What event marked the start of the Great Depression?

The stock market crash of 1929 is widely recognized as the event that marked the beginning of the Great Depression. On October 29, 1929, known as Black Tuesday, stock prices plummeted dramatically, leading to a loss of confidence in the economy. This crash not only wiped out billions of dollars in wealth but also triggered a series of economic downturns as consumers and businesses began to cut back on spending.

The aftermath of the stock market crash saw widespread bank failures, unemployment, and a significant decline in industrial output, exacerbating the economic turmoil that characterized the Great Depression. This event was pivotal because it set off a chain reaction that affected almost every aspect of economic life in the United States and, eventually, the rest of the world.

While other events, such as the Dust Bowl, the failure of banks, and the New Deal, played significant roles in the context and response to the Great Depression, they came after the initial stock market crash and were consequences of the economic crisis that ensued. Understanding the crash's direct impact provides crucial insight into the economic challenges faced during this era.