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

The stock market crash of 1929 is widely recognized as the event that marked the beginning of the Great Depression in the United States. This catastrophic crash on October 29, 1929, also known as Black Tuesday, led to a dramatic loss of value in the stock market, wiping out millions of investors and causing a ripple effect throughout the economy. As consumer confidence plummeted, spending decreased, businesses failed, and unemployment soared, setting off a decade-long economic downturn.

While the Dust Bowl also contributed to the severity of the Great Depression, particularly in agricultural regions, it was a consequence of economic factors rather than the initial event that began the crisis. The signing of the Treaty of Versailles and the end of World War I pertain to earlier historical events that influenced the economic landscape but did not directly trigger the onset of the Great Depression itself. Thus, the stock market crash stands out as the pivotal moment that catalyzed this significant economic turmoil.