The Great Depression forms a crucial backdrop to the events in The Boys in the Boat, profoundly impacting the lives of the young rowers and shaping the socioeconomic landscape in which their story unfolded.

The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic downturn that began with the stock market crash of October 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s. It was the longest, deepest, and most widespread depression of the 20th century. In the United States, the Great Depression had devastating effects on both rural and urban areas, fundamentally reshaping American society and politics.

During this period, industrial production fell and unemployment rose dramatically, peaking at 25% in 1933, with some areas experiencing even higher rates. Banks failed in large numbers, and millions of people lost their life savings. Farmers were hit particularly hard, facing falling crop prices and the ecological disaster of the Dust Bowl.

The human toll of the Depression was immense. Poverty became widespread, with many families struggling to afford basic necessities. Homelessness increased, and thousands of migrant workers traveled the country in search of any available work. The crisis led to social and political unrest, including labor strikes and the rise of extremist political movements.