Starting in 1929 and ending in the late 1930s, The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression that started in the United States. It was the longest depression ever experienced by the industrialized Western world, sparking fundamental changes in economic institutions and economic theory. Although it originated in the United States, the Great Depression caused drastic declines in output and caused severe unemployment and deflation in almost every country of the world. Its social and cultural effects were no less staggering, especially in the United States, where the Great Depression represented the harshest adversity faced by Americans since the Civil War. While growing up in the 1930s, Diane Arbus was insulated by the depression due to her family's wealth. The depression was both human suffering and extreme changes in economic policy. Until the recovery period beggining in the late 30s and early 40s, people lost all hope of returning to normaility which impacted them for years to come.

Amadeo, Kimberly. "Effects of the great depression." Effects of the Great Depression (thebalance.com) Accessed Mar 26 2022. 

National Muesuem of American History. "The Great Depression." Great Depression | National Museum of American History Accessed Mar 26 2022. 

Fiorillo, Steve. "Great Depression: Causes, Effects, and Timelines." Great Depression: Causes, Effects and History - TheStreet Accessed Mar 26 2022.