what were the four leading causes to the great depression

1. Hoover

2. Hoover
3. Hoover
4. Hoover
But maybe also
1. Uneven distribution of wealth (Google Donald Trump)
2. The stock market crash of 1929
3. The dust bowl (Google "Grapes of Wrath")
4. Out of control rapid expansion of the industrial economy

what are the 4 main causes that lead to the great depression

It is complicated. https://www.thoughtco.com/causes-of-the-great-depression-104686 for causes, if you have to reduce them to four, I see the drought is a contributing factor for deepening and prolonging the depression.

The four leading causes of the Great Depression were:

1. Stock Market Crash: The Wall Street stock market crash of October 1929 was a major trigger for the Great Depression. It caused panic selling, resulting in a massive decline in stock prices, wiping out the savings of many investors. This crash led to a loss of consumer and investor confidence, which had a cascading effect on the overall economy.

2. Bank Failures: The stock market crash led to a wave of bank failures. As people tried to withdraw their money from banks, panic set in, leading to a massive run on the banks. Many banks, especially the smaller ones, were unable to meet these demands for cash and were forced to close. The loss of banks meant that people lost their savings, and businesses lost access to credit, which further worsened the economic situation.

3. Overproduction and Underconsumption: During the 1920s, there was a rapid expansion in industrial production, facilitated by new technologies and easy credit. However, this led to overproduction, creating a surplus of goods. At the same time, wages did not keep pace with the rising production, resulting in a widening income gap. As a result, consumers' purchasing power declined, leading to underconsumption. The mismatch between production and consumption contributed to the economic downturn.

4. Government Policies: The government's response to the economic crisis worsened the situation. Initially, there was a lack of intervention, as policymakers believed the market would correct itself. However, when the government did take action, it was often ineffective or misguided. For example, the Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930 imposed high tariffs on imported goods, leading to retaliatory tariffs from other countries, and ultimately reduced international trade. This protectionist policy exacerbated the economic downturn and restricted global commerce.

To obtain this information, one can refer to historical books, online resources, and academic articles that analyze the causes of the Great Depression. These sources provide a comprehensive understanding of the economic, financial, and policy factors that contributed to this significant event in history.