Lessons from the 1930s' Great Depression

Abstract

This paper provides a survey of the Great Depression comprising both a narrative account and adetailed review of the empirical evidence focusing especially on the experience of the United States. We examine the reasons for and the flawed resolution of the American banking crisis as well as the conduct of fiscal and monetary policy. we also consider the pivotal role of the gold standard in the international transmission of the slump and leaving gold as a route to recovery. Policy lessons from the Great Depression for today are discussed as are some implications for macroeconomics

Keywords: banking crisis, fiscal multiplier, gold standard, Great Depression

JEL Classification: E65, N12, N14