In the late 1920s, the United States was said to have one of the most prestigious economies in the world. Herbert Hoover reigned as president and was assured that the American economy would continue to prosper and eventually eliminate poverty in the United States. However, the stock market crash of 1929 changed Hoover's plans forever. The years 1929 to 1939 were one of the most devastating decades in American history. This period, known as the Great Depression, was a 10-year national crisis that led the country to economic depression and mass unemployment (The Great Depression). “This constitutes the worst and longest period of high unemployment and low business activity in the 1900s” (Mitchener). Many factors led the United States into its longest financial despair. World War I caused a devastating economic crisis across Europe. Many countries resorted to post-war inflation to help pay off debt caused by the war. The total cost of the war is approximately $337 billion. Nations sought money by raising taxes and borrowing, which led to substantial debt for countries engaged in war (Mitchener). The aftermath of World War I was one of many factors that would lead the United States into the Great Depression. The stock market crash of 1929 is considered one of the primary causes that led the United States into its deepest financial depression. With the collapse of the stock market in 1933, banks began to fail and could no longer support citizens. This unfortunate incident left many people without savings and unemployed. With the depression came the drought. During the drought, the price of crops and farmland fell, making it difficult for farmers to make ends meet. These three cases played a crucial role... middle of paper ... increased the money supply and helped the banking system recover" (Mitchener), which significantly improved the United States economy and the situation. perseverance in recovery. Despite the many positive adjustments made to the country's economy, the unemployment rate still averaged 14.6 percent in 1940 (Smiley). World War II brought a significant change in unemployment figures. The need for soldiers and war materials has created tons of jobs for American citizens. By 1944, the unemployment rate in the United States had fallen to 1 percent (Mitchener). The Great Depression was the worst financial decade the American economy had ever experienced. The stock market crashed, banks failed, and drought swept the plains. But in the end, the American economy was able to recover and continues to be a prosperous nation..