The Great Depression, triggered by the 1929 stock market crash, remains one of the most viral and defining economic events in history, and its story is told in classrooms, documentaries, and cultural memory even today. On Black Tuesday, October 29, 1929, stock prices collapsed, wiping out fortunes overnight and sending shockwaves through the financial system. Banks failed in droves, unemployment soared, and poverty spread across the United States and beyond. Viral images of breadlines, soup kitchens, and dust bowls captured the despair of the era, showing families waiting for food and farmers watching their land turn to dust. Entire communities were devastated, and the collapse of demand led to a downward spiral in production and trade. The Depression reshaped economics, leading to the rise of Keynesian theory and government intervention as a way to stabilize markets. Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal became iconic, with public works projects symbolizing recovery and hope. Globally, the Depression fueled political extremism, contributing to the rise of fascism in Europe and ultimately World War II. Its legacy remains viral in history books, memes, and economic debates, as the phrase “Black Tuesday” still evokes panic. The Depression taught the world about systemic risk, the importance of safety nets, and the dangers of unregulated markets. It showed how speculation and inequality could destabilize entire societies. It remains a defining moment in economic history, remembered across generations as a time when capitalism nearly collapsed under its own weight. It was not just an economic crisis but a social and psychological shock, changing how people viewed money, trust, and government. It created a generation that valued thrift, feared debt, and distrusted speculation. It reshaped politics, leading to stronger unions, social programs, and new regulatory frameworks. It became a cautionary tale for policymakers, reminding them of the dangers of ignoring inequality and instability. It remains a vivid reminder that prosperity can vanish overnight. It continues to shape debates about capitalism, socialism, and the role of government. It is studied in classrooms, referenced in politics, and remembered in culture. It was a moment when the world realized that markets are not invincible. It was a moment when trust in institutions broke. It was a moment that redefined economics for the 20th century. And even now, nearly a century later, the echoes of the Great Depression remind us that vigilance, regulation, and responsibility are essential to prevent history from repeating itself.