Several factors led to the Great Depression, one of the most severe economic crises in U.S. history. NPR interviewed economists who discussed the causes of the Great Depression.

The Great Depression began with “Black Tuesday” on Oct. 29, 1929, when a panic selloff triggered a stock market collapse, wiping out thousands of investors who had borrowed heavily.

“The Great Depression was a singular event in our history, so I think it is unlikely that Trump’s 25% tariffs lead to an economic calamity on that scale,” Witcher said.

WASHINGTON (AP) — In the early days of the Great Depression, Rep. Willis Hawley, a Republican from Oregon, and Utah Republican Sen. Reed Smoot thought they had landed on a way to protect American ...