Final answer:
The 1973 oil crisis led to a brief global economic depression due to the sharp increase in oil prices and subsequent inflation, profoundly affecting various economies around the world.
Step-by-step explanation:
The oil crisis of 1973 had a profound impact on world affairs and the global economy. In response to the support provided by the U.S. and other countries to Israel during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, Arab nations in the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) imposed an oil embargo. This led to a dramatic increase in oil prices, which subsequently caused rising inflation and issues within the energy sector in various countries, especially those highly dependent on oil imports.
The correct answer to the student's question is b. A brief global economic depression, as the sudden increase in the cost of oil, contributed to economic instability and inflation, negatively impacting economies worldwide.