The Track to Change: How 20th Century America Shaped Thoroughbred Racing

Providing Hope During the Great Depression

Guiding Question

How has horse racing helped Americans?

This activity will track the turbulent years of the Great Depression and the remarkable career of the legendary racehorse Seabiscuit, whose rise to fame captured the hopes and spirits of Americans during one of the most challenging periods in U.S. history. As you explore key moments in Seabiscuit’s career, you’ll learn how this underdog horse, who defied expectations and overcame significant challenges, became a symbol of perseverance and resilience. At the same time, you’ll discover how the Great Depression affected American society, the economy, and everyday life, with a special focus on the impact it had on sports and the entertainment world. This activity will help you understand how Seabiscuit’s story intersected with the larger national narrative, offering a beacon of hope to millions of struggling Americans and inspiring a sense of unity and determination during the darkest days of the 1930s.

1929 CE

1931 CE

1933 CE


1935 CE


1936 CE

1937 CE


1938 CE


1939 CE

1940 CE