18. The Great hifatior eventually ended as a result of A. the Federal Resene increasing the money supply. B. the Federal Resene decreasing interest rates, which led to increased spending C. the Federal Resence increasing interest rates, which led to a severe recession D. the U.8. Covermment lowering the price of oil and gasoline through Drice controls

## Step 1<br />The Great Recession, which occurred from 2007 to 2009, was a severe worldwide economic crisis. It was the most serious financial crisis since the Great Depression (1929). The crisis was triggered by a housing market crash in the United States, which led to a financial crisis that had severe effects on the global economy.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States, played a significant role in managing the crisis. The Federal Reserve's actions, such as lowering interest rates and increasing the money supply, were aimed at stimulating economic activity and preventing a complete economic collapse.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />However, the Federal Reserve's actions did not end the Great Recession. Instead, the recession ended due to a combination of factors, including government stimulus packages, the housing market's recovery, and the global economic recovery.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />Among the options provided, the one that best describes the Federal Reserve's role in ending the Great Recession is the one that mentions the Federal Reserve's action of lowering interest rates. This action led to increased spending, which in turn stimulated economic activity and helped the economy recover.