What major global conflict began shortly after the Great Depression?

The correct answer is World War II, which began in 1939, shortly after the onset of the Great Depression that started in 1929. The Great Depression had profound effects worldwide, leading to economic instability, social unrest, and the rise of authoritarian regimes in several countries. In Germany, for example, the economic turmoil contributed to the rise of Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party, who sought to expand German territory and influence aggressively.

This backdrop of economic hardship and political instability set the stage for World War II, as nations sought to recover and as expansionist policies were pursued by various governments. The war consequently emerged as a direct result of the unresolved grievances from World War I and the failure of international agreements to maintain peace, all exacerbated by the destabilizing effects of the Great Depression. Understanding this context highlights the connections between economic conditions and global conflicts.