Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that lasted from 1929 to the late 1930s, marked by a dramatic decline in economic activity, massive unemployment, and widespread poverty. This period was characterized by the collapse of financial markets, particularly the stock market crash of 1929, which led to a cascade of bank failures and a significant contraction in consumer spending and investment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Depression led to unemployment rates soaring as high as 25% in the United States, with millions losing their jobs and livelihoods.
2. Agricultural prices plummeted during the Great Depression, severely affecting farmers and leading to events like the Dust Bowl, which further exacerbated the economic crisis.
3. International trade decreased sharply during this period, as countries implemented protectionist policies like tariffs, worsening global economic conditions.
4. The Federal Reserve's tight monetary policy during the early years of the Great Depression is often criticized for deepening and prolonging the economic downturn.
5. The social impact of the Great Depression was profound, leading to widespread homelessness, migration in search of work, and significant changes in government policy towards economic intervention.

Review Questions

• How did the Stock Market Crash of 1929 contribute to the onset of the Great Depression?
  • The Stock Market Crash of 1929 was a pivotal event that triggered the Great Depression. As stock prices plummeted, it caused widespread panic among investors who rushed to sell their shares. This loss of wealth led to decreased consumer spending and confidence, resulting in business closures and massive layoffs. The initial shockwave from the crash propagated through banks and industries, ultimately leading to a full-blown economic crisis.
• Discuss how the New Deal policies aimed to address the challenges posed by the Great Depression and evaluate their effectiveness.
  • The New Deal consisted of various programs initiated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt to combat the Great Depression. These policies aimed to provide relief for the unemployed, recover the economy, and reform financial systems to prevent future crises. While many programs succeeded in providing immediate assistance and infrastructure improvements, critics argue that the New Deal did not fully resolve unemployment until World War II stimulated demand. Overall, its legacy includes significant changes in government intervention in the economy.
• Assess the long-term impacts of the Great Depression on modern economic policies and practices.
  • The Great Depression profoundly influenced modern economic policies by shifting attitudes toward government intervention. The crisis led to the establishment of social safety nets, regulatory frameworks for financial markets, and monetary policies aimed at stabilizing economies during downturns. Additionally, it highlighted the importance of managing consumer confidence and public spending during recessions. Consequently, many contemporary policies reflect lessons learned from this era, emphasizing proactive measures to avert similar crises.

Related terms

Stock Market Crash of 1929: A major stock market crash that occurred in October 1929, which marked the beginning of the Great Depression as investors lost confidence and panic selling ensued.

New Deal: A series of programs and policies introduced by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression aimed at economic recovery and social reform.

Banking Crisis: A period during the Great Depression where thousands of banks failed due to insolvency and loss of public confidence, leading to significant losses in savings for many Americans.