jan 1, 2008 - The Great Recession

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The Great Recession, which began in 2008, was a major economic crisis that had significant impacts on American politics, contributing to increased polarization in several ways. Democrats and Republicans both pointed the finger at one another for responsibility for the crisis. Democrats believed Republicans were at fault for their policies which favored the wealthy. Republicans believed Democrats were at fault because of excessive spending and government intervention which they felt worsened the situation. The heated debate resulted in a political gridlock where neither party was willing to agree on a response to the crisis. This gridlock contributed to polarization between the two parties because it deepened the sense of mistrust and increased division between them.

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