Scarcity and Rationing in American History

Start with the salt market table, then graph with the Gold Rush sheet. Use the shifts sheet as review and the scarcity sheet for discussion.

Name how scarce goods were shared, from Valley Forge rations to the 1863 draft lottery. The directions on the page read: Read the box. For each case, write the method used to decide who got the scarce good. Then tell who gained and who lost. An answer key is included.

Yes, both. We made it for 8th grade Economics and Money, and it works the same at home or at school. At home, a student can work through it alone and then go over it with you, which shows quickly what is solid and what needs another look. In class it works as independent practice, homework or a warm-up, and you can print one copy or a full set.

A shortage is when buyers want more than sellers offer at a price. The salt market sheet finds the shortage at each price after the Union blockade cut supply.

Buyers want more than sellers will offer, so there is a shortage. The price controls sheet finds the shortage at a $30 ceiling on a sample graph.

A change in a good's own price moves buyers and sellers along the curves. A change in a shifter, such as new technology, moves the whole curve.