Some of the problems on Wall Street have been compared to the banking problems of the 1930’s. These comparisons can provide history teachers with an opportunity to discuss the actions of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s administration. One of the most public actions of FDR was to broadcast “fireside chats.” There are a number of places on the Internet where you can find audio recordings of FDR’s first fireside chat regarding the banking system. Two of these places are the American Presidency Project and American Rhetoric.
This video from YouTube also contains the audio of FDR’s first fireside chat as well as a collection of images related to the Great Depression.
On a lighter note, if all of the news regarding the financial markets is stressing you out, perhaps you might want to watch It’s A Wonderful Life.
