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The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression in the decade preceding WWII. It was the longest, deepest, and most widespread depression of the 20th century. In the 21st century, the Great Depression is commonly used as an example of how far the world's economy can decline. The depression originated in the U.S., after the fall in stock prices that began around September 4, 1929. Tax revenue, profits and prices dropped, while international trade plunged by more than 50%. Some economies started to recover by the mid-1930s. In many countries, the negative effects of the Great Depression lasted until after the end of World War II.