This resource provided by EconEdLink presents the ideas of John Maynard Keynes and Friedrich von Hayek, both of which have dominated economic theory since 1945. The article explains that each of these economists had distinct ideas about economic freedom and the role of government in the economy, ideas that were in clear opposition to each other. This lesson plan focuses on presenting the theories of these two thinkers and helping students recognize how these views have influenced economic thought ever since. The two theories are summarized in the lesson description, however a link is provided to a PBS website that presents two-minute video clips that explains the ideological differences between Keynes and Hayek. The resource presents the content in a way that is engaging to students and allows them to adequately explore these two very difficult theories. However, the lesson lacks strategies for differentiated learning and a post assessment activity.

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