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Financial Crisis of 2008: Home

A starting point for students researching the U.S. financial crisis of 2008. Includes primary, secondary, and government information sources.

Keywords

Bailout
Derivitives
Financial crisis
Global Financial Crisis
Government Sponsored Enterprise
Great Recession
Housing Bubble
Housing Crash
International Finance
Mortgage-Backed Securities
Predatory Lending
Subprime Mortgage Crisis
Stimulus
Stock Market Crash
Trouble Assets Relief Program (TARP)
Wall Street

Introduction

The housing market crash of 2008 is said to have sparked the worst financial crisis since the Great Depression. The collapse of global banking, mortgage lending and insurance institutions led to worldwide housing foreclosures, widespread layoffs, and prolonged unemployment. This has led to a public outcry for a reevaluation of the policies and regulations created to protect consumers and businesses from financial ruin. In the United States, the question is: what is the role of the government within our financial system? Some advocate for a strict monetary policy and market regulation, others argue for less regulation and government intervention. This guide was created as a starting point for undergraduate students interested in investigating the 2008 global financial crisis.
Notable Organizations and People:

Content contributed by Christopher Diaz (cdiaz25[at]illinois.edu), 7/19/2012.

U.S. Unemployment Rate

Government Information Services