1930s

During the 1930s, the United States struggled with a long period of economic decline that began with the stock market crash in 1929. The nation was faced with serious problems, such as a high unemployment rate, bank closures, and low industrial production.

The 1932 election of Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945) to the presidency marked the beginning of positive reforms. With the support of the U.S. Congress, Roosevelt introduced new programs and laws that moved the nation toward economic recovery by the end of the decade.

The 1920s had been a time of great prosperity for the United States. However, that period ended abruptly when the stock market crashed on October 29, 1929. Unprepared for the crash, the nation soon experienced...