During which decade did a perception emerge that Republicans cause depressions?

The perception that Republicans cause depressions became prevalent during the 1930s due to the Great Depression, which began in 1929 and had devastating economic effects throughout the early years of that decade. This economic crisis severely impacted public opinion, as the Republican Party was in power when the stock market crash occurred, leading many to associate the party with the ensuing hardships.

The administration of Herbert Hoover, the Republican president at the time, faced significant criticism for its response to the economic downturn. As people experienced rising unemployment, bank failures, and widespread poverty, the blame largely fell on the policies and actions of the Republican leadership. This formed a narrative that lasted well beyond the immediate years of the Depression.

While the 1920s saw significant economic growth and prosperity, it was the subsequent decade, particularly influenced by the severe downturn, that solidified the public’s sentiment regarding the economic failures attributed to the Republican Party. The establishment of New Deal programs by Franklin D. Roosevelt, a Democrat, further shifted perceptions, contrasting the Republican administration's handling of the crisis. Thus, the 1930s became a pivotal decade in molding the belief that Republicans were linked to economic downturns.