Gotham Depression

The Gotham Depression was an economic downturn in Gotham City that occurred in the late 60s/early 70s. It was caused by Ra's al Ghul and the League Of Shadows as a way to destroy the city, as they viewed Gotham as having succumbed to evil and corruption. Thomas Wayne nearly bankrupted Wayne Enterprises into helping the city by building a cheap public transportation system. When Thomas and his wife Martha were murdered, the wealthy and powerful citizens of Gotham began doing more to help, causing the city to survive another thirty years until the League returned to finish the job.