The Great Depression began in 1929, triggered specifically by the Stock Market Crash on October 29 of that year. The following years saw a dramatic decline in economic activity, characterized by bank failures, massive unemployment, and a steep drop in consumer spending. During this period, the U.S. economy contracted significantly, affecting industries and agriculture, while global trade plummeted as nations tried to protect their economies through tariffs and trade barriers. The Great Depression fundamentally changed the relationship between the government and the economy, leading to the implementation of New Deal programs aimed at recovery and reform.