The 1929 Crash

The 1929 crash began the worst bear market in U.S. history, with stocks falling 89% by 1932. Here is what fueled the boom, how the crash unfolded and the lasting rules it created.

The Roaring Twenties boom

Stocks soared in the 1920s as new technologies like cars, radio and electricity spread. Many investors bought on margin, borrowing most of the purchase price, sometimes putting down as little as 10%. The Dow Jones Industrial Average peaked at 381.17 on Sept. 3, 1929.

Unlock all of Investing School

The rest of this lesson, its chart examples and quiz are part of Investing School. Start free with Stock Market Fundamentals and the first lesson in every category.