Great Depression

Definition

The Great Depression was a severe and prolonged economic downturn that affected much of the world, including the United States, during the 1930s. It was characterized by a significant decline in economic activity, high unemployment, and widespread poverty.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Great Depression had a significant impact on global trade balances, as countries implemented protectionist policies such as tariffs and import quotas to try to protect their domestic industries.
2. The collapse of global trade during the Great Depression contributed to a sharp decline in economic activity and a widening of trade imbalances between countries.
3. The high levels of unemployment and reduced consumer spending during the Great Depression led to a decrease in the demand for imports, further exacerbating trade imbalances.
4. The Great Depression was a period of deflation, as the general price level of goods and services declined, which made it more difficult for countries to pay off their debts and maintain stable exchange rates.
5. The economic policies implemented by governments during the Great Depression, such as Keynesian economic policies, aimed to stimulate economic recovery and address the causes of inflation, including high unemployment and declining consumer demand.

Review Questions

• Explain how the Great Depression impacted global trade balances and the implementation of protectionist policies.
  • The Great Depression had a significant impact on global trade balances, as countries implemented protectionist policies such as tariffs and import quotas in an effort to protect their domestic industries. The collapse of global trade during this period contributed to a sharp decline in economic activity and a widening of trade imbalances between countries. As unemployment rose and consumer spending decreased, the demand for imports also declined, further exacerbating trade imbalances. The protectionist policies implemented by governments during the Great Depression were an attempt to address these trade imbalances and support domestic industries.
• Describe the role of deflation during the Great Depression and its impact on economic recovery.
  • The Great Depression was a period of deflation, where the general price level of goods and services declined. This made it more difficult for countries to pay off their debts and maintain stable exchange rates. The high levels of unemployment and reduced consumer spending during the Great Depression led to a decrease in the demand for imports, further contributing to the deflationary environment. The economic policies implemented by governments during this time, such as Keynesian economic policies, aimed to stimulate economic recovery and address the causes of inflation, including high unemployment and declining consumer demand. Overcoming the deflationary pressures was a key challenge in the efforts to promote economic recovery during the Great Depression.
• Analyze how the Great Depression influenced the development and application of economic theories, such as Keynesian economics, to address the causes of inflation and promote economic stability.
  • The Great Depression was a significant event that influenced the development and application of economic theories, such as Keynesian economics, to address the causes of inflation and promote economic stability. During the Great Depression, the high levels of unemployment and declining consumer demand contributed to deflationary pressures, making it difficult for countries to pay off their debts and maintain stable exchange rates. In response, governments implemented Keynesian economic policies, which advocated for increased government intervention and spending to stimulate economic recovery. These policies aimed to address the underlying causes of inflation, including high unemployment and declining consumer demand, by implementing measures such as fiscal and monetary policies to boost economic activity and promote economic stability. The application of Keynesian economics during the Great Depression was a significant development in the field of economics, as it challenged the prevailing economic theories at the time and provided a framework for governments to actively intervene in the economy to promote recovery and long-term economic growth.

Related terms

Stock Market Crash: The sudden and dramatic decline in stock prices on the New York Stock Exchange in October 1929, which is often cited as a trigger for the onset of the Great Depression.

Deflation:

A sustained decrease in the general price level of goods and services, which occurred during the Great Depression and contributed to economic hardship.

Keynesian Economics:

An economic theory developed by John Maynard Keynes that advocated for increased government intervention and spending to stimulate economic recovery, which was applied during the Great Depression.