Predict how the economic changes during the roaring twenties could possible lead to an economic disaster

History · High School · Mon Jan 18 2021

Answered on

The economic changes during the Roaring Twenties, characterized by rapid industrialization, technological advancements, and increased consumer spending, set the stage for potential economic challenges that ultimately contributed to the Great Depression. Some factors include:


1. Over-speculation in the Stock Market: The stock market experienced a significant boom during the 1920s, leading to over-speculation and inflated stock prices. This speculative bubble eventually burst in 1929, triggering the stock market crash and subsequent economic downturn.


2. Excessive Consumer Debt: Easy credit and installment buying allowed people to purchase goods on credit, contributing to a rise in consumer debt. When the economy started to decline, many individuals faced financial strain, leading to a decrease in consumer spending and economic slowdown.


3. Unequal Distribution of Wealth: While the economy grew, the benefits were not evenly distributed. The majority of the wealth accrued to the upper classes, leaving a significant portion of the population with limited purchasing power. This income inequality weakened overall demand for goods and services.


4. Overproduction in Agriculture and Industry: Technological advancements led to increased efficiency in both agriculture and industry, resulting in overproduction of goods. The surplus led to falling prices and reduced profitability for farmers and businesses, contributing to economic instability.


5. Global Economic Interconnectedness: The international economy was interconnected, and the economic downturn in the United States had a ripple effect globally. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 exacerbated the situation by triggering retaliatory tariffs, hindering international trade and worsening the economic downturn.


In combination, these factors created an economic environment vulnerable to a severe downturn. The stock market crash of 1929 served as a catalyst, leading to a chain reaction of events that eventually resulted in the Great Depression, a prolonged period of economic hardship in the 1930s.