The Great Depression, which occurred between 1929 and the late 1930s, was not directly caused by natural disasters. However, natural disasters such as drought and dust storms during that period exacerbated the economic hardships faced by people, primarily in the United States. These events are known as the Dust Bowl, and they occurred in the Midwest and Southern Plains regions of the USA. The Dust Bowl was characterized by severe drought conditions, followed by massive soil erosion due to strong winds, leading to enormous dust storms that caused substantial damage to agriculture and resulted in widespread crop failures. These environmental disasters further crippled the already struggling economy, resulting in significant unemployment and poverty.
The Great Depression, which occurred in the 1930s, was primarily an economic downturn rather than a result of natural disasters. However, it is important to note that several droughts and storms exacerbated the challenges faced during this period. These natural disasters, particularly the Dust Bowl drought and the severe climate conditions in the United States, caused widespread agricultural failure and contributed to the economic hardships experienced by many during the Great Depression.
