The Great Depression was the most severe crisis of the capitalist system in the 20th century. In the years following the Wall Street Crash, industrial production in the West collapsed, and world trade dried up.
The impact of the depression on the working class and poor was severe. Millions across the world faced unemployment, destitution, and hunger.
After the initial shock of the crisis passed, workers became increasingly radicalised around the world. The USA saw a wave of industrial militancy, which transformed the trade unions. A wave of strikes, revolutions, and counter-revolutions swept Europe.
In this session, James Kilby discusses the causes of the Great Depression, its impact on the class struggle, and explores whether we will see another great depression, or one even greater.