AT A GLANCE
While Europe struggled during the post-World War I recession of the 1920s, life in the USA was looking rosy. Factories churned out consumer goods, the economy thrived and the American Dream of prosperity for all seemed within touching distance. It looked as if anyone could become a speculator and get rich quick. Around 25 million ordinary Americans began borrowing money to purchase stocks. Then, as the decade drew to a close, share prices plummeted, panic selling ensued and Wall Street went into meltdown. Boom turned to bust and the American Dream to dust...
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