Final answer:
The Great Depression was a worldwide economic crisis that began in 1929, impacting countries globally with significant unemployment, poverty, and financial difficulties, only alleviated by the economic activities leading up to World War II.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Great Depression was a global economic downturn that began in the United States in 1929. No part of the world was immune to its effects, and it caused widespread unemployment, poverty, and economic hardships. Countries around the world experienced a decrease in gross domestic product (GDP), a drop in exports, and a sharp rise in unemployment. The United States and European countries saw a dramatic impact on industries and markets, while countries like China and Japan also faced significant challenges due to falling export prices and the need to secure resources. The hardship continued through the 1930s and brought ideologies such as communism into a more favorable light, with only the economic stimuli from World War II bringing countries back towards prosperity.