16.1.2

The Great Depression

Test yourself

The Great Depression

During the Great Depression, millions lost their savings and jobs. Countries across the world were affected by this depression.

Illustrative background for Impact on AmericaIllustrative background for Impact on America ?? "content

Impact on America

  • During the Great Depression, US production dropped.
    • The production of cars dropped by 80%.
  • Collapse of banks.
  • By 1931 AD, nearly 2,300 banks had closed.
  • 14 million people were unemployed.
  • Workers were made ‘redundant’.
    • The unemployment rate was 25%. Those that were employed had low wages.
  • If you were lucky enough to be employed you had very small wages.
  • Wages decreased to the point where workers were starving.
Illustrative background for Impact on BritainIllustrative background for Impact on Britain ?? "content

Impact on Britain

  • Investors withdrew money from Britain.
  • The British government decided to combat the depression by increasing the government’s budget.
    • This meant raising taxes and cutting benefits. This was very unpopular.
  • The industrial areas in the north of Britain were very badly affected by the Great Depression.
    • 20% of the industrial workforce in the north was unemployed.
  • In 1932 AD ‘hunger marches’ swept across Britain.
Illustrative background for Impact on GermanyIllustrative background for Impact on Germany ?? "content

Impact on Germany

  • Germany was relying on US loans to pay reparations.
  • As a result, Germany was badly impacted by the Wall Street Crash and the Great Depression.
  • By 1933 AD, 40% of workers were unemployed.
  • Many people in Germany lost their savings, jobs and homes.
  • Families lived in poverty.

Jump to other topics

1The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

1.1Anglo-Saxon England

1.2The Contest for the English Throne

1.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

1.4King John

1.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

1.6The Black Death

2Worldviews

3The Empire of Mali

4The Renaissance & Reformations, 1500-1598 AD

5The British Empire, 1583-1960 AD

6The Peasants' Revolt

7Religion in the Middle Ages

8Slavery, 1619-1833 AD

9The English Civil War, 1642-1660

10The Industrial Revolution, 1750-1840

11US Independence, 1775-1783

12The French Revolution, 1789-1815

13The British Empire, 1857–1930

14Suffrage

15World War 1, 1914-1918

16The Inter-War Years, 1919-1939

17World War 2, 1939-1945

18The Cold War, 1947-1962

19Civil Rights in the USA, 1954-1975

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson