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1930–1939, commonly referred to as the 1930s, was a decade defined by economic hardship, political extremism, and rising militarism that culminated in the start of World War II. The aftermath of the Great Depression reshaped economies and political life across much of the globe, with unemployment, social unrest, and experimentation with new policy instruments.

Economically, some regions attempted recovery through public works, monetary reform, and social welfare programs, while others faced persistent downturns and devaluation of currencies. The era saw significant state intervention in many economies, including the United States, where the New Deal aimed to restore growth and provide relief, and in parts of Europe where governments pursued mixed strategies of stabilization and industrial policy.

Politically, the decade witnessed the consolidation of totalitarian regimes in Germany, Italy, and parts of Eastern Europe, along with continued authoritarian governance in other states. In Germany, Adolf Hitler and the Nazi Party consolidated power in the early 1930s, promoting aggressive nationalism and expansionism. Japan expanded militarism in Asia, and the Soviet Union pursued rapid industrialization under Stalin. These developments contributed to a climate of international tension and shifting alliances.

Several conflicts and turning points defined the era: the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939) highlighted the clash between democracy and fascism; Germany remilitarized the Rhineland in 1936, annexed Austria in 1938 (the Anschluss), and the Munich Agreement of 1938 facilitated further territorial expansion. The Sino-Japanese War began in 1937, illustrating broader imperial aggression.

The decade ended with the invasion of Poland in 1939 and the outbreak of World War II, restructuring international order and redefining geopolitical fault lines for years to come.