Depression. Relief was minimal and inconsistent. The New Jersey Emergency Relief Adminstration ceased operations in April of 1936 and the needs of the people then fell to local government. On April 21, 1936, a group of citizens, known as the of Unoccupation” marched into Trenton and “Army remained in the Capitol building for the next eight days. Peacefully protesting and causing no damage, the 250 members of this simply wanted to bring attention to the dire needs of those affected “Army” by the Great Depression. Eventually, the state government would provide over six million dollars in direct relief to the citizens of New Jersey. ACTIVITY: After having a discussion on the effects of the Great Depression and the impact of Roosevelt’s New Deal, display the pictures of the 1936 of Unoccupation” at the state capitol building in Trenton. “Army Each student will then write their response and reactions to the images shown. The students should consider the following questions: Who are the people portrayed in the pictures? What difficulties have they experienced due to the Depression? What are the objectives for their protest and what methods did they utilize? Why would these protesters occupy the Capitol building to achieve their goals? allowing the students time to write, provide time for the students to work in small groups to compare their answers. Then, one member from each group will report to the class the conversations within each group. To assist the students in the interpretation and analysis of the photographs, consider using Jon Blackwell’s article. FOLLOW-UP: Active participation by the citizens of a nation is vital for a thriving and vibrant democracy. It is important for elected representatives to respond and address the needs to all citizens in a democratic society. Ask the students to consider what current issue they feel is the most important problem facing the State of New Jersey. For homework, each student will research the issue they’ve selected and write a letter to their State Senator or Assemblyperson asking for attention and action to their concern. Students may visit the New Jersey Legislature website to identify their elected representative. WANT TO LEARN MORE? Places You Can Visit New Jersey State Legislature Building The Living New Deal: Locations of New Deal Projects in New Jersey Additional Teaching Resources New Jersey Digital Highway: New Jersey and the New Deal
Depression. Relief was minimal and inconsistent. The New Jersey Emergency Relief Adminstration ceased operations in April of 1936 and the needs of the people then fell to local government. On April 21, 1936, a group of citizens, known as the “Army of Unoccupation” marched into Trenton and remained in the Capitol building for the next eight days. Peacefully protesting and causing no damage, the 250 members of this “Army” simply wanted to bring attention to the dire needs of those affected by the Great Depression. Eventually, the state government would provide over six million dollars in direct relief to the citizens of New Jersey. ACTIVITY: After having a discussion on the effects of the Great Depression and the impact of Roosevelt’s New Deal, display the pictures of the 1936 “Army of Unoccupation” at the state capitol building in Trenton. Each student will then write their response and reactions to the images shown. The students should consider the following questions: Who are the people portrayed in the pictures? What difficulties have they experienced due to the Depression? What are the objectives for their protest and what methods did they utilize? Why would these protesters occupy the Capitol building to achieve their goals? allowing the students time to write, provide time for the students to work in small groups to compare their answers. Then, one member from each group will report to the class the conversations within each group. To assist the students in the interpretation and analysis of the photographs, consider using Jon Blackwell’s article. FOLLOW-UP: Active participation by the citizens of a nation is vital for a thriving and vibrant democracy. It is important for elected representatives to respond and address the needs to all citizens in a democratic society. Ask the students to consider what current issue they feel is the most important problem facing the State of New Jersey. For homework, each student will research the issue they’ve selected and write a letter to their State Senator or Assemblyperson asking for attention and action to their concern. Students may visit the New Jersey Legislature website to identify their elected representative. WANT TO LEARN MORE? Places You Can Visit New Jersey State Legislature Building The Living New Deal: Locations of New Deal Projects in New Jersey Additional Teaching Resources New Jersey Digital Highway: New Jersey and the New Deal