17.1.2

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

1Empires East & West: 1000 AD

1.1The Rise & Fall of Ancient China’s Empire

1.2The Medieval Greatness of the Byzantine Empire

1.3The Golden Age of the Islamic Empire

1.4The Politics & Power of the Holy Roman Empire

1.5Medieval Religion

1.6The Influence of the Church in Medieval Times

1.7How Religion Tested the Power of Kings

1.8Dynastic Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.9Challenges to Medieval Monarchs

1.10Revolts, Rebellions & Rights

1.11Medieval England & Her Neighbours

1.12European Renaissance

1.13Norman Conquest & Control

1.14Historical Skills

2The Medieval World: 450-1450 AD

2.1Anglo-Saxon England

2.2The Contest for the English Throne

2.3Conquering the Holy Land, 10-96-1396 AD

2.4King John

2.5The Magna Carta & Parliament

2.6The Black Death

3Worldviews

4The Empire of Mali: 1076-1670 AD

5The Renaissance & Reformations: 1500-1598 AD

6The British Empire: 1583-1960 AD

7The Peasants' Revolt: 1381 AD

8Religion in the Middle Ages

9Slavery: 1619-1833 AD

10The English Civil War: 1642-1660 AD

11The Industrial Revolution: 1750-1840 AD

12US Independence: 1775-1783 AD

13The French Revolution: 1789-1815 AD

14The British Empire: 1857–1930 AD

15Suffrage: 1840-1928 AD

16World War 1: 1914-1918 AD

17The Inter-War Years: 1919-1939 AD

18World War 2: 1939-1945 AD

19The Cold War: 1947-1962 AD

20Civil Rights in the USA: 1954-1975 AD

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium