Introduction to This Week’s Lesson

Before we dive into our new topic, I want to remind you that I am still missing several student webpages from last week on the New Deal. If you haven’t submitted yours yet, please make sure to get it turned in as soon as possible. Let me know if you need help! 

Now, this week, we’re continuing our exploration of how the U.S. government has influenced the economy over time. We’ll be focusing on World War II and its impact on American life, asking important questions about how the government shapes the economy during times of crisis.

Throughout the week, we’ll look at how people on the Homefront adapted to war—rationing, war bonds, and factory work shifts. We’ll dive into supply and demand shifters, exploring how wartime needs change what gets produced and sold. We’ll also discuss the government’s role in managing the economy, looking at policies that influenced industry and consumers. Midweek, we’ll analyze a primary source from FDR, examining how he justified his policies. We’ll also tackle a tough part of history: the Japanese Internment Camps, where thousands of Japanese Americans were forcibly relocated. We will also continue our Stock Market Game from last week.

To wrap it all up, your project this week is to create a radio broadcast from the perspective of a group of people living in America during WWII. You’ll step into their shoes and report on what life was like—whether it’s as a factory worker, a soldier’s family, a business owner, or someone affected by internment.

As we go through the week, keep thinking about our essential question: What role should the government play in the economy?

Work for the week

Essential Standard

• SS.Econ4.c.m Analyze the impact of different government policies (e.g., taxation and government spending) on the economy.