The catastrophic event in 1929 that led to the Great Depression was the stock market crash, commonly referred to as Black Tuesday, which occurred on October 29, 1929. This crash resulted from a combination of speculative investments, overproduction, and economic imbalances. As stock prices plummeted, it triggered a widespread loss of wealth and confidence in the economy, leading to bank failures and mass unemployment. The Great Depression lasted throughout the 1930s, causing profound economic hardship and societal challenges globally. Its effects reshaped financial regulations and government policies in subsequent years.