The economic impact of the Great Depression on European nations in the 1930s was severe and widespread. As the Great Depression unfolded, countries faced skyrocketing unemployment, plummeting industrial production, and declining global trade. Many nations adopted protectionist policies, further exacerbating economic conditions. The financial crisis led to social unrest, political instability, and the rise of extremist movements, including fascism and communism. Governments struggled to respond effectively, often resorting to austerity measures that intensified public discontent. The economic turmoil ultimately reshaped European societies and paved the way for significant political changes and WWII.