easy make sure to pay (illegal hooch) If you have a sweet tooth – buy some candy Like movies? – Movie Tickets for Sale!!!

Time to Add it all up Add up your expenses + recreation during round 1 and place that amount at the bottom of the chart on Page 1 on of the Budget worksheet Now on page 2 (flip over the worksheet) Put the total amount spent in round one on the “Minus $ spent” section If you would like to deposit money into the bank for safekeeping you can put that on the “Minus Bank Deposit” section of your worksheet and take the money to the bank If you would like to sell furniture you may do so now and get money from the bank or from the person you sold it to…

Round 2 - 1930 STOCK MARKET CRASH!!! All husbands have been fired and you will not be receiving any money this round Banks are CLOSED – they have loaned too much money and any money you deposited is GONE Good news though…. You just had a baby Medical bills = $10 Food, Water and Clothing bills are now for 3 people not 2

Bad News!!! If you did not pay your car loan, your car has been repossessed. If you did not sell it already, cross it off from the list and turn in the photograph. You may not sell it in future rounds. If you didn’t pay your electric bill and have been using candles instead – your furniture caught on fire – turn in your sofa If you did not pay your Mortgage this round you have a last notice- you will lose your house if you don’t pay next month (its now only worth half price)

Add it up Subtract water, food, and clothes for three people. Pay bills and add in Recreational Activities. Once you have the amount spent flip the sheet over and subtract losses. You may add in furniture sales if you like. If you didn’t eat your candy or drink your “hooch” you may sell it as well. Add everything up…

Round 3 - 1935 Rules for this round: Couples must pay all their bills – there will be consequences if you don’t You may place your child in the orphanage if you cannot afford to keep it If you cannot afford clothing… you may draw or make clothing. In order to get points for it you must tape it to yourself. You may now sell your house if you like – you have choices Hooverville – if you do this you must put your desks together and sit under them. Move into another couple’s house and share the mortgage

Round 3 Add up expenses Add up sales and complete the worksheet for Round 3 EXCITING NEWS!!! 3 Jobs AVAILABLE!! The first 3 husbands to run to me will get these jobs $5 each Consequences… if you did not pay your taxes, then you owe the government (me) $10 or you will go to jail Finish up your worksheets

Round 4 - 1937 You must pay your bills Record all expenses and total everything up on the worksheet How much does each couple have left? 3 Poorest families will receive food from the bread line and not have to pay for food and water this round Who has bought candy or ‘Hooch” since round 2? If you did you feel good and you now found a job for rounds 4 and 5 – pays $5

Round 5 - 1941 Add up all expenses like the past few rounds. ANNOUNCEMENT!!!: Attack on Pearl Harbor!!!: Any man willing to join the military can have a job $10 for those who joined

Finish up the Budgeting Sheet… Who survived??? Who is doing well? What did you think?