The stock market crash of 1929 was caused by a combination of speculative investments, excessive borrowing, and economic instability. In the late 1920s, stock prices soared as many investors engaged in speculative buying, leading to an unsustainable bubble. When stock values began to decline, investors rushed to sell, resulting in a market panic. On October 29, 1929, known as "Black Tuesday," the market plummeted dramatically, leading to massive financial losses. This crash signaled the beginning of the Great Depression, profoundly affecting economies worldwide and leading to severe unemployment and financial hardships.