What event marked the beginning of the Great Depression in the United States?

The stock market crash of October 1929 is widely recognized as the event that marked the onset of the Great Depression in the United States. This catastrophic event resulted in a severe loss of confidence in the economy, leading to a dramatic decline in consumer spending and investment. Following the crash, banks failed, businesses shut down, and unemployment rates soared, plunging the nation into a decade-long economic crisis.

The significance of this event cannot be overstated, as it triggered a chain reaction of negative economic consequences that affected millions of Americans. The aftermath saw a staggering number of people losing their jobs, homes, and savings, further deepening the economic woes of the country. While events like the Dust Bowl contributed to the overall hardships of the era, they occurred after the Great Depression had already begun. Similarly, the signing of the New Deal represented the government’s response to the crisis, rather than a cause, and the end of World War I, while impactful, did not directly initiate the economic downturn that characterized the Great Depression.