Multiple Choice 1 point What event is often considered the start for the Great Depression? The passing of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act The failure of major banks in Europe The end of World War I The Stock Market Crash of 1929

## Step 1<br />The Great Depression is a severe worldwide economic depression that took place mostly during the 1930s, beginning in the United States. The timing of the Great Depression varied across the world; in most countries, it started in 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s. It was the longest, deepest, and most widespread depression of the 20th century.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The options provided in the question are:<br />- The passing of the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act<br />- The failure of major banks in Europe<br />- The end of World War I<br />- The Stock Market Crash of 1929<br /><br />## Step 3<br />Among these options, the Stock Market Crash of 1929 is often considered the start of the Great Depression. This event marked the end of the Roaring Twenties, a period of economic prosperity and cultural flourishing in the United States. The crash had devastating effects on the economy and led to a severe economic downturn.<br /><br />## Step 4<br />The other options, while related to the period, are not considered the direct cause of the Great Depression. The Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act, passed in 1930, raised U.S. tariffs on imported goods to protect American farmers, but it worsened the depression. The failure of major banks in Europe and the end of World War I were significant events, but they were not the direct cause of the Great Depression.