Financial Crises & Panics

Economic collapses, bank panics, and financial downturns that reshaped American economic policy and daily life.

Great Recession of 2008

The worst financial crisis since the Great Depression — and the collapse that remade American politics

Panic of 1837

The financial collapse that destroyed Martin Van Buren's presidency and lasted seven years

Panic of 1873

The railroad collapse that triggered the Long Depression and ended Reconstruction

Panic of 1893

The worst depression before the 1930s — and the crisis that made William Jennings Bryan