The stock market crash of 1929, often regarded as the catalyst for the Great Depression, initiated a global economic downturn. Triggered by speculative investments and overvalued stocks, the crash led to a massive loss of wealth, erasing billions in market value. Its immediate aftermath saw widespread bank failures, layoffs, and a sharp decline in consumer spending. The crash exposed vulnerabilities in the financial system and prompted government intervention and economic reforms in the years that followed. The ensuing Great Depression reshaped U.S. economic policies, leading to the establishment of social safety nets like Social Security and government regulations to prevent future economic crises.