Which U.S. stock-market crash began on October 24, 1929, with heavy selling on the New York Stock Exchange?

The U.S. stock-market crash that began on October 24, 1929, with heavy selling on the New York Stock Exchange was the Wall Street Crash of 1929.

The crash followed years of rising share prices, widespread speculation, and extensive buying on margin. On October 24, later called Black Thursday, unusually heavy selling overwhelmed the exchange. Bankers temporarily restored confidence, but selling intensified again over the following trading days.

The market reached a major low in July 1932, far below its 1929 peak. The crash did not alone cause the Great Depression, but it became one of its most recognizable financial events and amplified economic weakness through falling wealth, reduced investment, and banking stress.

October 29 is commonly called Black Tuesday, while October 24 is Black Thursday. These labels describe particular days within the broader Wall Street Crash of 1929, not separate market crises.