What event marked the beginning of the Great Depression?

The stock market crash of 1929 is widely regarded as the event that marked the beginning of the Great Depression. On October 29, 1929, known as Black Tuesday, the stock market experienced a catastrophic drop, leading to significant financial loss for investors and eroding public confidence in the economy. This crash had a domino effect, contributing to a decline in consumer spending, a rise in unemployment, and the eventual collapse of banks and businesses. These economic hardships ultimately resulted in widespread poverty and suffering, which characterized the decade-long Great Depression.

The Dust Bowl, while an important event during this period that exacerbated the economic situation, did not initiate the Great Depression. The election of Franklin D. Roosevelt took place several years later, in 1932, as the nation sought leadership to combat the ongoing crisis. The signing of the New Deal refers to a series of programs and reforms implemented to provide relief, recovery, and reform during the Depression, which also occurred after the initial economic downturn. Thus, the stock market crash stands as the catalyst that signaled the onset of the Great Depression.