This title examines an important historic event – the modern global financial crisis. Easy-to-read, compelling text explores the impact of the failing housing market and the credit crisis in the United States, the US government bailouts of banks, automakers, and other businesses, issues around financial regulation and the US Federal Reserve, the spread of financial problems to Europe, Japan, and China, and the effects of this event on society. Features include a table of contents, a timeline, facts, additional resources, Web sites, a glossary, a bibliography, and an index. Essential Events is a series in Essential Library, an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.