Economics Primary Source Readings

Following are primary source readings on economics issues, with relevant questions at the end of the readings. These excerpts from classic texts are designed to be understandable to high school students, and make handy homework assignments or substitute plans in an economics or history class.

1. Adam Smith on the Industrial Revolution and the division of labor (1 1/2 pages) from "The Wealth of Nations." -- 4 questions
2. Economics of the Great Depression (7 pages) John Maynard Keynes' story of burying jars full of cash from "The General Theory" and Frederick Bastiat's broken window story from "That Which Is Seen and That Which Is Unseen." -- 16 questions
3. David Ricardo and the Theory of Comparative Advantage from "On the Principles of Political Economy and Taxation" (3 1/2 pages) -- 10 questions
4. Child Labor in Britain: Sadler Commission Report (4 pages) -- 6 questions
5. Child Labor in Britain: Parliament debate on the Sadler bill (4 pages) -- 9 questions
6. Reaganomics: Economic Success or Failure? (7 pages) Excerpts from the Reagan Library, speech of Senator Joe Biden and column by economist Murray Rothbard. -- 8 questions