This essay provides a detailed analysis of The Great Depression, an economic downturn that began in the United States in 1930. The essay identifies three primary causes: the stock market crash of 1929, the failure of numerous banks, and a decline in consumer spending. The author argues that the stock market crash was the most significant factor, leading to a decline in production, rising unemployment, and the proliferation of debt. The essay examines the arguments supporting each cause, emphasizing the role of the stock market crash in wiping out investors and accelerating the global economic collapse. The essay also references various academic sources to support its claims, providing a comprehensive overview of this critical historical event and its lasting consequences.