Introducing KNOVA — A free reading app with curriculum-aligned passages on History & Science for Grades 3-8Learn More →

The Stock Market Crashes in 1929 — Reading Comprehension

No ratings yet

Premium Resource

Grades

Standards

D2.HIS.1-4.3-5
RI.4.3
RI.4.4
RI.5.3
RI.5.4

Rate this resource

Send Feedback / Report an Issue

About This Reader

This educational passage explores the Stock Market Crash of 1929, a key event in U.S. history that led to the Great Depression. Students will learn about the causes, effects, and responses to the crash in a clear, chronological narrative. The passage highlights important vocabulary and helps students develop reading and historical understanding skills. Activities include a multiple-choice quiz, writing questions, and a timeline of events. A glossary is provided to support comprehension. This resource is aligned with the C3 Framework and Common Core ELA standards, making it ideal for classroom or independent learning. Read aloud audio and a Spanish translation are included to support diverse learners. Keywords include stock market crash, Great Depression, Wall Street, C3, and Common Core standards.

CONTENT PREVIEW

DJ industrial average 1929 Black Friday.jpg
Source: Wikimedia Commons

The Stock Market Crash of 1929 was one of the most important events in United States history. In October 1929, the prices of stocks on the New York Stock Exchange began to fall very quickly. Many people had invested their money in these stocks, hoping to become rich. But when prices dropped, they lost their savings almost overnight.

This event is often called “Black Tuesday,” which happened on October 29, 1929. On this day, millions of shares were sold as people rushed to get their money out. The value of the stock market collapsed. Banks and businesses also lost large amounts of money. Some banks could not return people’s savings, and many businesses had to close.

Because of the crash, the United States entered a time called the Great Depression. This was a period of great economic struggle that lasted for about ten years. Millions of people lost their jobs. Families lost their homes and farms. Many had to stand in long lines just to get food at soup kitchens.

President Herbert Hoover was in office when the crash happened. He tried to help, but the problems were too big. Later, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was elected. He created new government programs called the New Deal to help families, create jobs, and rebuild the economy. These programs gave hope to many Americans.

The Stock Market Crash taught people important lessons about saving money and making safe investments. It also showed that Americans could work together to solve big problems. Even though times were hard, people helped each other and found new ways to succeed.

Interesting Fact: The Dow Jones stock index lost almost 90% of its value from 1929 to 1932.

What is Black Tuesday?

The day the stock market crashedThe end of World War IIA holiday for banksA day the New Deal started

When did the Stock Market Crash happen?

October 1929July 1776April 1935December 1941

Who was president during the crash?

Herbert HooverFranklin D. RooseveltAbraham LincolnGeorge Washington

What did the New Deal do?

Created jobs and helped familiesStarted World War IIClosed all banksEnded the stock market

What happened after the stock market crashed?

Great Depression beganBanks made more moneyNew Deal endedStock prices rose

Why did people wait in soup kitchen lines?