As far as the Great Depression. GDP and unemployment bottomed in 1933 and rose thereafter - other than a comparatively smaller recession again in 38 which went nowhere near the bottom in 33.
See chart.
http://www.housingbubblebust.com/GDP/Depression.html
1934 saw a 7.7% rise in GNP. 1935 brought an 8.1% rise. 1936 brought a record 14.1% rise. This all happened before WW II.