Should I capitalize "the great depression"?

Yes

Yes as well.

Thanks for the responses, but can anyone give me a definitive answer? My sense is that it should be capitalized as well, but I'm not sure if the responses are definitive or just gut feelings. Thanks.

No.

Eras are capitalized, but not "the" which defines them singularly.

Everywhere I've seen it, it's been capitalized. For example, this website: http://www.english.uiuc.edu/maps/depression/about.htm

So the answer would be "the Great Depression".

it is The Great Depression

I am surprised at the wrong answers, flutherites.

…the Great Depression

The only time “the” should be capitalized is if the phrase is at the beginning of the sentence.