The Depression

The Great Depression: the severe worldwide economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted through the 1930s, which radically reshaped political attitudes, drove social and economic reforms, and constrained consumer spending during the interwar period.

Claims that use this term

• The Depression radicalized British intellectuals toward socialism and communism
• The Depression forced postwar conservatives to rebuild capitalism’s foundations, not defend them
• The Depression left consumers without money to respond to advertising pitches