Which event is marked as the beginning of the Great Depression?

The beginning of the Great Depression is marked by the stock market crash of 1929. This catastrophic event, which occurred on October 29, 1929, known as Black Tuesday, triggered a severe economic downturn that had far-reaching effects on the economy both in the United States and around the world. The stock market had been experiencing rapid growth and speculation throughout the 1920s, creating an environment ripe for a major crash. Following the crash, banks failed, businesses closed, and unemployment soared, leading to widespread economic hardship.

While the Dust Bowl had devastating impacts on agricultural production and contributed to the economic struggles of the era, it occurred later in the 1930s and is often seen as an exacerbating factor rather than the initial cause. The end of World War I, although significant in reshaping global politics and economies, occurred in 1918 and was not directly linked to the onset of the Great Depression. The signing of the New Deal refers to a series of programs and reforms implemented by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the economic crisis, which came after the stock market crash and was aimed at economic recovery. Thus, the stock market crash of 1929 stands as the clear and defining moment that initiated the Great Depression