The Great Depression The Great Depression took place from 1930-1939 and was being felt around the world. During this time the prices of stock fell 40%. 9,000 banks went out of business and 9 million savings accounts were wiped out. 86,00 businesses failed, and wages were decreased by an average of 60%. The unemployment rate went from 9% all the way up to 25% and 15 million people lost their jobs. Life in the city was full of disappointments. People had to cut back on luxuries, and make old things last longer. Families had to only keep the things that were of great necessity. The tele