Key Moments in American Capitalism

  • The Great Depression

    The Great Depression was a severe economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted for roughly a decade. It was marked by a stock market crash, widespread unemployment, bank failures, and a decline in global trade. The depression had a significant impact on individuals and families, causing widespread poverty and hardship. Many of the policies and programs implemented during this time, such as the New Deal in the United States, continue to shape economic and social policy today (Britannica 2023).
  • The New Deal

    The New Deal was a series of programs and policies implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Great Depression. The New Deal aimed to address the economic crisis by creating jobs, providing relief to those in need, and implementing reforms to prevent future economic crises. While the New Deal did not completely end the Great Depression, it did provide needed support to millions of Americans and laid the foundation for future economic and social policies. (Winkler 2009)
  • World War II

    World War II had a significant impact on American capitalism. The war helped to stimulate the economy and spur industrial production, as the government invested heavily in military equipment and supplies. This led to job creation and increased consumer spending. However, the war also led to increased government intervention in the economy, as the government implemented price controls and rationing to ensure that resources were allocated efficiently (Ramanauskas 2019).
  • Post-WWII Baby Boom

    The baby boom that occurred after World War II was closely tied to capitalism. The post-war economic boom created a period of prosperity in the United States, as the economy expanded and consumer spending increased. This led to a rise in standards of living and increased opportunities for upward mobility, which in turn led to an increase in birth rates. Families were better able to afford having children and saw them as a sign of their success and prosperity (Hayes 2022)
  • Civil Rights Movement

    The movement challenged the systemic racism that had long been ingrained in the economic and social systems of the United States, including segregation, discriminatory hiring practices, and unequal pay. The movement's emphasis on consumer activism, boycotts, and protests helped to shape the relationship between corporations and consumers, with companies increasingly recognizing the importance of diversity, inclusion, and social responsibility (Carson 2023)
  • The Energy Crisis of the 1970s

    A period of fuel shortages and rising prices that resulted from a combination of factors, including the Arab oil embargo, declining domestic oil production, and increased demand for energy. The crisis lead to inflation, reduced economic growth, and increased unemployment. It also spurred government efforts to increase energy efficiency and reduce dependence on foreign oil, with increased funding for research into renewable energy sources (Hayes 2023)
  • Deregulation

    The Reagan administration implemented a series of deregulatory measures that reduced government oversight of industries such as banking, telecommunications, and transportation. It was driven by the belief that excessive regulation stifled innovation and economic growth, and that deregulation would lead to greater efficiency and lower costs for consumers (Gershon 2017)
  • The Dot-Com Bubble

    The rapid growth of the internet and the emergence of new technologies led to a speculative bubble in the stock market, which burst in 2000, leading to a significant market downturn. The recession caused an increase in the propensity to invest, leading to bankruptcies, and increasing capital spending (Pureza 2022).
  • The Great Recession

    a severe global economic downturn that began in the United States and quickly spread to other countries. It was triggered by a combination of factors, including a housing market bubble, risky lending practices, and financial speculation. The crisis led to widespread bank failures, the collapse of the housing market, and a sharp increase in unemployment (Weinberg 2013)
  • The Rise of Big Tech (2010s)

    The dominance of companies such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook has transformed the economy and raised concerns about monopoly power and data privacy. These companies have revolutionized industries such as e-commerce, social media, search engines, and personal computing. They have become some of the most valuable companies in the world, with enormous power and influence over the economy and society (Divine 2019).