Market Moves Slides Presentation Market Moves
From Royal Control to the Invisible Hand
Economics & History | Grades 9-10
Today's Objectives
01
Define
Understand the core differences between Mercantilism and Laissez-faire economics.
02
Analyze
Explain Adam Smith’s theory of "self-interest" and how it powers a nation's wealth.
03
Simulate
Experience how trade affects individual happiness and market flow through a simulation.
The Trading Game
Round 1: The State Rules
You have been assigned specific items. You are not allowed to trade without the King's permission (Teacher).
Goal: Accumulate Gold.
Round 2: Free Trade
Trade with anyone in the room. You decide what your items are worth to you.
Goal: Get what makes you happy.
"Did trading make you happier? Why or why not?"
Video Analysis: Adam Smith
Embedded media
Watch For:
What is the "Invisible Hand"?
How does Smith describe the shift from "Stockpiling Gold" to "Flow of Goods"?
Economic Battle
Mercantilism
Wealth is measured in Gold/Silver.
High tariffs (taxes) on foreign goods.
Government controls all trade.
Laissez-Faire
Wealth is the "Flow of Goods."
Free Trade with other nations.
"Let it be" (Individual choice).
Worksheet Activity: Complete your T-Chart!
Which would you choose?
The Consumer
I want the lowest prices and the most choices from around the world.
The Owner
I want the freedom to manufacture what I want and sell it to anyone.
"Can a nation be wealthy if its people are not free to choose?"
Market Moves Worksheet Market Moves
Economic Systems & Enlightenment Theory
Name:
Date:
Part 1: The Trading Game Reflection
After participating in the simulation, answer the following questions honestly based on your experience.
1. Rate your "Happiness Level" (0-10) at the end of each round:
Round 1 (State Control)
Round 2 (Free Trade)
2. Why did your score change (or stay the same)?
Part 2: Adam Smith Analysis
What is the "Invisible Hand"? (How does self-interest help society?)
Smith's Definition of National Wealth:
Circle the correct answer based on the video:
Accumulating as much Gold and Silver as possible.
The total flow of goods and services produced.
Part 3: Mercantilism vs. Free Market
Contrast the two systems using the categories below.
Category Mercantilism Laissez-Faire (Free Market) Measurement of Wealth Role of the State Trade Philosophy Individual Choice
Class Vote Reflection:
Which system would you prefer to live under as a consumer ?
Mercantilism
Free Market
Market Moves Trading Cards Activity Supplies The Trading Game
Asset Cards & Trade Tokens
Instructions: Cut along the dotted lines
Part A: Commodity Assets
Asset #01
Arabian Coffee
A luxury item for the Enlightenment Salon. Highly desired by intellectuals.
Asset #02
Indian Tea
Essential for sobriety and civility. A staple of modern European life.
Asset #03
Calico Textiles
Bright, easy-to-clean Indian cotton. Illegal in some countries!
Asset #04
The Encyclopedia
Knowledge is power. Includes technical diagrams of machinery.
Asset #05
Coal Supply
The energy of the future. Vital for manufacturing and heating.
Asset #06
American Corn
A new crop that prevents famine. High caloric value.
Part B: Imperial Gold Tokens
1 Gold
1 Gold
1 Gold
1 Gold
1 Gold
1 Gold
1 Gold
1 Gold
Teacher Tip:
Print multiple copies. In Round 1, only the "Monarch" (Teacher) can hand out Gold. In Round 2, students may trade Assets for Gold or Assets for Assets at will.
Market Moves Teacher Guide Teacher Guide
Market Moves: Economics & Enlightenment
Grade 9-10
Time: 50-60 Min
Lesson Overview
This lesson explores the seismic shift in economic thought during the 18th century. Students transition from experiencing the rigid, state-controlled world of **Mercantilism** to the fluid, individualistic theory of **Laissez-faire** economics championed by Adam Smith.
Video Context
Source: Crash Course European History #18
Segment: 12:12 - 13:17 (Adam Smith focus)
Key Concepts: Shift from gold stockpiles to flow of goods; division of labor; self-interest.
Materials Needed
Market Moves Slides
Market Moves Worksheet
Printed Asset Cards & Gold
Scissors (for prep)
Instructional Steps
1
Warm-up: The Trading Game (10 min)
Distribute Asset Cards randomly. Some students should have multiple "Gold" tokens, others only 1 asset.
Round 1 (Mercantilism): Students can only trade their Asset for Gold, and only with YOU (the Monarch). You set the prices. If you don't like their asset, you refuse the trade.
Round 2 (Free Market): Students may trade with anyone. They set their own values. A student with "Tea" might trade for "Coffee" just because they like it more.
2
Video Analysis (15 min)
Play the segment (12:12-13:17). Use the slide prompts to discuss the "Invisible Hand."
Key Discussion Point: How did the "Trading Game" demonstrate self-interest? (Students traded for what they liked, making themselves happy, which made the class more prosperous/satisfied overall).
3
T-Chart & Closure (25 min)
Students complete the worksheet comparison chart. Finish with the class vote. Ask: "Is a country truly 'Enlightened' if its economy is controlled by a King?"
Worksheet Answer Key
Part 2: Adam Smith Analysis
Invisible Hand: The idea that when individuals pursue their own "self-interest" (profit or happiness), they unintentionally benefit society by creating a balanced and prosperous market.
Wealth Definition: The total flow of goods and services produced (Not just gold).
Part 3: Comparison T-Chart
Category Mercantilism Laissez-Faire