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Causes Quote by Herbert Hoover

“In the large sense the primary cause of the Great Depression was the war of 1914-1918. Without the war there would have been no depression of such dimensions. There might have been a normal cyclical recession; but, with the usual timing, even that readjustment probably would not have taken place…” quote by Herbert Hoover
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“In the large sense the primary cause of the Great Depression was the war of 1914-1918. Without the war there would have been no depression of such dimensions. There might have been a normal cyclical recession; but, with the usual timing, even that readjustment probably would not have taken place at that particular period, nor would it have been a "Great Depression.”

Herbert Hoover

About This Quote

Source Speech: Economic Policy Address, 1930

The war created conditions that amplified economic collapse; without it, the downturn would have been milder and more typical.

In simple terms: World War I set the stage for the severe Depression.

Key Takeaway

Recognize war’s economic ripple effects.

Themes

economics history war impact

Mood

analytical cautious

Type

historical economic commentary

When to use this quote

  • financial planning
  • government budgeting
  • historical analysis

Key Concepts

macroeconomic cycles policy response

Questions to Reflect On

  • How would post‑war economies differ today?
  • What policies can mitigate war‑driven downturns?
A Different Perspective

War‑induced debt and disruption complicate simple causal narratives.

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