The Great Depression was the result of a worldwide economic crash, affecting virtually every country in the world. The worst hit areas were the USA, Japan, and Europe as they were the industrial powerhouses of the world. However the effects of the great depression were felt throughout the world. Rural areas suffered and many farmers were made bankrupt as crop prices fell 40%-60%.

There are many causes of the Great Depression including WW1 debt and excess credit. In 1928, broker loans were an all time high, $3.5 billion, but in 1929 they rocketed to $8.5 billion. As borrowed money flooded into the stock market, the shares were bought up to ridiculous highs and came crashing down in what is now known as the Wall Street Crash. Unemployment during the Great Depression was extremely high and life during the great depression was destitute. The economies of the world slowed down almost to a standstill until the end of the great depression around 1933.