Which event marked the beginning of the Great Depression?

The Stock Market Crash of 1929 is widely recognized as the pivotal event that initiated the Great Depression. On October 29, 1929, known as Black Tuesday, the stock market experienced a catastrophic collapse, leading to a profound loss of wealth for investors and a crisis of confidence in the economy. This crash did not only wipe out billions of dollars in stock value, but it also precipitated a chain reaction of financial failures. Banks suffered as depositors rushed to withdraw their savings, leading to widespread bank closures. This turmoil contributed to a steep decline in consumer spending and investment, which further exacerbated economic instability.

The aftermath of the crash saw unemployment rates soar and businesses fail, ultimately resulting in a decade-long economic downturn characterized by high poverty levels and distress. The other events listed, such as the Dust Bowl, the New Deal, and World War II, were significant in their own right but occurred after or as responses to the conditions created by the depression that followed the initial stock market crash. Thus, the crash serves as the historical benchmark indicating the onset of this profound economic crisis.