What effect did trade controlled by imperial leaders have.

Imperial leaders model of trade was mainly based on  mercantilism principles.

Trade was heavily skewed against the conquered lands. Finished goods were exported to the colonies while it is only raw materials that the colonies would export to the colonial master.

Yes, some people used the depression to the max. not everybody had stocks, and those that didn't bought many things inexpensive, so that when prices rose again, they were much more richer than beforehope this