The document discusses the subprime mortgage crisis that occurred in the United States. It begins by defining prime and subprime loans, with subprime loans going to borrowers with poorer credit histories and higher interest rates. A housing bubble formed as subprime mortgages increased and home prices rose, but this bubble eventually burst in 2005-2006. As home prices dropped and borrowers defaulted on subprime loans, large losses were incurred by financial institutions, investment banks, and foreign investors. The US government responded with a $800 billion bailout package and other legislation to provide relief and regulate derivatives that had worsened the crisis.