The inter-war years and the Great Depression
Study note
The years between the two world wars were a mixture of progress and hardship. During the 1920s many people's living conditions improved and new housing was built in many towns. Then in 1929 the world entered the Great Depression, a severe economic slump. The date 1929 for the start of the Depression is worth remembering.
The Depression hit some areas very hard, with mass unemployment, especially in the heavy industries such as shipbuilding. Yet newer industries, including cars and aviation, continued to grow, and car ownership doubled between 1930 and 1939. This was also the dawn of broadcasting. The BBC began radio broadcasts in 1922 and started the first regular television service in 1936. So remember 1922 for BBC radio and the contrast between struggling shipbuilding and growing car and aviation industries.
Memory tip: 1929 Great Depression: shipbuilding suffers, but car and aviation industries grow; BBC radio from 1922.
Practise this topic
Question 1 of 3
In which year did the world enter the Great Depression?
Show all questions and answers for The inter-war years and the Great Depression(3 questions with explanations)
The inter-war years and the Great Depression: questions, answers and explanations
1. In which year did the world enter the Great Depression?
- 1939
- 1922
- 1929
- 1918
Correct answer: 1929
The Great Depression began in 1929.
2. Which kind of industry was badly affected by mass unemployment during the Depression?
- Heavy industries such as shipbuilding
- The car industry only
- Banking
- Newspaper printing
Correct answer: Heavy industries such as shipbuilding
Heavy industries such as shipbuilding were badly affected by the Depression.
3. In which year did the BBC begin radio broadcasts?
- 1936
- 1901
- 1922
- 1945
Correct answer: 1922
The BBC started radio broadcasts in 1922 and its first regular television service in 1936.
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