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May 15, 2024

Question of the Day: What is the highest CPI inflation rate in U.S. history?

The once runaway inflation train of the last few years seems to have slowed itself down. How does our most recent struggle with inflation compare to those of the past?

Answer: 20.49% in 1917

A vacuum sucking up dollar bills off of a wooden floor. 

Questions:

  • Why is tracking inflation important for the economy?
  • Deflation happens when the prices of goods and services don’t just stop rising, they actually start going down. Why might this not be a good thing?
  • How do you think an inflation rate like the one in 1917 would affect your everyday life today? What are some spending and saving habits that might be impacted?

 

Click here for the ready-to-go slides for this Question of the Day that you can use in your classroom.

 

Behind the numbers (Investopedia)

Key Takeaways

  • Inflation is a key part of an economy. It is the general level of price increases for goods and services, which reduces purchasing power.
  • A healthy level of inflation is needed for an economy, as long as it doesn't get too high or too low.
  • Inflation in the U.S. is measured by the consumer price index (CPI) calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
  • The highest year-over-year inflation rate observed in the U.S. since its founding was 29.78% in 1778.
  • Since the CPI was introduced, the highest inflation rate observed was 20.49% in 1917.

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NGPF's Budgeting unit can help prepare your students to spend responsibly!

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Need a crash course on the Consumer Price Index? Check out ECON: What is the Consumer Price Index (CPI)?

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About the Author

Ryan Wood

Ryan is the Partnerships and Adoption Manager for Next Gen Personal Finance’s midwest region. He brings his experience as a former teacher, curriculum designer, and sales and marketing professional to state organizations and school districts in supporting the implementation of their personal financial education efforts. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay and earned his teaching credential from Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota. He proudly taught at two rural high schools in Wisconsin before transitioning to curriculum design at NGPF, and is now excited to be on the front lines in delivering the best possible financial education in the midwest. He and his wife have three beautiful daughters, each of which inspire him to share the impact of being sound financial stewards both at home and as lifelong learners.

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