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

The Stock Market Crash of 1929 is recognized as the pivotal event marking the beginning of the Great Depression in the United States. This catastrophic decline in stock prices, which culminated in late October 1929, led to a widespread loss of wealth and financial instability. It triggered a cascade of economic failures, including bank bankruptcies and reduced consumer spending, contributing to soaring unemployment and poverty levels.

Ultimately, the crash exposed the vulnerabilities in the U.S. economy, particularly in the banking sector and among investors. It not only had immediate repercussions but also set the stage for prolonged economic hardship throughout the 1930s, as businesses failed and millions found themselves without jobs. Understanding this event is crucial, as it illustrates the interplay between financial markets and the broader economy, serving as a critical lesson in economic history.

The other events mentioned, while significant in their own contexts, occurred during or after the onset of the Great Depression and did not initiate the economic downturn. World War I preceded the Great Depression, creating a different set of economic conditions. The New Deal was a series of programs and reforms implemented in response to the Depression itself, while the Dust Bowl was a severe environmental disaster that exacerbated the economic difficulties during the 1930s but