Friedman and Schwartz argued that all this was due to the Fed's failure to carry out its assigned role as the lender of last resort. Rather than providing liquidity through loans, the Fed just watched as banks dropped like flies, seemingly oblivious to the effect this would have on the money supply.<ref>[http://www.thefreemanonline.org/featured/the-great-depression-according-to-milton-friedman/ The Great Depression According to Milton Friedman]</ref> | Friedman and Schwartz argued that all this was due to the Fed's failure to carry out its assigned role as the lender of last resort. Rather than providing liquidity through loans, the Fed just watched as banks dropped like flies, seemingly oblivious to the effect this would have on the money supply.<ref>[http://www.thefreemanonline.org/featured/the-great-depression-according-to-milton-friedman/ The Great Depression According to Milton Friedman]</ref> |